If you have decided to use masonry materials for your upcoming construction project, then you have made a great choice. The next question is about choosing which specific materials you would be interested in using. Here are three of the most common masonry materials that you have to choose from.
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The main goal of masonry construction is to create structures that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, several conditions can accelerate masonry deterioration. Here are three conditions that might cause your masonry structure to deteriorate.
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If you have been longing for a nice feature to bring warmth and style to your home, or you are looking to update your existing fireplace, you will need masonry materials for the job. Having a functioning and beautiful fireplace is a must for the winter, and you have several options for the types of materials you want to make it happen. Here are some of the choices you have for masonry materials for your fireplace.
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There is a lot more than some may think that goes into constructing a brick wall for a commercial property. In particular, there is the question of choosing a design, and there are at least three main categories to pick from. Having the design that is the best fit for your project will ensure that the brick wall serves at it’s best for a long time. Here are the types of brick wall designs and their main differences.
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Whether you are looking for an addition to your home or are a business owner designing a new outdoor feature, you may or may not have considered masonry. There are many benefits to using masonry materials to build a new structure. Here are three reasons to base your construction project on masonry materials.
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Masonry structures are a great option for your business, whether you want to use masonry for the building itself or a feature like a monument. One masonry feature that is particularly useful is a custom masonry sign. The beauty and durability of masonry signage can be perfect for showcasing your business for several reasons.
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Although a masonry structure can last a lifetime, if you have a foundation made partially or entirely of brick, then it sustains a lot of strain over the years. It’s a good idea to have your foundation checked if you feel like there might be any issues. Here are some of the warning signs that your masonry foundation might need repairs.
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When it comes to masonry construction, the goal is to establish a masonry structure that will last. But there are certain conditions that can cause it to deteriorate. Here are three things that can cause masonry deterioration.
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Because many masonry construction projects can take a long time, you will probably experience weather changes. But the question is, what types of weather could be a concern? Here are some examples of weather that could affect your masonry construction.
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When you own a home, there are some tasks that you know you can easily DIY, while there are others that you never should try on your own. Electrical work is a pretty obvious example of something that requires a professional, but if you’re looking to have masonry repair work done on your property, you should find a specialist to complete these jobs as well. As you settle into the work of finding a great masonry contractor for your home improvement project, remember to ask each of them about these three things.
Masons are required to hold a general contractor’s license and certifications from the MCAA. Ask your potential contractors to provide you with details about their licenses and certifications. Even with these, not all masons are created equal. When you ask about their certifications, also ask about their experience with your specific type of project or material, especially when it is something other than the standards, like brick. If they don’t have any, or their experience is very limited, you may be better off with a different mason. Finally, ask to see proof of insurance so you know that any mistakes or accidents will not fall on your homeowner’s insurance.
When you ask about the project timeline, they should be able to give you details on how they expect the whole thing to go. This includes not only how long they expect it to take, but what the payment schedule will be like, who will secure the building materials, and what clean-up will happen afterward. You should also ask what, if anything, they need you to do to prepare for the work, so you have a reasonable expectation of your responsibilities. Don’t settle for just an estimate of weeks till completion, push for details.
Asking for references is a must when you’re deciding on any contractor, but those references are only worthwhile if you follow up and actually talk to them. Call the names that your potential contractor supplies and ask about their satisfaction with the project. You should also ask about how the contractor adhered to the intended timeline and any issues that came up. In addition to references, you could also ask the contractors for the addresses of any current masonry projects that you could visit so that you can see the work that they do, in-progress.
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our latest exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.