Newly constructed brick masonry may have brick efflorescence occur.
Have you ever seen brickwork with powdery scum on it that’s white, brown, green or yellow? That’s what masons call efflorescence. Efflorescence has been a masonry problem for thousands of years, and occurs when deposits of water-soluble salts are left on the surface of the bricks as water evaporates. This usually happens about a month after a building is constructed, but sometimes as long as a year after completion. (more…)
Brick is designed to withstand harsh winter weather.
Many people ask what they need to do to “winterize” their brick pavers. Good news: Interlocking brick pavers are designed and installed to be able to withstand even the harshest winter climate and frost cycles. That said, here are a few tips to further ensure the long-term success and aesthetics of your brickwork.
While there’s no need to cover up your beautiful pavers or shovel off the snow right away, following these tips can increase the lifespan of your brick paver installation.
For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
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Concrete placed without joints is susceptible to uneven cracks.
Concrete joints are an important part of any concrete masonry project, as they help compensate when concrete expands or shrinks due to changes in temperature. Without them, cracks can form in the surface of the concrete. Concrete joints help prevent these cracks and provide a more finished concrete product. Cracks that do form will occur in specific locations that can be easily monitored for repair. (more…)
Choose brick because it’s timeless.
Brick is made from clay and shale, two of the most abundant, natural materials on earth. These materials are fired through a kiln at up to 2000 degrees, fusing together into the durable material we call brick. Clay brick is actually much stronger than concrete brick, and boasts thousands of color and shade options that will not fade.
Brick started as a building essential in the Near East and India over 5,000 years ago. It has since been used by the ancient Egyptians, the Indus Valley civilization and the Romans. Today, it remains a popular all-American building product that is a staple for our infrastructure. Still, bricks are also subject to much more stringent manufacturing processes. That means it performs better and more consistently than ever before.
Brick is a non-combustible material, meaning it is an excellent choice for cladding and resisting/confining fires. Structures built from brick also offer dramatically more protection from wind-blown debris, and provide superior moisture control than other materials.
Brick is timeless. It won’t rot, dent, or need to be painted, and it cannot be torn up or eaten by termites. Brick features modular units and shapes that can fit with just about any architectural style, whether it’s colonial, Victorian, or post-modernist. It also tends to look better with age. Plus, brick absorbs noise, making it acoustically advantageous.
Brick has exceptional “thermal mass” properties, meaning it has the ability to store heat and then slowly release. This helps brick structures stay cool during the hot summer months and warm during the winter. Brick also produces minimal waste, is incredibly recyclable, and otherwise incredibly environmentally friendly.
For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
Brick has been used for thousands of years by masonry experts.
It is one of the most eco-friendly materials available for construction. Most bricks are made from clay that has been heated to a thousand degrees centigrade. This timeless construction material remains an essential component of the masonry process. Here are a few fun and interesting facts about brick and brickwork: (more…)
Make sure you protect your decorative concrete features this winter.
It’s starting to get cold again, and winter can really wreak havoc on decorative concrete. Besides the weather itself being a hazard, harsh chemical de-icers can actually damage concrete and landscaping details. If your business features beautiful decorative concrete, it’s important that you take steps to protect your investment. Here are a few tips for caring for your decorative concrete this winter. (more…)
Did you know that up to 90% of the materials recovered in a demolition are recycled, salvaged, or reused?
Demolition involves a series of complex tasks such as structural dismantlement, site clearance, environmental remediation, salvage, recycling, industrial recovery and more. As a highly sophisticated craft, demolition requires experts who have specialized training and equipment in order to be carried out safely and effectively. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked demolition questions. (more…)
Marble is a metamorphic rock, the result of a transformation of pre-existing rock.
For centuries, limestone and marble have been used to create man-made monuments and structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the first architectural marvels crafted with limestone. So what exactly is the difference between limestone and marble? Here’s a look into what makes these stones so unique. (more…)
Make sure your concrete sidewalks are safe for trick or treaters this Halloween.
Does your home or business see a lot of traffic from trick or treaters? Concrete sidewalks and walkways that are chipped, sunken, even, or otherwise in a state of disrepair are not only an eyesore that can damage the visual appeal of your property, but also a safety hazard. Consider repairing your sidewalk before Halloween swings around. (more…)
Mortar analysis is necessary to find a matching mortar for repointing historic structures.
Repointing involves the application of mortar between masonry units. When mortar between masonry joints cracks or spalls, a repointing procedure may be necessary. However, when preparing to repoint a historic masonry structure you may first need to have the mortar analyzed by a professional. A mortar analysis helps find a matching mortar and correct properties needed to prevent the surrounding mortar from being further damaged. If an inappropriate mortar is used, it can actually accelerate the rate at which the masonry deteriorates instead of preserving it. A small investment in mortar analysis can save you a ton of money on the overall life of a project. (more…)