Author Archive

Tips for DIY Brickwork

Saturday, November 7th, 2015

When you do brickwork yourself, you want to keep certain rules in mind.

While some projects will require a professional masonry service, there are other DIY brickwork projects that the average homeowner can complete.

Of course, proper preparation is most important when planning a DIY brickwork project. But, it’s also important that you have the right tips. Listed below are a few tips from Del Prete Masonry to help you get started on your DIY brickwork projects.

Purchase the Proper Tools

Before you start any projects, you want to make sure that you have all of the tools you need to complete your brickwork project efficiently. The last thing you want to do is have to run to the hardware store or order a specialty tool right when you are in the middle of your brickwork. Some of the tools you will need for your DIY project are spades and shovels, buckets, spot boards, bricklaying trowels, tape measures, bolster chisels and a soft hand brush just to name some of the most common tools for brickwork projects.

Focus on Safety

For any DIY project, especially a masonry project, you want to make sure that you and the individuals you are working with are completely safe. During some point of your brickwork, you will most likely find the need to cut some bricks to a certain size. When you do this, make sure that you and everyone working with you has his or her safety goggles on. Goggles are just like any of the tools you use, and goggles are necessary for your DIY brickwork.

Laying Bricks

Laying bricks is an art for a professional masonry service, but you can complete a basic brickwork project with a few tips. Always make sure that when you lay bricks the vertical joints are staggered. This gives the brickwork more support and strength. Also, remember that not all bricks are going to be perfectly square, so use your best judgment on whether you feel you need to cut the bricks. For any extensive projects, make sure to work with professional masonry service to make sure your project is absolutely perfect.

Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding new masonry construction, 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+.

Posted in Blog, Brick, Brick

Tips for Cold Weather Masonry

Monday, November 2nd, 2015

There are certain precautions a contractor makes when working in the winter.

As cold weather approaches, it becomes more and more difficult to work with masonry. Working on masonry projects during the winter is still possible, but there are more considerations to keep in mind. When the weather dips below 40 degrees, the hydration in the mortar will expand and crack. The mortar can be rewetted before this happens, but if it is wetted too much, the mortar won’t stick to the unit. This is why it is better to hire an experienced, dependable contractor during the winter. An experienced contractor will know precisely how much to wet the mortar and what surface needs to be wetted. If you are looking to try your hand at a personal masonry project, waiting for warmer weather is the wisest choice. Masonry contractors, however, work year round. Here are some of the things that they look out for during the winter.

Speed Hydration. Many masons use speed hydration by using high-early cement or by adding an accelerator to the mortar. However, these methods do have the potential to change the color of the mortar.
Keep Units Dry and Warm. The best way to prevent masonry mistakes during the winter is to cover units with a tarp to protect them from rain and snow until they are ready to be used. A mason can also heat up some materials to ensure that the mortar is properly hydrated and binds correctly.
Know Your Products. Many commercially available admixtures that are marketed as “antifreeze” admixtures are actually just accelerators, rather than freezing point depressants. A contractor with experience knows how to tell the difference.
Keep Warm. It’s important to keep the masonry units and mortar warm, but it’s even more important to keep the masons doing the work warm as well! If working in high winds, it’s advised to set up a tarp as a windbreaker. If the temperature drops to below 20 degrees, it’s advisable to set up a heater or get to a warm, indoor space.

Build Your Next Concrete Masonry Project with Del Prete Masonry!

While there are many other materials that we use at Del Prete Masonry, we’re not about to abandon concrete anytime soon. It has proven its worth many times over and we know that we can bring you a solid masonry structure with it. To find out more about your masonry options including concrete masonry, 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+.

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

What should I know about Tuckpointing?

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Do your mortar joints and brick masonry walls seem rundown? It might be time to do some home repairs, including tuckpointing. What is tuckpointing? It is the process of mortar joints repair of stone and brick masonry walls. In the tuckpointing process, grinding and raking of the mortar happens and then the filling of new mortar is done. This is no easy job and you should hire a reputable masonry contractor to do the labor-intensive job. You will know you are due for tuckpointing if your mortar joints have powdered material coming from it by a scratching the surface. If you cannot tell, a masonry contractor can assess the condition of your mortar joints.

It is important to hire a masonry contractor to do your tuckpointing because weakened mortar has the tendency to break down stone and brick masonry walls and result in moisture problems within your walls. The tuckpointing will help waterproof your mortar joints while extending the life of your walls. You will want to have tuckpointing done as soon as you notice a problem because it will save you a great deal of money in the long-run by preventing your masonry wall from deteriorating to the point you only have the option to tear it down and build a new wall. That’s expensive and you want to spot tuckpointing when you notice any loose masonry units such as brick and stone. When a budding has a new tuckpointed wall, you can expect the good condition to last for 25 years or more, depending on the quality of work from the masonry contractor. If you live in a high precipitation or high humidity area, you will want to check your brick and mortar often. For the best results, have your masonry work performed by a very professional and reputable contractor. This is the best way to guarantee you will have long lasting mortar joints that look good.

As for tuck pointing affordability, go for a quality and a good cost by comparing quotes and getting references. You want a masonry contractor with extensive experience to do your tuckpointing. This is not a job for amateurs because all tuckpointing projects are unique, whether on a flat ground surface or high-rise building, a masonry contractor needs to know what she or he is doing. Here at Prete Masonry we are here to do your tuck pointing right.

Del Prete Masonry

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Properly Demolishing Your Concrete Masonry

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Proper preparation is key to a successful concrete masonry demolition.

There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry.

Demolition projects should not be taken lightly. Not only do you need the proper tools to take on a concrete demolition project, but you also need to implement proper safety techniques when moving and lifting the concrete. There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Keep Your Concrete Masonry Looking Like New

Thursday, October 8th, 2015

When you think about concrete, you usually don’t think about maintenance. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, and most people don’t think it really needs much upkeep. The fact is, properly maintained concrete lasts longer and looks better. Maintaining concrete, especially decorative concrete, can extend its life and beauty and keep it looking clean and bright, rather than faded, dirty, and stained. Why wouldn’t you want to keep your investment protected? Let’s learn how to properly maintain our decorative concrete structures!

Maintaining concrete, especially decorative concrete, can extend its life and beauty and keep it looking clean and bright, rather than faded, dirty, and stained. Why wouldn’t you want to keep your investment protected?

Four Steps to Maintaining Your Concrete Masonry

Clean your concrete at least annually

Concrete is pretty low-maintenance, but you should clean it at least once a year to remove dirt and grime build-up as well as rust and other types of stains. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Concrete

Helpful Hints for Properly Cleaning Your Masonry

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

When it comes time to clean your masonry, it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to do it right. Masonry is fairly low-maintenance, but does require regular upkeep from time to time. If you don’t understand proper cleaning techniques, you run the risk of permanently altering its appearance or damaging your structure. We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

Masonry Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Do tests before you dive in.

Before you dive into your cleaning project, you should always do a test beforehand. Try out your cleaning product beforehand – on different stains, on different brick colors, and in different places. Cleaning chemicals and stains can be very different and not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you’re testing in an inconspicuous area and give it time to dry before you make a decision. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Masonry Restoration

Beautiful Stone Masonry Signs Set the Tone for Your Business

Thursday, September 24th, 2015

Do you know what looks tacky? A flimsy plastic sign to advertise your business. Or even worse, a flashy electronic marquee sign with bright red, scrolling text. Those signs are fine to catch someone’s attention, but wouldn’t you prefer a more timeless sign with longevity and class? You want to choose a sign that will last forever, not show signs of wear, and look great out in front of your business. Send the right message to your clients with a beautiful stone masonry sign.

Send the right message to your clients with a beautiful stone masonry sign.

Why Opt for Stone Masonry Signs?

If you’re from the Baltimore area, you’ve probably seen one of our superior signs out and about. We are most proud of our signs out in front of Johns Hopkins University and M&T Bank Stadium, for example. Send the right message about your business by choosing a stone masonry sign. Here are some other reasons to choose stone masonry signs: (more…)

Posted in Blog

The Top 4 Commercial Masonry Demolition Methods

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

So it’s finally time for your old masonry structure to go. It’s old, it’s crumbling, it’s ugly – and it’s past the time for restoration. You’ve called Del Prete Masonry for help and now you’re wondering just how we will go about demolishing your structure or building. Well, there are four different ways we might go about it. Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed. Find out what method we will use to demolish your masonry structure in this week’s blog.

Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed.

Masonry Demolition Methods

Implosion

Perhaps the most “fun” demolition method, implosion involves the use of explosives to eliminate the critical vertical structure supports. A blaster crew will need to first assess the structure to identify what areas need to be blasted, what type of explosives to use, and how to time the detonations. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

5 Things You Never Knew about Granite!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

We know that granite has a rich history, but generally, we don’t know much else.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone. We narrowed down five interesting facts for all of you granite enthusiasts.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone.

1. Granite’s Long History

Since granite is a natural stone, and it has been used as a building material for several centuries. Most people don’t realize that granite is an igneous rock, which means it was formed by volcanic activity. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Granite

4 Benefits of Constructing with Marble

Tuesday, September 1st, 2015

Using marble in a construction project can stretch a few budgets, but the benefits outweigh the initial price tag and provide a solid return on your investment.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

Heat Resistance

Some construction materials have a hard time dealing with the heat. The sun’s rays can actually start to wear down certain materials, and you also may have to deal with the material being hot to the touch on especially blistering days. When marble is used in a project, however, it’s beneficial because it offers uniformity in the temperature levels throughout a home, building or other structure. In the summer, marble allows for a naturally cooler temperature than structures not made from marble. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Marble