Uneven mortar could be a sign that your foundation is settling.
The foundation of a building is crucial to its structural integrity, so it’s imperative that you put in the time to maintain it. A number of issues can arise with foundations, ranging from water seeping through cracks to crumbling walls. Damaged foundations can cause settlement, in which a building sinks into the ground over the course of years. Here’s a few things you should watch out for. (more…)
Brick is a special material. After all, it can stand up to even the fiercest huffing and puffing!
A brickwork contractor is a mason that specializes in using brick to build structures. Brickwork contractors are highly skilled trades people that can create some of the most beautiful buildings you’ll lay eyes on. Brick is a timeless material, and the quality of brickwork is reflected in historic structures that have lasted over fifteen hundred years. Whether you’re making an addition to an existing structure or building something new entirely, employing a skilled brickwork contractor is a sound investment. Here’s what you need to know about brick and how they’re used to build things. (more…)
Natural stone is an elegant masonry material that offers a lot of benefits.
Natural stone is an incredibly beautiful and reliable material when it comes to residential and commercial design, but many business and home owners question its practicality. Here are a few common misconceptions about natural stone, and why you might want to consider it for your next project. (more…)
The right masonry contractor will make your project painless.
Custom masonry projects are an investment in building value into your business. Finding the right masonry contractor for the job is important for minimizing headaches and making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips for finding the right masonry contractor for your project’s needs. (more…)
Marble and limestone are the stones of history, and we must do our part to preserve them.
Stone is one of the most enduring construction materials, and has throughout history been a lasting testament to architecture. Marble and limestone, valued for their versatility and beauty, are two of the most common materials used in historic structures. But despite their tenacity, even marble and limestone will suffer from wear over time. Pollution and urbanization are contributing to stone deterioration faster than ever before.
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Masonry paints can help you achieve the right look for your project.
We discussed last week how you can change the look of your structure’s exterior through masonry staining. But what if you want a more custom color or design?Masonry paints can help you achieve the look you want. Still, not all masonry materials are the same and finding the right paint for the job can be tricky. Here’s a few things to keep in mind so that you can make the right choices for your next masonry project. (more…)
Masonry staining adds flexibility to any masonry project.
Masonry staining is the art and science of transforming the color of masonry with a custom stain solution. Masonry staining is a crucial component of the masonry industry and has empowered architects, owners and project managers to achieve a desired color when designing and building with masonry. With masonry staining traditional color limitations can be overcome and risks associated with a project can be avoided. (more…)
A stone sign demonstrates confidence in your business.
Many businesses often overlook the need for creating a custom, unique sign. A business sign is more than just a way for your customers to locate your company. Custom stone signage distinguishes your business from competitors and promotes your brand. A good sign can help plant the seeds for future sales and client relations. If you’re planning to start a new business investing in custom stone signage should be a key consideration.
Be cautious when handling fresh cement.
Concrete is an incredibly beneficial material to work with due to its malleable characteristics when freshly mixed, and durability when hardened. Still, it’s imperative to understand the risks surrounding concrete construction job sites and how you can minimize exposure to health and safety hazards.
Wet cement is a caustic material that can result in severe chemical burns when exposed to the skin or eyes. Stay safe by always wearing the proper eye protection, alkali-resistant gloves, and full length shirts and pants when working near wet cement. If you must stand in fresh concrete while it’s being placed, ensure that you are wearing water proof boots.
Furthermore, cement presents the danger of inhalation due to its naturally small particles. Exposure to cement dust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory system. Exercise safety precaution by wearing a dust mask when opening bags or sacks of cement.
Working on a construction site can present a number of hazards that may cause bodily harm. Wear a hard hat to protect your head and avoid working beneath heavy machinery where falling objects may be common.
Materials and machinery required to make and pour concrete can also be very heavy and strenuous on a person’s body. Take care to keep your back straight and your legs bent to avoid strain on your back when lifting heavy objects.
Make sure you know to use tools and operate machinery safely before doing so. Exercise caution near mixers and ready-mix trucks that have confined spaces.
Any areas of the skin that come into contact with wet concrete should be washed away immediately with cold, running water. Flush your eyes with water if they come into contact with fresh concrete. If burns persist, seek medical assistance right away. Don’t let small problems turn into big ones!
Need someone to do the heavy lifting? feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration 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.
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Keep your bricks looking beautiful for years to come with the proper commercial brick repair.
Whether you just purchased a historic building, found a fixer-upper, or have been in an aging property for a long time, you may not realize that seemingly small issues with your brick masonry may indicate huge problems for you now or in the future. By getting commercial brick repair done today, you can insure your beautiful brick will both embellish and support your building for years to come.
If your brick masonry has lines distributed through it that look like the side view of a flight of stairs, it’s time to repair the cracking before it becomes a bigger problem. Cracking along mortar joints can indicate foundation problems that may require major repairs. Cracking can also suggest more minor issues like an initial design flaw, deterioration, or settlement.
Even businesses and homes that do not have all-over brick masonry may have brick chimneys. While chimneys are self-supporting structures, if they are not properly cared for they can lose their ability to support the building and potentially damage the surrounding structure. It can be easy to put off chimney repairs since they seem costly and unnecessary, but getting a brick repair specialist to examine the structure is your best bet to prevent problems down the road.
This symptom indicates a major structural issue. If any part of the building or home appears to be leaning forward or to the side, it is vital to address the issue immediately. The section of wall or chimney that looks unstable today can turn in to an entire building that is unstable and legally uninhabitable tomorrow.
Unsecured walls are another urgent problem for your business property. You may need this type of commercial brick repair if corners were cut before or after you acquired the property. Many times historical properties undergoing renovation or restoration need walls reconnected to make the building safe again. Before you worry about cosmetic concerns, make sure you tackle structural issues!
You may not notice a leak until after a particularly bad thunderstorm or flash flood, but once it’s there it should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent more harm to your business. A leak in the wall will eventually lead to building-wide deterioration and can be quickly resolved with our expertise (and prevented in the future with waterproofing services).
Stains are expected as your masonry ages and a great and cost-effective way to spruce up your building’s appearance is by getting your bricks restored or repointed. Brick is a beautiful and historic building material and by properly caring for your brick, your business can shine from the foundation to the façade.
If you are worried about leaning or just want to get your brick looking brand new, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our commercial brick repair 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.