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Accident Highlights the Importance of Masonry Repair in Maryland

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

On October 6^th at 1:00pm in a town situated in East Yorkshire, England a 61 year old man was unfortunately crushed to death when winds from a passing storm blew masonry off an amusement arcade which then fell upon him. Neil Dean, a taxi driver whose vehicle was also crushed by the falling debris, described the incident saying that

“[The Masonry] came down on the top of the car as [the old man] was walking towards the amusement arcade. He was straight outside my car and I watched him go down. I feel so, so sorry for his family.”

“He was minding his own business and just walking towards Pleasureland Amusements. The falling masonry came from the pointing on the top of the building. That’s where it all came from.

“It quite a new building and it’s been there for under ten years. Apparently somebody saw it wobble a few weeks ago. It’s not an old building.”

The local fire department is currently investigating to see if any of the construction was at fault. The hearts at Del Prete Masonry go out to the victims of this unfortunate accident. We would like to take the time to underscore the importance of proper masonry repair and maintenance in preventing these kinds of tragedies in the future. As this incident illustrates, masonry repair is important even for newly constructed buildings and while the winds in Maryland rarely equal the torrential weather of England, we see our fair share of storms and dangerous weather.

Conducting routine masonry repairs and restoration is vital to the safety of everyone who works in your structure and the general public. As a Maryland property owner it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure the safety of your building by seeing that masonry repairs are performed routinely or by hiring a reputable and reliable masonry company for the initial construction.

Del Prete Masonry

If you’re looking for a reliable Maryland masonry company that can virtually eliminate the odds of these kinds of accidents, 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 commercial 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+.

Source: The Yorkshire Post

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Benefits of Building with Marble in Maryland

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

A metamorphic rock that varies widely in density, patterning, and color, “marble” is derived from the Greek word marmaros, which means “shining stone.” Though typically thought of as a material for countertops and sculpture, marble has many practical applications in commercial masonry as well. Some of the stone’s uniquely beneficial properties are:

Permanence

The chief advantage of marble construction is in the material’s durability and strength. Constructing any structure, monument, or building with marble assures that it will last a long time and maintain its beautiful appearance. When building with marble you can be sure that you are not just building a permanent fixture for your business, but also for many businesses and people who will use it after your lifetime, making marble a wise choice for the environmentally conscious.

Versatility

Marble has a wide variety of applications within commercial masonry and can be used to build countertops, flooring, bars, tables, steps, monuments, and even entire buildings. Building with marble assures that whatever you choose to construct, your masonry will have a permanent and unique beauty, unrivaled by almost any other construction material.

Fire Resistance

While building with marble may prove more expensive initially than other materials, marble’s extreme heat and fire resistance ensures that, in the unfortunate event of a fire or other heat related disaster, your structure will remain standing strong. Many Maryland insurance companies will offer lower premiums, especially on fire insurance, to commercial masonry that utilizes marble construction.

Low Maintenance

Using Marble construction in commercial masonry also guarantees easy maintenance. Marble is very easy to clean, often just requiring a quick rinse and wipe to eliminate most stains or clinging debris. Additionally, and unlike many other construction materials, marble will never require painting and re-painting, saving time and expense over its very long lifecycle.

Do You Need Marble Construction/ Restoration?

At Del Prete Masonry we have the expertise to build, restore, and care for all types of residential and commercial masonry, especially those utilizing marble construction. We’re to here to help you plan and build the marble (or any other kind of stone) structure that fits your needs, with quality materials and service.

To find out more about your masonry options and building with marble, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@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+.

Sources: ezinearticles.com, ElegantNatural-Hubpages

Posted in Blog, Marble

Tips for Finding a Commercial Masonry Restoration Company

Monday, September 29th, 2014

When looking for a masonry restoration expert to tackle your commercial masonry project, it’s important to thoroughly vet candidates with a detailed selection process. While it’s easy to rely on online review services like Angie’s List, or browsing through union membership lists, these won’t guarantee finding a commercial masonry expert who will fit your needs, and it can be hard to tell if an online review is paid for, or by someone whose opinion you can trust. Consider these steps when looking for a masonry restoration expert that fits you.

Consult Friends and Family

Often more reliable, and more aware of your personal needs than the internet are friends and family members. Check with them, or with trusted business associates, to see if they’ve ever needed masonry restoration done for their homes and businesses. You can also check nearby stone supply companies, which contractors will visit regularly. The staff at the supply facility will be able to point you in the direction of the companies that buy the best materials and pay their bills on time.

Phone and Face-to-Face Interviews

Write up a list of the most qualified-looking companies, and make a quick phone call to their offices. Ask them if they take on the type and size of project you’re looking to start, if they’ll provide financial and personal references, a previous client list, and how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors. Using these answers you can narrow down your list further and set up an in-person meeting. When meeting a potential commercial masonry restorer, trust your gut. If they put you ill at ease, have unusual stipulations, or try to pressure you into making a deal on the spot, cross them off your list. However don’t be bamboozled by flashy personalities either and make sure that they are in good standing with the Consumer Protection Bureau, and the Better Business Bureau as well.

Investigate

Spend some time checking with past clients and examining completed restoration projects. If you can, find a current site their working on and pay them a surprise visit to see if restoration is being done it what looks like a timely and efficient manner.

Get Bids

With your shortlist in hand, present your proposed masonry project to the potential clients. Don’t automatically accept the cheapest bid, particularly if the company wants most of costs up front. Low bidders and companies that require more than 50% in advance are frequently desperate for cash, and may suspect you won’t want to pay them upon completion, or they may go out of business before the job finishes.

Looking for the best? Need Additional Help?

For other questions regarding commercial masonry restoration, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. 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 commercial 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+.

Source:

This Old House

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Caring for your Brick Masonry Structure

Monday, September 22nd, 2014

One of the most popular building materials for centuries, brick masonry is used from everything from stately colonial mansions or small country cottages, to dignified commercial structures. Its versatility, efficiency, and appearance all contribute to raising the property and aesthetic value of your home. While generally maintenance free, it’s still important to take care of your brick structures to assure that your commercial masonry investment is protected and their longevity is being leveraged to its maximum potential.

Cleaning

Once a year, be sure to go over your brick masonry with a hose, equipped with a spray nozzle, to remove any loose dirt. Also if any side of your brick masonry structure or house gets very little sunlight you should be on the lookout for moss, mold, or mildew growth. Scrubbing any affected areas with a solution of 1cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water will clean most of this up. Avoid using wire brushes that can scratch or damage brick and be sure to rinse these areas with water BEFORE applying the bleach solution.

Check for Water Damage

Water damage to brick masonry has two potential causes: Splash back and rising damp. Splash back is the process by which rain, over a long period of time, is slowly absorbed into brick causing the mortar or brick itself to crack. Rising damp occurs when ground water seeps upwards, leaving behind what is known as a “tide line”. This line will disappear but will cause a buildup of salt crystals that will ultimately break down brick and mortar. Check for water damage routinely and allocate funds for repointing every 5-10 years.

Repointing

Repointing is the process of renewing the external parts of mortar joints, which hold brick masonry structures together. If you find signs of damaged mortar, consider having it repointed. This involves careful removal of the existing mortar, and a fresh application of a new batch. When repointing, the depth of the new mortar should be approximately twice the width of the existing mortar joints.

If you own an older house and want to preserve visual integrity, make sure that your fresh mortar matches the original. A contractor can take a sample of existing mortar and dissolve it in acid, exposing the base sand aggregate used to manufacture it, so that it can be replicated.

Get Help from Del Prete Masonry

Brick is a great foundation for any building, and as commercial masons, we can fully appreciate the benefits of brick. If you need your commercial masonry repaired, 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+.

Source: bobvilia.com

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Why Should I Consider a Baltimore Stone Monument?

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

Stone is made to last. People have been building monuments, buildings, and roads out of stone since the very dawn of civilization. Why? Because it’s naturally occurring and can stand up to nearly anything you throw at it. Take Stonehenge for example. Built nearly 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge in England is still standing today. While we’re not entirely sure what Stonehenge was used for, it still stands as a monument to the hard work and culture of our fellow man many millennia before the modern era. Setting something in stone means that you’re commemorating it for years to come. So, other than extreme resilience, what are the other benefits of building a stone monument?

Benefits of Stone for a Monument

Save your money – The upfront cost of stone might seem a little daunting, but it’s important to remember how long stone will last. If monuments have lasted for 5 millennia, you can bet that the price will even itself out before long (and way before 5,000 years, we promise). A stone monument won’t require a lot of maintenance or time, but it will commemorate whatever you find important for years to come.

Make it beautiful – If you’re creating a monument, there’s clearly a reason for it. The person, group, or cause that you’re making the monument for is likely special to your or your company. Opting for a stone monument means that you can design it in just about any way you want. You can go as small as you want or as big as you want with your monument. You’ll also be able to choose the type of stone you want and discuss all of the design details with your Baltimore mason.

Stand out – You want your monument to be seen and widely recognized. A stone monument can do that. Look at the Washington Monument, which can be seen for miles around. Though your monument may not be quite that ostentatious, you’ll still have a structure that will be easily seen and recognized!

Monument Masonry

Delprete Masonry is a commercial masonry construction and restoration company that services Baltimore and the surrounding area. For more than 25 years, we’ve been performing quality masonry work for a wide variety of clients with different masonry needs. We’ve built a solid reputation for ourselves in the Baltimore area as a leading commercial masonry service. For more information, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@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

Caring for Your Granite Masonry

Friday, September 5th, 2014

If you’ve already chosen granite to take advantage of the wide benefits of employing granite for your commercial masonry project then you’re familiar with its versatility, long term durability, and classic style. However, to ensure your granite surface’s long-term stability it’s important to know the key components of long-term granite care.

Because natural stone is highly porous, it’s important to coat any granite surface with a protective water sealant, which will fill in pores and help prevent long term water damage. It’s also important to clean spills of granite surfaces quickly. It’s a crucial part of granite care to control moisture, as much as possible, in any indoor areas with granite flooring

It’s important to clean granite surfaces with a dry mop, or duster at least once a day. This will clear away does and prevent small particles from working their way into the surface’s pores. When performing more thorough cleaning, only use an approved granite cleaner and take special care to avoid using any abrasive cleaners, bleach, or normal detergents.

When placing hardened objects, such as furniture or pots and pans, be sure to use a protective cloth or buffer material. While granite masonry is very sturdy, it’s important to protect it from scratches or gashes which will ultimately decrease the stability and longevity of your commercial masonry.

For other questions regarding granite for commercial masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our Maryland granite professionals will be able to assist you in choosing which type of granite is best for your upcoming project. To get started with your commercial 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+.

Source

http://www.baneclene.com/articles/granite.html

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Concretes Uses in Commercial Masonry

Thursday, August 28th, 2014

There are a few different materials that have been used for centuries by builders. Concrete is one of them, though it has changed and been improved upon over the years. Concrete is a material that we still use frequently for masonry projects. It’s used as a foundation for homes and businesses, as a material for signs and statues, and even for roads and sidewalks. One of the best things about concrete is its versatility. Concrete can be used for nearly any masonry project. When you think of concrete, you probably think gray, drab, and boring – but concrete has become so much more than that. With new innovations and the ability to mix colors into concrete, it has become a great, aesthetically pleasing material to work with. That’s certainly not the only benefit of using concrete, though.

Why We Still Use Concrete for Masonry

Sustainability – This probably wasn’t a reason for using concrete hundreds of years ago, but it’s certainly a reason that we use it now. Producing concrete results in very few carbon dioxide emissions. The majority of carbon dioxide emissions from a concrete building actually come from the electricity used inside the building. Concrete also has reflective qualities that help keep it cool, resulting in less of an “urban heat island” problem when concrete is used in place of aggregate in cities.
Durability – When we build a structure, we want it to last. Concrete structures have been known to last for centuries if they’re taken care of. Some concrete structures date all the way back to the Roman Era. Concrete is used for bridges, tunnels, and dams – all structures that require the strongest material available. When we use concrete, we know we’re using something that stands the test of time and pressure.
Low maintenance – If you’re like most people, you don’t want to spend a lot of time taking care of your building or masonry structure. Concrete is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t attract mold or deteriorate simply because of time. Weather can wear it down, but there are precautions that you can take to keep your concrete structure standing and intact. It’s easy to take care of and will last you a lifetime.

Building with Concrete

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 when you choose concrete. 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+.

Sources: WBCSD Cement, CBDG

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Taking Care of Your New Masonry Structure

Saturday, August 23rd, 2014

When you have your new masonry structure built, you want to make sure that it lasts for a long time. After all, you’re probably going to be spending a good deal of money on it and you’ll want it to be worth every penny. The best way to enjoy your structure for all its worth is to make sure that you take good care of it and keep up with the maintenance. There are a few things that you should make sure to do once your new masonry structure is completed. The following lists of “do’s” and “don’ts” will help you keep your masonry structure standing and beautiful for years to come!

The “Do’s” of Caring for New Masonry

Do make a point to use the right cleaner. You need to use cleaners that are both effective and safe. Don’t use anything too harsh and steer clear of a sand blaster, as you could end up doing a lot of harm to your new masonry structure. The right cleaners will not only preserve the look of your masonry, but can also improve it.
Do rinse before and after. Rinsing is an important step in cleaning. You want to make sure that you rinse your surface thoroughly with plain water before you begin washing the surface, as well as after. It’ll help protect the structure and will keep the cleaning products from eating away at it over time.
Do ask for help if you need it. You should never be afraid to call in the professionals if you’re worried that you’re either doing harm to your masonry or you’re not getting it as clean as you’d like. Professionals specialize in fields for a reason – to help and give advice.

The “Don’ts” of Caring for New Masonry

Don’t clean in cold weather. An exception can be made for this rule if you have taken the right precautions and know how to properly clean for cold weather. It requires an entirely different set of skills and rules of its own. Be careful if you decide to clean during late fall or early winter.
Don’t use harsh chemicals. Yes, we know we covered this one above when we said to use safe cleaners, but the importance can’t be overstated. An improper cleaning can cause discoloration and deterioration. If you like the way that your new masonry looks, make sure that you are either cleaning it properly or having a professional do it for you.
Don’t clean before the mortar cures. It’s standard to wait about a month after your new masonry structure has gone in to clean it. This gives the mortar time to set and the structure time to settle in. You can cause joint damage if you clean too early, especially if you’re using a pressure washer that’s set too high.

Professional Masonry Maintenance and Construction

To find out more about your masonry options and taking care of new 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+.

Source: Lee Brick & Block

Posted in Blog

Tips for Marble Maintenance and Restoration

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

Marble can be a difficult stone to take care of. It’s incredibly porous, so if something gets spilled on it or it isn’t maintained properly, it’s going to eventually begin to change color and will be less attractive than it was when you first installed it. On the other hand, marble can age gracefully and become even more attractive as it gets older. There isn’t a lot of work required to maintain your marble; however, it is important that you put in the time and effort to keep it stain free.

3 Tips for Marble Care and Maintenance

Seal it – No matter what you’re using marble for, you need to make sure that it’s sealed right after installation and fairly regularly after that. A sealant will help repel food, liquid, and other things that can easily soak right into the marble and cause stains. If you hire a good commercial masonry contractor to install and care for your marble, he or she should seal it when it’s first installed anyway.
Clean it – You should be cleaning your marble regularly. Make it a part of your daily routine to ensure that it gets done and stays looking good. It’s important to remember not to use harsh cleaners on marble, though. Marble maintenance requires gentle cleaning and caretaking. Use a soft cloth to clean marble on a daily basis – you can also use distilled water if you need to clean something a little more stuck on. Never use anything acidic on a marble surface.
Protect it – Apart from using a sealer, there are other ways to protect your marble surface. If your marble surface is indoors, you should make sure that you’re always using some type of protector between any liquid and the marble. Don’t sit food or drink directly on marble at any time, as it could stain the marble. If your marble is outside, you’re going to have a tougher time maintaining and protecting it. You can’t control the weather or other people. Your best bet is to cover your structure when you’re expecting rain or to make sure that it’s very well-sealed.

Marble Cleaning and Restoration

It’s not always possible to keep marble at 100% — sometimes you need an expert to come in and clean it up or restore it. That’s where Del Prete comes in. Restoring marble on your own can be a tough chore that requires a good bit of knowledge. Having the professionals do it ensures that your marble will look (almost) like new again. It’ll save you a lot of time and headaches! o find out more about your masonry options andtaking care of marble, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@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+.

Source: Bane Clene, The Stone Cobblers

Posted in Blog, Marble

Masonry Demolition Methods

Friday, August 8th, 2014

There are many times where masonry can be restored, but sometimes the only way to go is demolition. If a building or structure is dangerous, beyond repair, or if something better can be built, it will frequently be slated for demolition. One of the problems that companies face with demolition is that it’s usually done in areas that are residential or commercial in nature – meaning there are lots of people around. The debris and dust from a demolition project can be dangerous if the demolition is not done properly. There are a few different methods of demolition. Each one must be executed appropriately for safety and health concerns.

Commercial Demolition

Implosion – Most people find this method to be the most exciting, but it’s also the most dangerous. Implosion involves dynamite and sequential detonation to make sure that each part of the building is demolished at exactly the right time. Usually only very large structures are demolished with implosion so they tend to be in urban areas. Demolition teams have to be very careful to make sure that the whole thing goes off without a hitch.
Crane & Ball – This is one of the oldest methods of demolition and is the one that most people recognize. A wrecking ball up to 13,500 pounds are attached to a large crane. The crane then swings the ball into the structure that is being demolished repeatedly. It works well in some structures, but not for all. Once again, demolition teams have to have a specific skill set to operate the crane and ensure that it doesn’t tip during the demolition process.
High Reach Arm – This is the type of demolition most frequently used for masonry structures. Demolition of masonry is particularly complicated because of the amount of dust that it produces. High reach demolition requires a base machine of some type, a large demolition arm, and tools attached to the machine. This process can take a while and varies considerably depending on the type of building we’re demolishing and the site construction.

Masonry Demolition from Del Prete Masonry

DelPrete Masonry performs demolition for commercial structures that have been damaged or must be removed. Our crews are highly experienced and take every precaution necessary to ensure that the structure, and its surrounding areas, is carefully prepped before demolition. Once the demolition is complete, DelPrete Masonry removes all debris and performs a thorough cleanup, so the existing space is ready for the next phase of development. Hire a professional masonry demolition expert, who performs safely and efficiently, to keep your project on schedule – contact us at 443-250-4193 or email.

Source: Construction.About

Posted in Blog