Posts Tagged ‘ baltimore commercial masonry ’

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