Author Archive

Precast Stone for Commercial Masonry Projects

Monday, August 4th, 2014

First thing’s first – what is precast stone? You’ve likely heard the term before, but you may not know what precast stone is or why you would choose it over anything else. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, precast stone is a material “made from Portland cement, sand, crushed stone, fine and coarse aggregates and water in varying proportions and formulas” that can be “manufactured in custom molds.” Precast stone has only been an American tradition since about the 1950s, but it’s one of the most commonly used materials now for a few different reasons.

What are the Benefits of Precast Stone?

Insulated – If you’re using precast concrete for a building project, you’ll find that it’s a great insulator. Your building will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. We’d all like to cut down on energy bill costs and precast stone will allow you to do just that. On a similar note, precast stone will also insulate you against noise pollution. It absorbs sound well and will help keep the interior of your building nice and quiet.
Easy to Maintain – Precast stone is a little-to-no maintenance material. It doesn’t have to be painted or sealed regularly, though if you want to paint it, it can easily be painted. Precast stone is difficult to damage and doesn’t require a lot of your attention once it’s installed. It’s an incredibly strong material and will stand up to weather and other outdoor elements so you don’t have to spend a lot of time repairing weather related issues.
Versatile – Not only are the uses for precast stone incredibly versatile, but the types of precast stone that you can get are also varied. Precast stone can be made from granite, marble, or just about any other variety of aggregate that you like. You can choose precast stone in varying colors, shapes, and sizes. You can even choose to have your precast stone “veined,” which will give it another element of dimension.
Sustainable – Most companies today are doing whatever they can to use more sustainable, earth-friendly products. Precast stone meets those requirements. It’s resistant to mold, which is great for air quality and helps avoid the need to replace the precast stone and results in less waste. Precast stone is also recyclable, so if you ever do decide to have your structure demolished, you can rest easy knowing that the byproduct will be recycled!

Precast Stone from Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding precast stone for commercial masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our Maryland precast stone professionals will be able to assist you in choosing which type of precast stone 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: BIBM

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

The Benefits of Stone Masonry Signs for Commercial Use

Friday, July 25th, 2014

Are you getting tired of seeing the same signs for just about every business? You know the ones I’m talking about. The big plastic signs with lights behind them to make them easier to see at night. The ones everyone has. Not that there’s anything wrong with those signs, but there are options that will last longer, not wear as fast, and will look better outside of your business. If you’re a Baltimore local, you’ve probably seen some of the superior signs that we’re talking about – the ones outside of Johns Hopkins University or M&T Bank Stadium. Signs made of stone will always last longer than signs made of plastic.

Why Choose A Stone Masonry Sign?

Well, the better question is why not choose one, but we’ve got a list of the top reasons to choose stone masonry over your other options.

Sustainable – If you’re like most other people, you’re probably looking for an option that will be both environmentally friendly and economically friendly. Stone is a sustainable option because it is natural. Your sign will fit in better with the environment around it and look earth friendly. Plus, it’s going to last you a lot longer than a big plastic sign, meaning it’ll ultimately save you money.
Aesthetic – This goes almost without saying, but we thought we’d mention it, because it’s the biggest benefit of choosing commercial stone masonry over plastic. Choosing brick or natural stone for your business’ sign will give you a leg up on your competition. It makes it clear that you take your business seriously and, like the natural stone you’re using, you’re there to stay. Natural stone is professional and attractive.
Options – You have dozens of options when you choose natural stone. You can choose the color, pattern, type of stone, and finish that works best for you. Then we’ll work with you to help come up with a design that will reflect your business. Every piece of natural stone is unique and every sign is a little bit different. We’ll give you all of the pros and cons of the different types of stone and help you figure out what you prefer to work with. In the end, you’ll have your perfect sign.

Stone Masonry Signs from Del Prete Masonry

Your sign is one of the first things that people see when they approach your business. It should look professional and beautiful. Let us help! Please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@delpretemasonry.com to get an estimate for your new commercial stone sign. We’re located out of Phoenix, MD and 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: Natural Stone Council, Classic Design Stone

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Building Brick by Brick in Commercial Masonry

Thursday, July 17th, 2014

There are some things that have been done right for centuries. Much of masonry lives up to that standard. People have been building things since the dawn of the human race and a lot of their materials have come with them. Brick, for instance, is one of the most consistently used materials in history. We’ve discovered brick structures that date back more than 5,000 years ago. If you’re keeping track, that was about 3,000 years BCE. That’s pretty impressive when you think about it. Brick making is a little bit different today, but it has its roots in ancient practices.

How Bricks are Made

Bricks are made from natural, raw materials, which is one of the reasons that they’re still a popular masonry option. Brick is usually made from a clay compound – think red clay in the southern parts of the US. The raw materials are first mixed together to get the base product. They then go through an extrusion process where the materials are mixed with water and molded into the traditional rectangular “brick shape.” Many bricks then have a furrowed area carved in to make them easier to work with when paving. They’re coated with sand, dried, and then fired. The firing process makes the bricks stronger. Once the bricks are cooled, they’re packaged and manufactured.

What Benefits do Bricks Offer?

Durability – Bricks are a great option to use in the Mid-Atlantic area because they can stand up to just about any weather extreme that they’re pitted against. If you’ve lived here for a while, you know that we get everything from blizzards to hurricanes in this part of the country. It’s important to use durable materials that will outlast Mid-Atlantic weather extremes.
Good Insulation – We’re not telling you not to insulate your building. Far from it. We’re just telling you that bricks are a good natural insulator. They hold in heat better than almost any other building material. Their ability to retain heat energy will push your energy bill down and help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Perfect for the energy efficiency conscious company.
Aesthetic Flexibility – When you think of bricks, you probably think of the typical red, clay brick. That’s not the only option anymore! With new technologies and a better understanding of the world around us, manufacturers have begun to create bricks in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can have the classic aesthetic with the modern feel. It’s the best of both worlds.

Brick is a great foundation for any building, and as commercial masons, we can fully appreciate the benefits of brick. Ready to commission 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: Go Brick

Posted in Blog, Brick

Why Should I Have my Older Masonry Restored?

Monday, July 14th, 2014

Masonry work is a beautiful thing. There is a lot of meticulous, detailed work that goes into creating a masonry structure. Stonemasons have been working to perfect the art for centuries and make advances on the foundations of masonry as they go. If you have mason work that is starting to crack or deteriorate (which does happen, no matter how hard we work to make it perfect), you have a couple of different options.

You could tear down and start over, destroying something that could have a rich history.
You could leave it be or reseal it and hope that it doesn’t get any worse.
You could hire a qualified restoration service to come in and restore a piece of work back to its original glory or better.

You should only approach option 1 if there’s absolutely no hope for restoration, if the original structure is poorly built, or if you want something entirely different. Demolition is sometimes the way to go, but if you like the structure, why not put the work in to save it and maybe even create something better out of it? The second option is rarely a good one. If you don’t work to properly take care of masonry (which is actually pretty low maintenance), it will eventually start to crumble and you’ll need to hire someone to tear it down or restore it anyway. Most of the time for both buildings and decorative structures, we recommend that you choose masonry restoration for a few reasons.

Add aesthetic – We can add a nice aesthetic appeal to older buildings that need to be restored. If they’re still useable but just need a face lift, restoration is a really good, fairly inexpensive option.
Stability – Restoring masonry returns it to its original stability and strength. Stone and brick masonry stands up well against weather and the elements, especially after you’ve restored it.
Protect history – Many buildings have a rich history that you risk losing if you choose demolition over restoration when the building can be successfully restored.

At Del Prete Masonry, we offer professional restoration for your building or structure. 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

Benefits of Granite for Commercial Masonry

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014

You may have seen granite most commonly used for countertops, but have you ever considered using it for more? Granite has a wide variety of benefits, and can even be used in building your roof! Check out these reasons from your Maryland granite professionals as to why granite is a great choice for commercial masonry:

Versatility – From countertops, to floors, walls, and even roofs, granite can be used in just about anything. Because there are many different types and styles of granite, you can choose which will work best for your project.
Material itself – Granite is a very durable material. Because it is water, pressure, and temperature resistant, it ensures the stability of your building. You want to be sure that you can trust the material you’re working with, and be sure that you will have a sturdy, long-lasting finished product. Using granite will help to achieve the final product that you’re working towards.
Aesthetics – Not only is granite a stable material, but it also comes in a variety of colors and designs. By choosing which style of granite best fits your building or room, you can make your building or office look elegant and aesthetically pleasing, while being assured that it is built with top-quality material.

If you’re looking for a material that’s durable, resourceful, and tasteful, granite is the choice for you. Still not convinced? 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://antonythomsan.articlealley.com/reasons-to-choose-granite-as-your-essential-building-material-1344088.html

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

The Advantages of Natural Stone for Commercial Masonry

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Most people love the look of natural stone buildings. They look rustic and beautiful. The colors and patterns that are inherent in natural stone makes it a great material to use when constructing buildings and doing masonry projects. It goes far beyond just the aesthetic appeal of natural stone, though. There are many reasons to consider natural stone for your commercial masonry project that you may not have considered just yet. We’ve put together a few or our favorite reasons for choosing natural stone when you’re ready to begin your project.

Affordable – Most masonry materials aren’t overly expensive (except when you start getting into marble and granite), but most natural stone is on the lower end of the price range, because it’s easy to acquire and fairly easy to work with. Finding the perfect natural stone for your project likely will not cost you a lot of money for the great product that you’re getting.
Unique – Every piece of natural stone that you use for your construction product will be unique. It may be similar to others, but you’ll be able to pick out certain facets of the stone that make your project completely yours. There are great patterns and distinctly different colors and shades in every piece of natural stone.
Durable – If you regularly seal natural stone and make a point to have regular maintenance done on it, natural stone will lost you for decades, and maybe even centuries. It’s all about taking care of the stone. Natural stone can also stand up to most weather conditions. Cleaning natural stone is a fairly simple process that will help you extend the life and beauty of your project without breaking your bank.
Environmentally Friendly – This is true for a few different reasons. One of the main reasons that people choose to go with natural stone if they’re considering the environment is that it’s not manufactured or synthetic. People have been using natural stone to build shelter for centuries because it’s easy to acquire and naturally occurring. It also doesn’t require serious chemicals to maintain its aesthetic, nor does it secrete toxic chemicals to humans or animals. On the whole, natural stone is one of the most sustainable options for construction projects.

Using natural stone for your commercial masonry project is a good first step in being environmentally friendly and having a gorgeous project that you’re proud to call your own. To get started with your commercial masonry project, 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: SlideShare

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Marble Restoration in Maryland

Friday, June 20th, 2014

Marble is one of the most aesthetically pleasing building materials on the market. Ask just about anyone. People have been building coliseums, monuments, and more out of marble for thousands of years. However, there is one very big problem with marble – it stains easily and frequently needs to be cleaned or refinished. Don’t let that fact change your mind about how great marble is, though. It’s still great to look at and can last for centuries if it’s properly taken care of. The following are some ways that you can help protect your marble surface as well as some tips for restoring and caring for marble.

Avoid water and acidic things – This can be difficult if you’ve erected a monument or building of some sort of marble. You can’t always control what other people do, but it doesn’t hurt to put a warning up letting people know that you’d appreciate if they could be careful around the marble. You obviously can’t control the weather, so things like rain can cause a problem. Just keep in mind that marble can be restored.
Quickly clean stains – If you notice a stain that has popped up, do your best to get it cleaned off ASAP. The sooner you get it off, the less likely it is to permeate farther into the stone. The important thing to note about marble is that it is very porous – liquids can easily get into the structure and cause stains.
Regularly clean up – If you’re taking care of the marble on your own, try cleaning it with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. This will help to remove some of the dirt that can cause stains. Just make sure that you go behind your cleaning and dry the stone off as you go. You can also apply a light coat of wax to help protect your marble surface – you should always use colorless wax so as not to add any stains.

Taking care of marble can be hard work, put the payoff of a beautiful marble fixture is worth it in the end. At Del Prete Masonry, we know just how to keep your marble surface clean or restore it to its original glory. To find out more about your masonry options and taking 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: http://www.countertopspecialty.com/marble-polishing.html, http://www.doityourself.com/stry/marble#b

Posted in Blog

Commercial Masonry Project Options

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

Commercial masonry isn’t limited to just constructing buildings out of brick and stone – though that’s certainly a big part of it. We’ve done masonry projects for some great Maryland institutions that have nothing to do with their actual buildings, but are more focused on free standing structures. Choosing to have one of these structures built can add a great piece of interest to your commercial property. Instead of just having a typical welcome sign or standalone statue, you can do something really great with a masonry project. It’ll make your office building or company look more professional and add a bit of branding to your place of business, among other great advantages. Check out some of the projects that we’ve done that might help you get idea for a future masonry project.

Entrance Monument – A couple of our favorite projects were for Maple Lawn Development and John Hopkins Baltimore campus. We constructed masonry welcome monuments so that one of the first things that people see upon arrival is a pristine brick structure with a plaque to welcome them to the campus. This is great for companies who want to add a little bit of professionalism. We can help you design an entrance monument with brick or stone that will stand out.
Wall of Fame – Have you seen the Ravens wall of fame at M&T Bank Stadium? It’s something that we worked with the Ravens to design out of brick, stone, and granite. It’s a permanent wall of fame that is classy and represents the strength of Baltimore pride. Most companies do an employee of the month or something similar. Why not erect a permanent monument to the people that you honor in your company?
Monument – The Towson Courthouse is one of our best projects. We used granite and pavers to add on a bench and walls around an already beautiful stone monument so that people can enjoy the expert masonry that went into creating the police monument outside of the Towson Court House. Monuments are created to remember someone or something; why not remember them with a permanent fixture? Granite and natural stone make great masonry materials for monuments.

Your masonry project options are nearly unlimited, but these are some of our favorites and some that can give your building or campus a great facelift! To find out more about your masonry options, 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

Commerical Masonry for Sustainability

Monday, June 9th, 2014

Using environmentally friendly products is something that many businesses and individuals have been focused on for the past decade or so. The green movement is one that you’ll see taking place across the country and even across the world. It should follow that many companies in the Baltimore area are taking the initiative to try to better our environment and create a more sustainable earth. Did you know that masonry products are one of the most sustainable building products in existence?

Why are masonry products environmentally friendly?
Most masonry products are made of brick, block, or stone – these are natural products that are found in the Earth anyway. Sometimes they contain synthetic components, but for the most part, bricks and stones are made of materials that the Earth itself is made up of.

Sustainability is great, but is masonry durable?
Yes! Ever wonder why masonry products and building materials have been around for thousands of years? It’s proven to work and withstand the test of time. Though many new materials are effective, the fact that masonry is still being used is a testament to its strength and usefulness in building projects – including masonry structures. Many important buildings throughout history have been constructed using brick – plus it’s got a great aesthetic value.

What else do masonry products have to offer?
Masonry products aren’t just used for durability and sustainability. They are also fire resistant and mold resistant, which is great for outdoor masonry structures. They can handle a lot of rain and moisture without developing mold or becoming particularly discolored. Brick and stone will not only outlast most other building materials, but they also are resistant to many natural problems.

A commercial masonry project is environmentally friendly and will last you for years to come. Instead of investing in something that may only last for a short period of time, try using something that has survived the test of centuries, is environmentally friendly, and looks great to boot. 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+.

Source: http://masonryworx.com/home/the-environmental-advantages-of-masonry-products/

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Masonry Demolition in Baltimore

Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

If you need a commercial structure removed in Baltimore, whether as a result of damage or to make way for a new development, you need a professional masonry demolition expert. Demolition of a commercial structure requires careful planning, execution, and cleanup to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Stone or brick structures can be dangerous to work with, and cleanup is often a large ordeal, meaning you need someone with experience in demolition. Delprete Masonry knows how to take down stone structures just as well as we know how to put them up, which is why you can trust us for all of your Baltimore masonry demolition needs.

Structure Damage

Sometimes structures can become so damaged that they are not salvageable. This can happen for several reasons. A severe weather incident can damage structures, as can vehicular accidents. Old age can also be a contributing factor. Whatever the case, a professional masonry demolition expert can safely remove the structure as well as remaining debris.

New Development

Another reason a commercial structure may need to be removed is to make way for a new development. It may have outgrown its usefulness or have been sitting abandoned for some time. The new project may not be able to incorporate it into the design, or it may not meet new standards. Your Baltimore masonry demolition expert can help clear the way for new construction and economic development.

About Delprete 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 Commercial Masonry Baltimore