Natural stone adds a sophisticated, natural element to any structure.
When it comes time to plan or build a new structure, many wonder just what materials to use. There are certainly a number of different mediums to choose from, all with their own unique pros, cons, look, and lifespan. Natural stone, however, is an old favorite that’s always worth another look for these, and many other reasons. (more…)
You may have a lot of questions floating around in your head. It’s important to make sure that you ask the right ones.
According to the Mason Contractors Association of America, qualified masons receive training to work with a several different materials, including bricks, natural rock, concrete, and tiles made of terra cotta, ceramic or stone. However, every masonry contractor has their own areas of special skill and experience. For example, Del Prete Masonry specializes in brick, block, and commercial concrete construction. When hiring a masonry contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions so that you know you are hiring a contractor who is right for your particular needs. Here are a few questions you can ask to guide your way to the best contractor for you. (more…)
This hardscaping design utilizes different colors and greenery to create a dynamic, eye-catching design.
In continuation of our last blog, here are even more tips on how to create the perfect hardscaping design! As we previously stated, planning is one of the most crucial aspects of creating a stunning hardscaping design. Here are even more planning tips to make sure that you end up with the best commercial hardscaping possible! (more…)
Aren’t you glad you planned ahead for this beautiful stone walkway?
Adding some professional hardscaping to your commercial property can greatly increase your property’s appeal and value. Research really pays off when it comes to planning a hardscaping design. You want to keep in mind the unmovable elements of your property, as well as other aspects that should factor into your design. Jumping into a hardscaping project with little planning can result in a design that is defunct after only a few years. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re planning out your hardscaping design. (more…)
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.
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+.
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.
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+.
When remodeling or constructing a new building, quality stonework can add a unique, ageless aesthetic. Regardless of whether you know exactly what you want and how you want it or if you only have the vaguest idea, picking the right masonry contractor is the biggest factor in your satisfaction with the result. There are several strategies that you can employ to make sure you find the right masonry contractor for your work at the best price.
Make sure that you can find qualiy masonry at a good price.
Professional masonry can change your business.
When it comes to sending a powerful message, or showing the world that you mean business, you’re going to need a little help. That’s where professional masonry structures come in. A new monument or sign made out of professional masonry materials can really add the punch that your business could benefit from. Would you like to learn more about using professional masonry for your business? Let’s do it! (more…)
There are plenty of reasons why you may be seeking to hire us to build you a brand new structure. You might need some flatwork done, a monument built, walls put in, or a structure you’ve been dreaming of for a long time. There are things you need to think through before you make the call so that we can ensure that you will have the smoothest process from idea to finished structure. We are more than happy to answer your technical questions along the way, but here are some things you might want to consider on your own. (more…)
You’re looking to have some professional masonry work done for your Baltimore business. However, you don’t know what to look for in a commercial masonry company. DelPrete masonry is here with a simple guide to how DelPrete masonry qualifies in all 3 things to look for in a commercial masonry company. Experience to get the job done, professionalism to get it in budget and on time, and a large body of work to prove they can get it done. DelPrete Masonry, has everthing you look for in a commercial masonry company.
Masonry is more then simple work or construction, it is a craft passed down from masters to apprentices who must undergo years of tutelage to become journeymen and then masters themselves. (more…)