Whether you have a concrete curb, driveway, or monument, you know that concrete is a material that is both versatile and durable. Although concrete is incredibly low maintenance, knowing a few simple tricks to take care of it can help it last a lifetime. Read on for a quick guide to help you take good care of your concrete.
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Your wonderful brick home may have been in the family for ages. Or on the other hand, you may have purchased a fixer-upper with brickwork that had a ton of character and potential. Either way, you might be worried the condition of your brick could prompt more significant issues later on. Luckily, normal assessments and calling an expert for refurbishing, or even repairs, is a straightforward method to deal with issues like worn, broken brick and disintegrating mortar. Here are a couple of things to assess when finding a way to save the magnificence of your home.
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When it comes to most buildings and structures, water damage can be a huge problem. And this even includes masonry structures. Here are some of the negative effects of moisture in your masonry structures.
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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.
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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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For many buildings and masonry structures, both old and new, masonry restoration is a key process that helps them stay in good condition. But the process might sound complicated to the average person. Here are the basics of what happens in masonry restoration.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Masonry structures are durable and meant to last for years, but that doesn’t mean that you might not run into the occasional weak spot in the mortar. Not to worry, it is very common to repair masonry structures by repointing these weak spots in the brick joints. If you have been wondering about what happens in this process, here is a brief overview of what it takes to repair brick joints.
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Leaving excess water can lead to a number of problems.
Although masonry structures can hold up against natural weathering for years, even the most durable structures are not immune to water damage. Moisture accumulation is an issue that is as easily overlooked as it can be fixed. But leaving excess water, whether from heavy rains or leaky pipes, can lead to a number of problems.
Concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars.
Concrete is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and durable material and a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects. But in places like driveways, concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars. Here are some tips that will help to take the frustration out of cleaning.