Author Archive

Questions to Ask Your Masonry Contractor

Friday, March 25th, 2016

You may have a lot of questions floating around in your head. It’s important to make sure that you ask the right ones.

According to the Mason Contractors Association of America, qualified masons receive training to work with a several different materials, including bricks, natural rock, concrete, and tiles made of terra cotta, ceramic or stone. However, every masonry contractor has their own areas of special skill and experience. For example, Del Prete Masonry specializes in brick, block, and commercial concrete construction. When hiring a masonry contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions so that you know you are hiring a contractor who is right for your particular needs. Here are a few questions you can ask to guide your way to the best contractor for you. (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

Concrete Masonry is Kind to the Environment

Thursday, March 17th, 2016

Concrete masonry is an environmentally-conscious choice.

Sustainable solutions are very important in construction projects, and more and more companies are just realizing the benefits of concrete masonry.

From helping businesses with energy efficiency to using minimal equipment, concrete masonry is a great way to be environmentally conscious during your next project. Let’s take a look at specific examples of how concrete masonry is kind to the environment. (more…)

Posted in Concrete

The Benefits of Building a Retaining Wall

Friday, March 11th, 2016

Retaining walls combat erosion, discourage people from walking where you don’t want them to, and add an extra element to your landscaping.

Does part of your property slope towards your home? You may want to build a retaining wall. This is a wall that diverts runoff away from the home to prevent flooding. Plus, it can add a lot of flair to your landscaping! You can keep your lawn looking healthy and even landscape around your retaining wall to make it a focal point. There are several ways that you can benefit from adding a retaining wall to your property. (more…)

Posted in Stone Masonry

Where Does Granite Come From?

Friday, March 4th, 2016

Where does granite come from before it is shaped and polished?

While everyone knows that granite and natural stone make beautiful signs and hardscaping, not everyone knows where these popular materials come from and how they are made. How does granite get from deep within the earth’s core to your backyard or business? (more…)

Posted in Granite

How to Waterproof Bricks

Friday, February 26th, 2016

If you have bricks in an area where they may often get wet, you may want to consider waterproofing them.

Unsealed brick absorbs water, which can significantly threaten the integrity of porous brick masonry and mortar over time. Sealing and waterproofing the brick exterior of a home is a must, as it improves the home’s value by extending the life of its masonry in mortar. Especially in wetter climates, this is a must. If you live in a humid climate, be sure that the sealer you choose provides moisture protection. Follow these steps to waterproof bricks and ensure their longevity. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

How to Remove Paint Streaks from Bricks

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

Remove unsightly paint streaks carefully.

If the beautiful brick facade of your home is plagued by untidy-looking paint streaks, there is a definite solution. Follow these steps to keep your brickwork beautiful. Many consider options like sandblasting or acid treatment, and wonder if this is the sort of home repair they should even attempt without professional help. Take these tips and guidelines in mind when it comes time to remove pesky paint streaks and keep your brick beautiful. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Types of Surface Treatments for Antique Bricks

Monday, February 8th, 2016

Stucco was one of may popular surface treatments for antique brickwork.

If you have antique brickwork, you may have noticed one of many different types of surface treatments that were popular at the time the brickwork was constructed. The surface of brickwork was often treated to lend uniqueness to the facade, update the brickwork, or fix a poor tuckpointing job. Here are three types of surface treatments for bricks that you may have noticed on your antique brickwork. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick, Masonry Restoration

Tips for Tuckpointing Antique Brickwork

Friday, February 5th, 2016

This antique brickwork is in need of some tuckpointing.

Tuckpointing is a way to remove old mortar between bricks and replace it with fresh new mortar. This is necessary if your brickwork is old and the mortar is crumbling. Adding new mortar can improve the structural integrity of old or antique brickwork. If you are considering tuckpointing some old brickwork, here are a few tips to consider. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Brick Veneer vs. Solid Brick

Friday, January 29th, 2016

Which should you go with: brick veneer or solid brick?

Brick veneer and solid brick structures use some of the same construction materials, but their installation techniques are different. Brick veneer is not, contrary to popular belief, composed of thin pieces of brick though it looks almost identical to a solid brick structure. Brick veneer is constructed from steel or wooden framing, covered with wood sheathing or insulation. A single layer of brick is built near each exterior wall and held fast with metal ties. Veneer brick does not support the structure of the house but serves an entirely cosmetic function. There are many benefits and advantages to this method. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

How to Create Stunning Hardscaping, Part 2

Thursday, January 21st, 2016

This hardscaping design utilizes different colors and greenery to create a dynamic, eye-catching design.

In continuation of our last blog, here are even more tips on how to create the perfect hardscaping design! As we previously stated, planning is one of the most crucial aspects of creating a stunning hardscaping design. Here are even more planning tips to make sure that you end up with the best commercial hardscaping possible! (more…)

Posted in Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Stone Masonry