Posts Tagged ‘ masonry repairs ’

The Top 4 Signs of Brick Masonry Problems

Friday, November 9th, 2018

Vertical cracks are one of the more minor brick masonry problems, but if left unfixed, they can lead to bowed bricks and damage to the inner wall.

Brick masonry buildings and structures are made to last for years at a time. However, just like any other materials, your brick masonry will begin to wear and tear over time, especially if the proper care isn’t implemented. You want to fix any masonry problems you have as soon as possible to prevent them from getting any worse. Here are the top four signs of brick masonry problems.

Bowed Brick

Also known as bulging brick, this is when the bricks in your wall are either caving in or jutting out in certain areas. This occurs because of moisture that has accumulated behind the brick. The moisture can warp the bricks, forcing them to push out or soften the wood behind the brick, causing them to cave in.

Vertical Cracks

This is a common type of wall crack that occurs because of natural expansion of your brick masonry. With vertical cracks, you don’t have to worry about your building’s foundation being majorly affected. However, vertical cracks still allow water in, so it could lead to bowed bricks or damage to the inner wall if it’s left unfixed.

Compacted Bricks

A compacted brick is one of the easiest signs to spot because the shape of the brick will be different than normal. Compacted bricks open a hole in the wall, allowing water to get through. They also will damage more bricks over time because it can’t provide sufficient pressure to the bricks next to it to keep them in place.

Spalling

If brick masonry begins spalling, this means that the face of the brick is chipping. This is caused by corrosion to the shelf angle that sits behind the brick. The shelf angle is a metal piece that is installed behind a row of bricks in order to distribute the weight of the bricks evenly between the ground and the building. If the angle shelf corrodes, it can lose its strength and cause the weight distribution to become uneven, which can potentially be very dangerous.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Brick Masonry Repairs!

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, Google+, and Pinterest.

Posted in Brick

4 Signs That Your Brick Fireplace Needs Repairs

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

A brick fireplace adds a great look to any home while also keeping it warm and cozy, but you want to make sure you know when it needs repairs!

There is nothing like a beautiful brick fireplace in your home to make things warm and cozy. Fireplaces are great additions to any home and can also add property value. You want to make sure that you take good care of your fireplace to get the best lifespan out of it. Here are four signs that your brick fireplace needs repairs.

White Dust

You want to thoroughly examine the bricks on your fireplace and look for any white stains or powder. If you do see white dust, this means that efflorescence took place on the masonry. Efflorescence is when moisture accumulates in the masonry and pushes the salt inside of it to the surface. Moisture accumulation can damage your masonry so you want to repair it if you see this sign.

Crumbling Mortar

The mortar on your brick fireplace is the white substance between the bricks that holds them all together. If you notice that the mortar seems to be crumbling and falling off the bricks or that you can pick the mortar off with your fingers, this is a sign that your fireplace needs repairs. This could be because of moisture or because the chimney is becoming weak, causing the entire formation to loosen. If you notice crumbling mortar, it’s best not to continue to use the fireplace until it gets fixed.

Firebox Rust

The firebox is the part of the fireplace where the fuel is combusted. That means that it’s the part that creates the most heat. Because of this, it should never start to rust or become corroded. Cracking and holes in the firebox is a sign of rusting and corrosion which can potentially be very dangerous. You want to repair this as soon as you notice it and take precautions so that no more moisture gets into your brick fireplace.

Flakes in Masonry

Spalling is when the masonry materials begin to flake off. If you can flake pieces off of your brick fireplace, that means that there is too much moisture present. If the masonry is spalling, it is best not to use the fireplace because it can be dangerous. Once you notice that your brick fireplace is becoming flaky or any of the above signs, you want to contact a professional to make the necessary repairs.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Masonry Repairs!

If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Posted in Brick

Masonry Repairs vs. Restoration: What’s the Difference?

Friday, July 13th, 2018

You can choose either masonry repairs or masonry restoration to fix your damaged masonry.

If you are noticing that your masonry is starting to look damaged and worn down, it may be time to invest some money into fixing it. Masonry repairs and masonry restoration are actually two different things. Your contractor will either do one or the other to renew your masonry, depending on your needs. Here is the difference between masonry repairs and masonry restoration.

The Process

Repair: When a contractor repairs masonry, they replace the areas that are damaged with new brick or stone. They will often use caulking to repair any small masonry cracks and use concrete to fill larger cracks.

Restoration: With masonry restoration, all of the old masonry is removed and new mortar is put down (a process called repointing). After the new mortar is applied, the masonry is applied again. They will clean the mortar and seal the surface so that the original look of it is preserved, but it will look as if it was freshly built all over again.

Time Frame

Repair: The time that it takes for masonry repairs varies depending on how bad the damage is and how detailed the masonry is. However, repairs are typically done in a shorter period of time than restoration.

Restoration: Masonry restoration requires a lot more attention to detail than repairs. This is because the new elements must match the surrounding older materials to make it look as good as new. You want to plan for a longer process when choosing restoration.

Budget

Repair: Because masonry repairs are generally less extensive than masonry restoration, repairs are typically the cheaper option. This is good for those who have a smaller budget, but still want to improve the look of their masonry.

Restoration: Masonry restoration requires a larger budget than repairs do. However, the final result is worth the money invested into it. Masonry restoration gives your building a fresh look and may be worth expanding your budget for.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Masonry Repairs and Restoration!

Posted in Masonry Restoration

Masonry Repairs For The Spring Season

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Since your chimney sits on the roof, it is the most susceptible to weather damage. You want to get masonry repairs done as soon you come across any damage.

Spring is finally here which means that the warm weather is on its way. It also means that it’s time to look over your masonry and see what repairs you need. Spring is the ideal time for masonry repairs because it requires a lot of time outdoors and the harsh winter weather may have taken a toll on your building or structure. Fixing these repairs in a timely manner can save you money on extensive masonry restoration that you may need if you leave it be. Here are some masonry repairs you may need this spring season.

Chimneys

Since chimneys sit on the roof of a building, it is typically the most susceptible to damage from the weather. Freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice can increase the chances of cracks and leaks in your chimney. You want to check for any cracks in the crown of the chimney or bricks that appear to be coming loose. You also want to look for a white liquid substance coming from the chimney which could indicate that it may be absorbing water. These masonry repairs can prevent more extensive structural damage and avoid potential fire hazards.

Bricks

If your building is made from bricks, you want to inspect the interior after all that snow melts away from it. Bulging bricks or mortar can indicate drainage issues. Cracks in the bricks are a sign of foundation problems which are more likely to happen in the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs. You should invest in masonry repairs if you notice any of these problems. Proper maintenance and upkeep of your gutters and downspouts will help to avoid future damage to your brick masonry.

Windows

The cold weather can have an impact on the seals of your windows. If your room feels colder or more drafty than usual, that could be a sign that the caulking needs to be redone or that the seal is starting to come loose. Any leaks or holes in the seals can cause more hot or cold air than you would like to come into your building, which can increase your energy bills. If you notice any of these problems, it might be a good idea to hire someone to reseal your windows or in an extreme case, you may need completely new ones.

Your Preferred Masonry Contractor Is Del Prete Masonry

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore