The Greek Parthenon is one of the oldest masonry structures.
As one of the oldest building techniques known to man, masonry construction has a long and rich history. Masonry has provided humans with protection from the elements, and helped to establish long-term dwellings. Despite how ancient the masonry craft is, it remains a widely popular and useful technique for construction in modern society. (more…)
Every masonry project is going to call for a different type of mortar cement.
Choosing the right products is an essential part of any masonry project, and mortar cement is no exception. Mortar cement is what acts as the bonding agent for bricks and other building materials. It’s essentially what’s holding your project together, so you’ll want to choose mortar that will stand the test of time. Here are a few types of mortar cements you’ll want to consider. (more…)
Brick masonry walls are durable, but still need inspection.
While brick masonry walls are long lasting and durable, it is still important not to overlook their regular inspection and occasional maintenance, if it is required. Regular inspection will help you identify problems, and especially get a handle on small problems before they develop into large expensive ones. With regular inspection you avoid unpleasant surprises. (more…)
Concrete is becoming an increasingly popular building material.
Concrete has become increasingly popular as a construction material for residential houses. In 2015, concrete houses made up of 15-20% of all new homes built. Concrete comes with a number of benefits that make it ideal to work with for housing development. Here are a few things to consider when choosing to build with concrete, and why it could be a good home addition investment.
Insulated concrete creates a barrier that reduces the amount of air entering the home from outside by about 75%. This means more even temperatures and less drafts. Concrete’s mass also helps to reduce sound penetration by up to 80% in comparison to frame houses. On average, concrete houses are ⅔ quieter than frame houses.
Unlike frame houses, concrete doesn’t provide any source of food for termites or carpenter ants. This will also prevent rodents from hiding within your walls. Furthermore, concrete is also the best material for safety against harsh weather like tornados and hurricanes. Concrete walls can withstand up to 250 miles per hours. Insurance rates are typically much lower for conrete homes as a result of their stability.
Concrete homes require significantly less energy to heat up or cool down than a frame house. Concrete walls are airtight and do an effective job at preventing air from escaping the home. Concrete homes keep things comfortable with less work from your air conditioning system.
Because concrete form walls do not contain organic material, they will not mold or mildew. Not only does that mean less maintenance, but the reduced air infiltration also helps keep allergens out. The foam used to create concrete forms is nontoxic and free of asbestos and fiberglass. Concrete houses come with many benefits. Whether you’re looking to build a house or just an extension, it’s important to consider all of your options.
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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Smoothing the mortar is the most delicate part of the brick repointing process.
When mortar deteriorates it needs to be removed from the joints of a brick wall and replaced with new mortar. This process is called brick repointing. Brick repointing jobs involve four major steps: preparing the joint, mixing the mortar, filling the join with mortar, and finishing the joint. (more…)
Masons can employ advanced bricklaying techniques.
Mason and bricklayer are two commonly confused titles. While these two professions do overlap in some of their duties and requirements, the hard truth is that not all bricklayers are masons. Most of it comes down to skill level. Typically, masons employ much more advanced bricklaying techniques that differentiate them from the average bricklayer. (more…)
Uneven mortar could be a sign that your foundation is settling.
The foundation of a building is crucial to its structural integrity, so it’s imperative that you put in the time to maintain it. A number of issues can arise with foundations, ranging from water seeping through cracks to crumbling walls. Damaged foundations can cause settlement, in which a building sinks into the ground over the course of years. Here’s a few things you should watch out for. (more…)
Brick is a special material. After all, it can stand up to even the fiercest huffing and puffing!
A brickwork contractor is a mason that specializes in using brick to build structures. Brickwork contractors are highly skilled trades people that can create some of the most beautiful buildings you’ll lay eyes on. Brick is a timeless material, and the quality of brickwork is reflected in historic structures that have lasted over fifteen hundred years. Whether you’re making an addition to an existing structure or building something new entirely, employing a skilled brickwork contractor is a sound investment. Here’s what you need to know about brick and how they’re used to build things. (more…)
Natural stone is an elegant masonry material that offers a lot of benefits.
Natural stone is an incredibly beautiful and reliable material when it comes to residential and commercial design, but many business and home owners question its practicality. Here are a few common misconceptions about natural stone, and why you might want to consider it for your next project. (more…)
The right masonry contractor will make your project painless.
Custom masonry projects are an investment in building value into your business. Finding the right masonry contractor for the job is important for minimizing headaches and making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips for finding the right masonry contractor for your project’s needs. (more…)