13548 Jarrettsville Pike | Phoenix, MD 21131 410.683.0650
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Author Archive

The Benefits of Custom Masonry Monuments

Friday, June 3rd, 2016
custom masonry monuments

A custom masonry monument lets others know who you are as well as provides useful information at a glance.

An outdoor sign is one of the most traditional forms of advertising, but it is still one of the most effective.

Custom masonry monuments catch the eye of a potential customer, and it’s a nice way to introduce your business to a new potential client. With a well-placed sign, you help set your business up for success. Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits of custom masonry monuments. (more…)

The Benefits of Concrete Blocks

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016

Concrete blocks offer numerous benefits across a number of different construction, landscaping and hardscaping applications. It is a budget friendly and earth friendly material that can suit a number of different tastes and designs. To learn more about the many benefits of concrete blocks, read on.

Concrete Blocks Cut Construction Costs

Concrete blocks are a budget friendly and earth friendly material that can be used for any number of designs and landscaping.

Concrete blocks are a budget friendly and earth friendly material that can be used for any number of designs and landscaping.

Concrete blocks are a budget-friendly building material and are far cheaper than a number of other common building materials. In order to produce brick hectors of land, a large amount of wood and coal are utilized. Concrete blocks are significantly cheaper as they require fewer resources to manufacture. This translates into lower costs overall. In fact, each block of concrete saves approximately 25% when compared to brick.

Using Concrete Blocks Leads To A Reduction In Maintenance Costs

In the long run, concrete buildings, structures, and pavements stand the test of time while requiring minimal maintenance compared to other materials, giving them a definite edge. Moisture, which warps wood and causes metal to rust and degrade, has no such effect on concrete blocks. While wood is vulnerable to moisture, sunlight, mold, and insect infestation, concrete blocks are not and will not require costly repair under these conditions. This is why structures built thousands of years ago using concrete still stand today.

Concrete Blocks Are Energy Efficient

It turns out that 80% or more of the greenhouse gasses generated from structures are released due to the energy it takes to constantly heat and cool them. Concrete is different. Insulated concrete wall systems have a high R-value and thermal mass as well as low air infiltration. This means that unlike other structures, which leach heat or cool air out into the world, concrete structures have high thermal efficiency and ensure a stellar energy performance. Homes constructed with insulated concrete do not experience large temperature fluctuations, and can cut their energy bills by up to 25%.

Get In Touch With Del Prete Masonry Today

For all of your questions regarding marble flooring, 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.

Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook,Twitter, and Google+!

 

Featured Project: Lake Roland Park Stormwater Basin

Friday, May 20th, 2016
stormwater basin before after

The original stormwater basin (left) and the basin with new natural stones (right).

Our team recently finished work on an interesting project that we thought our readers would enjoy! We set to work reconstructing an old stormwater basin in Lake Roland Park. This stone stormwater basin has been a feature of the park since 1840. It was crucial for us to restore the stormwater basin so that it had renewed structural integrity while still preserving the original design of the basin. The result is a new and functional basin that still captures the history of the park. (more…)

Why Use Natural Stone?

Friday, May 13th, 2016
natural stone

Natural stone adds a sophisticated, natural element to any structure.

When it comes time to plan or build a new structure, many wonder just what materials to use. There are certainly a number of different mediums to choose from, all with their own unique pros, cons, look, and lifespan. Natural stone, however, is an old favorite that’s always worth another look for these, and many other reasons.   (more…)

When Is Masonry Demolition Necessary?

Friday, May 6th, 2016
masonry demolition

Cracks in your masonry are a sign that you need repair or replacement.

If you notice cracks or chips in your bricks or concrete blocks, then it may be time to have them repaired or replaced. Dilapidated masonry can negatively affect the professional presentation of a business, which may even affect your success with sales and client retention. If left untreated, defects in masonry could worsen and even become safety hazards. It’s important to know when you need masonry demolition and to act quickly before the damage worsens. (more…)

The Benefits of Marble Flooring Restoration

Friday, April 29th, 2016
White-marble

While marble is incredibly durable, marble floor restoration is needed to maintain its full beauty.

Few types of flooring can match the benefits of marble. This natural stone is not only beautiful but it offers many other advantages over wood, carpet and even many other stone materials. It can be used in a wide variety of applications, including commercial settings, personal residences and places such as hotel lobbies, ballrooms and more. However, after many years of foot traffic, there is a good chance that your marble flooring  is in need of repair, cleaning or other restoration services. By allowing a professional marble restoration company to conduct this maintenance you’ll always enjoy the benefits that marble flooring has to offer. (more…)

The Advantages of Commercial Brick Repointing

Friday, April 22nd, 2016
commercial brick repointing

Commercial brick repointing adds value and longevity to your structures.

There are a large number of reasons why building owners seek the restoration of the external fabric of buildings, such as brick repointing. Brick repointing aids in conservation, property value, image, resale, and helps to combat the inevitable obsolescence of the materials used in older buildings. In much of the western world the main construction materials used in a number of buildings have been brick, stone and flint. While together these things have great longevity, they do not last forever, and these components age at different rates, often leading them to need repair at different times. Periodic brickwork replacement and brick repointing, especially stopping mortar failure, is key.   (more…)

Modern Surface Treatments for Bricks

Friday, April 15th, 2016
modern surface treatments

Treating brick surfaces is a great way to get a unique and modern look.

Looking for a way to make your lobby or office look modern and chic? There are many different types of surface treatments that can take exposed brick to a new level of trendiness. One of the more popular ways of treating indoor brickwork is to coat the surface in mortar or plaster. The result is a white wall where the bricks can be seen underneath the treatment. Levels or mortar or plaster and the texture of the finish can vary depending on which style you choose. Here are a few of the more popular trends. (more…)

Masonry Repair for Chimneys

Friday, April 8th, 2016
masonry repair

Masonry repair can restore an old and decrepit chimney.

Chimneys are known for durability, but that durability can lend homeowners to ignore masonry repair needs. Chimneys perform several important functions, and one that is deteriorating can be a safety hazard. As long as you keep up with maintenance and masonry repairs, however, you can extend the lifespan of your chimney and ensure it works properly. (more…)

The Benefits of Stone Walkways

Friday, April 1st, 2016
stone walkway

A natural stone walkway is an elegant and functional addition to your landscaping.

You may have a specific reason why you like stone walkways, but there are actually four huge benefits to having these magnificent walkways installed.

With summer approaching, now is a great time to have a professional masonry contractor work on your landscape before they get too booked. Let’s dive right in and take a look at these four amazing benefits of stone walkways. (more…)