Masonry flashing is used to prevent moisture from penetrating your building.
Your masonry building relies on many individual parts that keep the structure sound. Over time, the individual parts degrade and must be repaired. Some issues are so apparent that you can notice them in time to fix them. However, some more serious problems may not be noticeable until after considerable damage has already been done. Masonry flashing is often installed to prevent long-lasting water damage. To determine when your flashing may need to be repaired by DelPrete Masonry, it first helps to understand the function and importance of masonry flashing.(more…)
Regular masonry maintenance, cleaning, and repairs, can maintain the integrity of your buildings.
Masonry is a highly popular choice for building materials because it is durable but attractive and will provide your property with a distinguished style that lasts for years. However, regular masonry maintenance is required to guarantee longevity and the continued structural integrity of your building. At DelPrete Masonry, our brick and stone masonry experts have extensive experience maintaining masonry buildings. We know what to look for and how to resolve problems before they become disasters. Our maintenance programs include the following checks that provide thoughtful care to your buildings. (more…)
Trust masonry repairs to the professionals for the best results.
Masonry is one of the most attractive building materials, and it’s easy to see why it remains so popular to this day. However, despite its impressive longevity, brick and stone do need to be properly maintained to avoid any issues. It can be tempting to tackle masonry repairs on your own to save some money, but it almost always leads to wasted time and more money spent in the long run. Here are three reasons you should always leave masonry repairs to the professionals. (more…)
Learn more about the difference between masonry restoration and repairs, and when they are needed.
Masonry is a construction method that uses cement mortar to hold bricks or stones together. If you own a building composed of bricks or stones, you may need masonry repair at one point or another. However, sometimes masonry restoration describes the services that are required. Restoration serves to freshen up masonry that is showing the signs of aging and wear and tear that comes with it. What are the differences between masonry restoration and repair? Del Prete Masonry can provide our clients with both varieties of services, so their masonry buildings can remain beautiful and functional. (more…)
Call DelPrete Masonry for concrete patching services from the professionals.
When the concrete on your property is cracking or experiencing other issues, trying to fix the problem on your own can be tempting. However, DIY concrete patching always backfires and leaves you spending more in the end. What are some of the reasons why you should let only professionals patch the concrete on your property?(more…)
Here are some of the things that you can inspect from a professional masonry inspection.
Whether you are looking after your commercial masonry structures or the brick walls of your own home, having an inspection is a key step in addressing any possible issues. But what does the inspection process look like? Here are some of the things that you can expect from a professional masonry inspection.
Here are three things that can cause masonry deterioration.
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.
A fireplace can be a beautiful centerpiece of a room, and of your home. But sometimes brick fireplaces, in particular, can be tricky to maintain. Time and wear can start to cause problems, but if you don’t know what to look for, then it can be easy to miss signs of problems. Here’s how to spot where your brick fireplace might need repairs.
Here are some things you should know about acid washing.
After any new hardscaping project, you might notice that, in spite of cleaning the excess mortar, that there could be a chalky residue left behind. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy for this, which is an acid wash. By using an acid wash, your new masonry structure will be clean and look as fresh and new as it should. Here are some things you should know about acid washing.
How It Works
Acid washing cleans up the residue from a masonry project, such as a new installation or a repair job. By using a solution of acid, such as hydrochloric acid, that is diluted in water, the loose debris and thin film of mortar gets broken down so that it can be easily washed away. The reaction is usually mild and results in some bubbling, but in most cases, an acid wash eliminates the need for heavy scrubbing, which is why it is the preferred method of cleaning masonry.
DIY Acid Wash?
Although there are many acid wash products available at hardware stores for you to try yourself, there are a couple of reasons why it might not be a good idea to take on the project alone. First, most acid wash products require you to figure out the ratios for diluting the acid yourself. Even with instructions on the container, you might find that their recommendation is too weak or too strong for your project. Not to mention that handling acid can be very dangerous. Without the proper protective gear, you can get nasty chemical burns on your skin.
Hire a Professional
Lastly, acid washing can be a delicate process and if you leave the acid on too long or scrub it off too hard you run the risk of damaging your masonry structure. While acid washing can sometimes replace traditional cleanup or help make up for a sloppily installed masonry project, it won’t solve everything. It’s better to have an expert take care of your masonry maintenance so that you will have peace of mind that everything will turn out right.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!
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 new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Here are some possible causes of masonry deterioration.
When it comes to nearly any type of construction project, you can’t go wrong with masonry materials. But even top-notch masonry can deteriorate over time and require repairs. Here are some possible causes of masonry deterioration.
