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How to Know If Your Masonry Needs Re-Pointing

Monday, February 2nd, 2015

Mortar restoration, also known as re-pointing, is a method used by masons to keep a brick building holding together physically and aesthetically the way it was intended. Brick and mortar is a solid method of building structures and a very common method used by masons all around. In fact, brick and mortar, also known as masonry, can last a long while before maintenance is needed. The average time masonry can safely go without repairs (barring any sort of natural disasters) is 50-100 years. However, once that time has been reached, it is suggested that the home/business owner consider masonry restoration.

What are the signs?

A range of 50-100 years is a long margin of time before needing restoration; such a great margin makes it hard to determine when re-pointing should be done. If your house was built in 1950 should you have re-pointed your masonry in the year 2000, or should you wait until 2050? Knowing the signs of wear can help make the decision earlier. Examining the joints, meaning the area between the bricks where the mortar meets brick, would be step number one in this endeavor.

Weathered or flakey mortar can be a sign of deteriorating integrity in the masonry.
Cracked or missing mortar is a definite sign and re-pointing would definitely be recommended
Mismatched coloring in the mortar. This is a sign of an inappropriate re-pointing done in the past and the integrity is hard to tell on face value. Re-pointing can be done as a precaution.

If done correctly, re-pointing won’t have to be done for another 50-100 years, depending on certain elements like climate, rainfall, wind, etc. These may seem like small details but in the possible span of 100 years, the amount of tiny raindrops on your home can factor into the frequency of your home’s mortar restoration. However, if done correctly and all elements are taken into account, you can get at least 50 years out of your masonry.

What to do now

To reiterate, re-pointing can greatly improve the lifespan of a building. Without doing so, the structural integrity can become compromised. Water damage could also occur if restoration is not sought after, degrading the masonry itself and allowing water to enter the house. Del Prete Masonry is a business of professionals, dedicated to solid work that stands the test of time. Unless you get work on multiple brick walls, you may only meet the excellent masons of Del Prete once, at least for re-pointing, as their job is always done right.

To get started with your brick masonry 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

The History of Brick

Friday, January 16th, 2015

At Del Prete Masonry, we’re proud to continue the historic tradition of masonry, a craft that extends thousands of years into our past, with a history as storied and fascinating as the chronicle of any nation. Today, we’re looking backwards into the history behind one of the most crucial and powerful items of our trade: the humble brick.

The Middle East

As far as historians can tell, the earliest discovered bricks date as far back as 7500 BC. These early bricks were dried, which means that they were made out of clay-laden dirt and mud, then dried under sunlight until they were hearty enough to be used in construction. The oldest known bricks hail from a part of the planet that is now Syria. Other discoveries, which date as far back as 7000 BC, include bricks from the ancient city of Jericho and the Egyptian fortress of Buhen which ran along the west bank of the Nile River.

China

As early as 2000 BC, bricks were certainly being used in Chinese architecture. Scientists and scholars have even established that the Chinese were already mass-producing bricks roughly 300 years ago during the Western Zhou dynasty. In 1368 AD, under the Ming Dynasty, bricks were already being fired in kilns. To make these bricks clay and water were mixed together, then trampled over by oxen who beat it into a paste. The paste was then lain in wood frames and smoothed with a wiry bow. The bricks were then stamped with the brickmaster’s insignia and loaded into a wood-fueled kiln and removed while the kiln was still burning.

Europe

The Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations also used fired bricks. The Romans designed and perfected the use of mobile, cart-bound kilns and constructed massive brick buildings and structures all over their empire bearing the seal of the Roman legion. The middle ages saw brickmaking finally make its way to northern Europe and was popular in places without native rocks suitable for construction. Some of these buildings still stand today in Denmark, Germany, Russia, and Poland. This kind of brickmaking and architecture would eventually transform into the style that became popularized during the Italian Renaissance.

At Del Prete, We Know Where We’re Coming From

We recognize the importance of history and our professionals know everything about brick masonry, from practical skills to historical facts. For other questions regarding brick masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our brick masonry 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 brick masonry 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

Signs You Have a Bad Masonry Foundation

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Foundation

Your home’s masonry foundation is incredibly important to its long-term survival. Without a solid foundation, you’re home or business will swiftly crumble and sink into the ground. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout against foundation damage. Foundation damage is typically caused by moisture and will manifest in a number of ways. Del Prete Masonry is here to help with some of the most common signs of a bad foundation.

Crooked Windows and Doors

Door and window installers do their utmost to put in their wares so that they’re completely level. If they start to move out of alignment, it’s most likely because your masonry foundation has started to move. If your doors and windows become very difficult to open and close, or even show signs of damaged glass, it’s highly likely that the foundation in that region of the house has started to go bad.

Cracked Walls and Sloped Floors

If the level of your home’s floor starts to change, it’s almost certain that the foundation beneath it has started to settle, however this can be difficult to notice, especially with carpet. If your floors are uncarpeted, try dropping a marble and seeing if it rolls in an area you thought was flat. A sinking masonry foundation may prompt the developing of cracks in your drywall, particularly drywall near windows and doors. Be sure to look out for ejected drywall screws/ nails and baseboard gapping.

External Cracks/ Wall Bulges

While minute cracks are not unusual in masonry foundations, walls, and footers, be on the lookout for large, patterned cracks that seem to keep growing. If you see clearly rectangular patterns of cracks in your foundation masonry, or you notice unusual bulges in the foundation walls, the ground beneath it could be shifting. It’s also worth paying attention to your masonry chimney, if you spot cracks or damage on it, the frame of your house could be unstable.

Misc. Signs

Oftentimes, a masonry foundation will be set on top of posts and beams, if an inspector finds that these are leaning, the house has probably changed its position. If you spot water underneath your house or find that the ground seems wet on one face of it but dry on another, you could have drainage problems that need fixing. Taking care of these issues can nip masonry foundation damage in the bud.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Foundation?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to quickly and accurately assess your masonry foundation for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry foundation is one it’s most important systems, so why not take good care of it?

To find out more about your masonry repair options, 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, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

How to Hire a Masonry Contractor in Maryland

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Whether you’re looking to have a masonry structure retouched, repaired, demolished, or constructed from scratch, deciding on the masonry contractor that’s best for the job can be a difficult choice to make. Del Prete Masonry is here with a few tips for finding a masonry contractor that will do the job right the first time.

Know exactly what you want done and communicate it clearly. Masonry contractors employ specific specialists for certain kinds of work. Let them know exactly what you’re looking for so they can determine if they have the appropriate staff available for your project.
Be patient and search thoroughly. Ask your friends and family for advice or endorsements on masonry contractors they’ve hired. While word of mouth is a fine way to discover a few available contractors, it’s also well worth examining consumer review websites and the like to get a sense of a company’s overall quality.
Don’t accept the first bid you get, or the lowest one. Make arrangements to meet with at least three masonry contractors and be sure to get an itemized quote that breaks down the price of each element of your project. Absurdly low bids may lead to hidden costs popping up later or shoddy materials being used in the construction.
Find references. Make sure previous customers of a potential Maryland masonry contractor are generally satisfied with the work they had done, and do the necessary digging to locate any unsatisfied customers wo may have legitimate complaints.
Ask for proof of insurance and licensing. A masonry contractor must be licensed to perform work in Maryland. A license is the most basic guarantee any contractor can provide towards their professional knowledge and level of skill. It is illegal for any masonry contractor to work in Maryland without a license. Similarly it’s important to know that your Masonry contractor is properly insured. They’ll need to have both general liability and workers’ insurance to cover employees if they are injured.

Want a Reliable Maryland Masonry Contractor?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to provide you with the very best in masonry contracting. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Masonry Repair: Protecting Your Masonry Chimney

Thursday, December 4th, 2014

We often take our chimneys for granted. After all, there’s usually little reason to give them special attention. They do their job and we let them do it. However a masonry chimney is far from the passive, easily ignorable household system that we might treat it as. Over time and after routine exposure to moisture and the elements, chimneys can degrade and potentially become safety hazards. Delprete Masonry, your Maryland masonry repair expert, is here with some of the ways you can protect your masonry chimney, and what you can do to prevent them.

Install a Chimney Cap

One of the most effective methods for preventing water damage to your masonry chimney is using a chimney cap (also called a rain cover). Any roofing or masonry professional will tell you that chimney caps are a vital part of any chimney lining system. Chimney caps provide other benefits as well. They can prevent sparks from escaping, and help stop birds and other wildlife from nesting in the chimney. Chimney caps are constructed from corrosion resistant material and will protect your masonry chimney for years to come. Consult a masonry repair expert in Maryland about installing a new chimney cap.

Replace Your Chimney Crown

A chimney crown is the uppermost portion of a masonry chimney which seals the top of the chimney, directing water away from the flue, preventing erosion of the chimney’s brick and mortar. Many masonry chimneys are constructed with flawed crowns built from non-weather resistant mortar mix. An excellent chimney crown should be built from weather-resistant mortar mix and should project over all sides of your masonry chimney by at least two inches. A damaged masonry chimney crown should be replaced by a trustworthy team of Maryland masonry repair experts.

Repair Weakened Mortar Joints

Deteriorated mortar joints on your masonry chimney can become prime locations for moisture entry. Correctly made mortar joints, ones without gaps or missing mortar, are constructed specifically to repel water away from the joint. Damaged mortar can start to absorb water and crack, threatening your chimney’s structural integrity. If you notice that your mortar joints are starting to crack you should hire a Maryland masonry repair company to have them repointed.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Chimney?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to quickly and accurately assess your masonry chimney for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry chimney is one it’s most important systems, so why not take good care of it?

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Pusher Arm

Monday, November 24th, 2014

Whether you’re clearing way for a beautiful new masonry structure, or just looking to get rid of a structurally unsound eyesore, you need to consult a masonry demolitions expert on how you’re going to take down your masonry structure in Maryland. But how to do it? Del Prete Masonry is here with the inside scoop on one of the most common masonry demolition tools: the pusher arm.

What is a Pusher Arm?

A pusher arm is masonry demolition in-speak for a hydraulically powered excavator or loader that has been re-fitted with attachments to repurpose these construction machines for masonry demolition, such as percussion breakers and excavator buckets.

The Advantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

The chief benefit of using a pusher arm for your Maryland masonry demolition project is that the machines are very mobile, can handle large amounts of masonry at once, and are able to work on walls and floors that are above ground level. A team of pusher arm machines can be strategically employed to bring down masonry structures in a relatively short amount of time. Great for demolishing masonry infill structures, pusher arms can take down an infill structure by pushing them over in stages using continuous horizontal pressure.

The Disadvantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

To work efficiently, pusher arm machines need sufficient space to maneuver and gain access to a structure, as well as a flat and sturdy base. They are also limited by the reach of their arms whch must be extended at least 1.5 meters above the building being demolished. This method of masonry demolition is not recommended for large buildings on difficult to navigate sites

Pusher Arm Demolition Safety Precautions

Make sure that your Maryland site has been secured against unintentional entry by unauthorized personnel during demolition.
Always conduct demolition from the exterior of the building, and never let anyone enter the building while pusher arms are in operation.
Be sure that the operator has been trained in the work, or is being instructed by a trained person.
Use hand demolition to get the building to a level where pushing can start.
Separate the masonry structure from any attached buildings using hand demoltion.
Make sure that debris does not build up too high against the walls: this may push the wall onto the machine.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by pusher arm, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition options, 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, Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Demolition by Ball

Monday, November 10th, 2014

If you have a structurally unsound or physically unappealing masonry structure, or have purchased land with a building that doesn’t meet your needs, chances are that you need masonry demolition. Continuing our series on the various types of masonry demolition, Del Prete Masonry, your Maryland masonry company, is here with a behind-the-scenes look at how demolition via wrecking ball works.

While most building can be taken down with a wrecking ball, it’s a highly delicate process that requires years of training and experience to execute safely. Below are some general precautions that masonry demolitions experts must observe when demolishing a building via wrecking ball.

Machine Safety

Most wrecking balls are not attached to dedicated wrecking machines; rather they are affixed to converted cranes. Demolishing masonry via wrecking ball is a taxing task and it’s important to make sure the crane is properly equipped to deal with the added strain. Cranes using a converted drag line are considered the best for demolition via wrecking ball while hydraulic ram cranes should never be used for this purpose. Cranes must be outfitted with a Falling Object Protective Structure and the Safe Working Limit (The maximum weight which the crane arm can safely carry) must be at least 3 times the weight of the wrecking ball.

General Safety

The wrecking ball must be fixed to prevent it from disconnecting with the line and this connection should be safety checked every hour. All unnecessary personnel and the general public should be kept well away from any masonry demolition, particularly when using a wrecking ball. Also, any building that are attached to the masonry that will be demolished must first be detached by hand, otherwise serious structural damage could occur.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by wrecking ball, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition options, 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, Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Demolition by Hand

Friday, October 31st, 2014

At Del Prete Masonry, there’s nothing we appreciate more than a fine stone structure, but sometimes for the new to be built, the old must come down. When it comes to masonry demolition there’s more than one way to get the job done. While masonry demolition should never be attempted as a DIY project, having a better understanding of how it works can help you know when it’s time to call in a professional masonry demolition . Today we’ll be looking at masonry demolition by hand.

Conducting masonry demolition by hand is a time consuming and difficult process. Demolishing masonry by hand requires ample scaffolding, structural reinforcement, protective gear, and a wide variety of sturdy demolition tools to be done safely.

Process

When performing Maryland masonry demolition by hand only one story of a structure can be demolished at a time. It’s typically safest to start with the highest level, the roof, and to work your way down from that point. A portion of every floor should be taken out so that debris can fall through to ground level.

It’s important not to let destroyed masonry pile up though. An overloaded floor could collapse, starting a chain reaction of collapsing floors and taking down the entire structure with tools, and more importantly people, inside. At the conclusion of every work day guying and propping must be done to ensure that the remaining portion of the structure can safely stand on its own overnight.

Personnel Safety

When conducting masonry demolition by hand in Maryland, law requires that guardrails and barriers must be erected in any place that poses a potential hazard to workers or the public. If there are areas in the demolition site where this is impossible, workers must be outfitted with anchored safety harnesses, and must be adequately trained in their use.

Before conducting any kind of masonry demolition by hand, Maryland requires employers to conduct hazard assessment to determine what specific safety precautions are necessary.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by hand, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Benefits of Using Insulated Concrete Masonry Units in Maryland

Friday, October 24th, 2014

If you’re a Maryland business owner considering having masonry construction or replacement done, and are concerned about keeping energy bills low, you may want to investigate the option of using insulated concrete masonry units in your construction. Del Prete Masonry is here with some of the many benefits that insulated concrete can provide a commercial Maryland business.

What is Insulated Concrete?

Insulated concrete units are made with no connections or webbing between the masonry faces, filled with insulation, and are finished on the interior and exterior resulting in a masonry unit that provides a high quality thermal barrier. Benefits of using insulated concrete masonry units include:

Energy Savings

Insulated concrete can provide energy savings of up to a whopping sixty percent! By protecting your Maryland commercial structure with insulated concrete, you create an effective energy barrier between the interior and exterior of your building. Insulated concrete is also easy to install and can save you money on labor costs.

Environmentally Friendly

In addition to saving you money on HVAC costs, insulated concrete also saves the resources that would have been used to heat or cool your Maryland building. Because insulated concrete is finished on the interior and exterior, the need for painting or drywall is also reduced, making this one of the most environmentally friendly masonry materials available. Insulated concrete is also entirely nontoxic and contains no CFCs.

Incredibly Customizable

Insulated concrete is not only dual-finished, but is available in a wide variety of colors, ensuring you can customize the look of your Maryland commercial masonry structure to fit your business’ needs perfectly. Insulated concrete masonry units can also be reinforced both horizontally and vertically without needing to make any extra modifications, making reinforcement a breeze.

Interested in Saving Money and The Planet with Insulated Concrete?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry we’ve got the expertise to install insulated concrete and a wide variety of other masonry quickly, affordably, and with superior quality. To find out more about your masonry options including insulated 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 Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

What is Tuckpointing and How do I do it?

Wednesday, October 15th, 2014

Also commonly referred to as repointing or pointing, tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints. It’s an important process that every owner of a masonry structure should be aware of, as it’s routinely used to reinforce and repair Maryland masonry to ensure that it stays looking good, and more importantly, safe.

Preparing to Tuckpoint

Tuckpointing is a labor intensive process and should only be attempted by an experienced Maryland masonry professional, or someone with substantial masonry experience. Before beginning to tuckpoint it’s vital to conduct a thorough analysis of your masonry to determine exactly where the problem areas are, and what mortar joints need replacing. You’ll also have to determine if the joints need cleaning, and the age of the masonry you’re working with.

Creating Tuckpointing Mixture

Decide whether or not you need power tools. Saws and grinders are normally used to remove mortar.
If you’re using mechanical tools you’ll need to set up extra proctection to avoid damaging the masonry.
Don proper protective gear,
Remove the old mortar up to a depth of 3/8 inches to ½ inch, or until you strike firm mortar. Warning: Do not remove more than one third of the depth of the masonry unit, this is very unsafe.
Remove dust and debris by brushing, rinsing with water or blowing the mortar joint with air.
Select the type of mortar that is going to be used.
Mix the additives to match existing mortar colors.
Place all ingredients in a mixing box.
Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
Add half the water needed for the mix.
Mix until the mortar forms a thick paste, thick enough so a ball can be formed, without having mortar flow.
Let the mix set and hydrate for about two hours.
Add water to increase workability. Warning: Adding too much water, will make the solution too runny, and thus unfit for use.

Applying the Mixture

Using the tip of a trowel, pack the mortar into the joint until it is full.
Scrape away excess mortar until the joint is flush with the masonry surface.
After the mortar has hardened a bit, strike the joints with a joint strike tool, first vertically, then horizontally.
Make sure to keep the mortar damp and covered with a sheet of plastic for 3 days after the procedure.

Need Tuckpointing or Other Masonry Repair in Maryland?

If you’re looking for a reliable Maryland masonry company that can take care of this laborious and technical process for you, 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 tuckpointing or other masonry repair 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