Masonry walls are known for providing a great deal of strength and lasting long periods of time without being compromised.
Masonry walls are typically the strongest and sturdiest part of any building. Masonry walls are known for providing a great deal of strength and lasting long periods of time without being compromised. Masonry walls also do a great job at helping to regulate the flow of your indoor temperature outside and vice versa. (more…)
The quality of the mortar surrounding your masonry has a direct effect on the stability and longevity of the bricks, so repointing is an essential part of brick wall maintenance.
At some point, every commercial and residential building with beautiful exterior masonry will need to be repointed. Repointing is the process of replacing the mortar in between bricks and prevents the building from water damage. The quality of the mortar surrounding your masonry has a direct effect on the stability and longevity of the bricks, so repointing is an essential part of brick wall maintenance. (more…)
Stonework and masonry are both affected by cold weather and having a better understanding of what happens to these materials is essential to protecting them and your hard work from the harsh elements.
Cold weather is not usually the most ideal time of year to begin masonry projects. However, if construction began at a milder time of year and is now extending into the colder months or if your schedule just requires it, there are some factors you should consider to get the most quality and function out of your finished product. As we’re currently and rapidly approaching fall, now is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge. Stonework and masonry are both affected by cold weather and having a better understanding of what happens to these materials is essential to protecting them and your hard work from the harsh elements. (more…)
Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process.
Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process. The right masonry contractor will have the expertise, equipment, and experience to get the job done right the first time. Here are some of our tips for finding the perfect masonry contractor for your job. (more…)
Mortar analysis is an important part of reconstructing historical masonry so that it lasts for long periods of time.
Mortar analysis is an important part of reconstructing historical masonry so that it lasts for long periods of time. The mortar analysis process is a scientific one that looks at the exact composition of the mortar used to attempt to create a duplicate, or gather historical information about building composition of the period. Here are the basics of what you need to know about mortar analysis. (more…)
While marble is incredibly durable, marble floor restoration is needed to maintain its full beauty.
Few types of flooring can match the benefits of marble. This natural stone is not only beautiful but it offers many other advantages over wood, carpet and even many other stone materials. It can be used in a wide variety of applications, including commercial settings, personal residences and places such as hotel lobbies, ballrooms and more. However, after many years of foot traffic, there is a good chance that your marble flooring is in need of repair, cleaning or other restoration services. By allowing a professional marble restoration company to conduct this maintenance you’ll always enjoy the benefits that marble flooring has to offer. (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…)
Last week we talked about what is in a mason’s toolkit (trowel, hammer and chisel, power saw, level), but not all tools are created equally. When it comes time to cut through the toughest materials, you have more than one option. Your choices include a right angle grinder, cut-off saw, paver saw, handheld power saw or a full-size masonry table saw. All of these tools should be used with extreme caution. But what benefits does a masonry table saw hold when stacked against your other options?
There are a handful of tools that you’ll find in every mason’s toolkit.
You may have wondered what tools a mason needs to create a wall or a walkway. Whether you are a masonry enthusiast or just plain curious, we can share with you the tools of our trade. Read on to learn what tools a mason uses to lay level bricks, make mortar, and cut concrete.
You’ll never catch a mason without his trusty trowel. Trowels are used for applying mortar and come in two varieties: London and Philadelphia. The difference between these two types of trowels is just the subtle shape of the blade; each one is just as good as the other for handling mortar. A larger trowel will most likely be used to apply mortar to new bricks and stones. A smaller trowel is great for the delicate work of repairing old mortar joints and scraping off excess mortar. (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+.