Author Archive

How to Waterproof Bricks

Friday, February 26th, 2016

If you have bricks in an area where they may often get wet, you may want to consider waterproofing them.

Unsealed brick absorbs water, which can significantly threaten the integrity of porous brick masonry and mortar over time. Sealing and waterproofing the brick exterior of a home is a must, as it improves the home’s value by extending the life of its masonry in mortar. Especially in wetter climates, this is a must. If you live in a humid climate, be sure that the sealer you choose provides moisture protection. Follow these steps to waterproof bricks and ensure their longevity. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

How to Remove Paint Streaks from Bricks

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

Remove unsightly paint streaks carefully.

If the beautiful brick facade of your home is plagued by untidy-looking paint streaks, there is a definite solution. Follow these steps to keep your brickwork beautiful. Many consider options like sandblasting or acid treatment, and wonder if this is the sort of home repair they should even attempt without professional help. Take these tips and guidelines in mind when it comes time to remove pesky paint streaks and keep your brick beautiful. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Types of Surface Treatments for Antique Bricks

Monday, February 8th, 2016

Stucco was one of may popular surface treatments for antique brickwork.

If you have antique brickwork, you may have noticed one of many different types of surface treatments that were popular at the time the brickwork was constructed. The surface of brickwork was often treated to lend uniqueness to the facade, update the brickwork, or fix a poor tuckpointing job. Here are three types of surface treatments for bricks that you may have noticed on your antique brickwork. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick, Masonry Restoration

Tips for Tuckpointing Antique Brickwork

Friday, February 5th, 2016

This antique brickwork is in need of some tuckpointing.

Tuckpointing is a way to remove old mortar between bricks and replace it with fresh new mortar. This is necessary if your brickwork is old and the mortar is crumbling. Adding new mortar can improve the structural integrity of old or antique brickwork. If you are considering tuckpointing some old brickwork, here are a few tips to consider. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Brick Veneer vs. Solid Brick

Friday, January 29th, 2016

Which should you go with: brick veneer or solid brick?

Brick veneer and solid brick structures use some of the same construction materials, but their installation techniques are different. Brick veneer is not, contrary to popular belief, composed of thin pieces of brick though it looks almost identical to a solid brick structure. Brick veneer is constructed from steel or wooden framing, covered with wood sheathing or insulation. A single layer of brick is built near each exterior wall and held fast with metal ties. Veneer brick does not support the structure of the house but serves an entirely cosmetic function. There are many benefits and advantages to this method. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

How to Create Stunning Hardscaping, Part 2

Thursday, January 21st, 2016

This hardscaping design utilizes different colors and greenery to create a dynamic, eye-catching design.

In continuation of our last blog, here are even more tips on how to create the perfect hardscaping design! As we previously stated, planning is one of the most crucial aspects of creating a stunning hardscaping design. Here are even more planning tips to make sure that you end up with the best commercial hardscaping possible! (more…)

Posted in Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Stone Masonry

How to Create Stunning Hardscaping, Part 1

Friday, January 15th, 2016

Aren’t you glad you planned ahead for this beautiful stone walkway?

Adding some professional hardscaping to your commercial property can greatly increase your property’s appeal and value. Research really pays off when it comes to planning a hardscaping design. You want to keep in mind the unmovable elements of your property, as well as other aspects that should factor into your design. Jumping into a hardscaping project with little planning can result in a design that is defunct after only a few years. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re planning out your hardscaping design. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Concrete, Stone Masonry

Should I Paint My Brick Wall?

Tuesday, January 5th, 2016

Painting a brick wall can be a serious undertaking — be read to get your hands dirty!

Ooh, exposed brick! How lovely! But might it look even lovelier with a gleaming new coat of bright white paint? Oh, the possibilities! Ultimately, the choice is up to you whether you want to maintain the beautiful and rustic clay color or make your brick surfaces stand out from the rest with a fresh coat of paint. The best we can offer is some advice before you take on the project. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick

What are the Environmental Benefits of Concrete Restoration?

Thursday, December 31st, 2015

Cracked concrete? It might be time for concrete restoration.

Masonry restoration projects can require large amounts of time and energy depending on the size, scope, and, intricacy and materials involved in the undertaking. This is when concrete masonry can be highly effective as a low cost and energy-saving method to fulfill all of your restoration needs. Concrete restoration comes with a number of environmental benefits as well, which you can expect and enjoy for your next building project. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Concrete

How to Clean Interior Brickwork

Friday, December 18th, 2015

Make sure that you are cleaning your interior brickwork safely!

You may have read our blog on cleaning exterior brickwork. The methods listed there are great for cleaning walls and walkways outside, but if you’re planning on cleaning inside brickwork, you’ll need to follow a different set of instructions. DelPrete Masonry is here to help you keep all of your brickwork looking as clean and new as possible! You may have a fireplace in your home that you’re thinking of firing up to use for roasting marshmallows or making popcorn. Or perhaps you have a rustic brick wall in your kitchen that needs a good cleaning. When brickwork is in your home, it’s both important to keep it clean as well as use safe cleaning methods. Follow these methods to have pristine, safe interior brickwork! (more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick, Brick