All about masonry and preventing lintel deterioration
When it comes to maintaining masonry there is a lot to keep in mind. Years of unpredictable and possibly harsh weather and other sorts of wear and tear can do a number on everything from brick and mortar to pavement and lintels. In fact, lintel deterioration is not uncommon. To learn about how to tackle lintel deterioration the right way, read on. (more…)
Which brick is right for you?
Whether you have a historic building you are restoring or are starting from scratch, choosing the right brick for your building is crucial. Here are several different ways to help you choose the right brick that will last you (and your building) many decades. (more…)
All about masonry.
Masonry is the units of material that makeup a concrete building. It can refer to a number of materials such as marble, stone, concrete, granite, limestone, and more. As even the strongest and most durable of materials does not last forever, it is a given that over time your building will begin to deteriorate and will require masonry repair. Masonry repair includes the upkeep, replacement, and looking after of any of the materials which make a building. (more…)
Mortar must remain above 40 degrees to be workable.
Chances are, you haven’t been able to go outside without a coat or scarf on for at least a couple weeks now, you had to finally locate your ice scraper in the backseat, and you have been turning on the heat in your home during the chilly winter nights. The change in weather doesn’t just mean a change in your daily routine, it can require a change in your masonry. Here are some tips for cold weather masonry during these cold winter months. (more…)
It’s not always a good idea to apply deicing products to your sidewalks.
In the winter many turn to the deicing product of their choice to keep their properties ice free. Ice can make concrete sidewalks slippery and potentially dangerous and possibly even damage certain materials over time. While shovels are often the safest way for removing snow and ice from masonry, it is not always enough to remove them completely. This is when people turn to a deicing product. However, excessive use of any deicing product comes with consequences. It can degrade masonry surfaces, damage mortar joints, and harm nearby vegetation.
There are numerous types of deicing product sold at various hardware stores. While these will undoubtedly melt snow, overuse has consequences for your sidewalk. Masonry surfaces can scale and flake when overexposed to these chemicals. This degradation is referred to as salt fretting and can often be found where the sidewalk and the bottom of a building meet. Severe fretting and even the loss of pieces of buildings and sidewalks are possible when a deicing product is overused.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions completely. Before you apply any deicing product, be sure to remove as much snow and ice as possible with a shovel. Only use it in areas of high foot traffic and be sure to keep it away from the base of your building. As the snow and ice melts, keep the slush away from the base of your building too. When spring comes, be sure to wash down any sidewalks and building bases that have been deicide to get rid of the product residue.
If you are ready to upgrade your property, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
Brick pavers last a very long time.
Are you preparing to spruce up your landscaping and utilize beautiful new pavers throughout your property? Making the choice between brick and concrete pavers can be tricky, so here are some helpful tips to aid you in choosing which to use during your project with Del Prete Masonry.
Brick pavers are a wonderful option for many home and business owners for reasons like these:
While brick pavers are fantastic options, there are a few downsides:
Concrete pavers work beautifully for pathways and walkways, and it’s easy to see why:
Concrete pavers are not without faults, however:
If you are ready to upgrade your property, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
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.
Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
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+!