Author Archive

What should I know about Tuckpointing?

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Do your mortar joints and brick masonry walls seem rundown? It might be time to do some home repairs, including tuckpointing. What is tuckpointing? It is the process of mortar joints repair of stone and brick masonry walls. In the tuckpointing process, grinding and raking of the mortar happens and then the filling of new mortar is done. This is no easy job and you should hire a reputable masonry contractor to do the labor-intensive job. You will know you are due for tuckpointing if your mortar joints have powdered material coming from it by a scratching the surface. If you cannot tell, a masonry contractor can assess the condition of your mortar joints.

It is important to hire a masonry contractor to do your tuckpointing because weakened mortar has the tendency to break down stone and brick masonry walls and result in moisture problems within your walls. The tuckpointing will help waterproof your mortar joints while extending the life of your walls. You will want to have tuckpointing done as soon as you notice a problem because it will save you a great deal of money in the long-run by preventing your masonry wall from deteriorating to the point you only have the option to tear it down and build a new wall. That’s expensive and you want to spot tuckpointing when you notice any loose masonry units such as brick and stone. When a budding has a new tuckpointed wall, you can expect the good condition to last for 25 years or more, depending on the quality of work from the masonry contractor. If you live in a high precipitation or high humidity area, you will want to check your brick and mortar often. For the best results, have your masonry work performed by a very professional and reputable contractor. This is the best way to guarantee you will have long lasting mortar joints that look good.

As for tuck pointing affordability, go for a quality and a good cost by comparing quotes and getting references. You want a masonry contractor with extensive experience to do your tuckpointing. This is not a job for amateurs because all tuckpointing projects are unique, whether on a flat ground surface or high-rise building, a masonry contractor needs to know what she or he is doing. Here at Prete Masonry we are here to do your tuck pointing right.

Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding new masonry construction, 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+.

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Properly Demolishing Your Concrete Masonry

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Proper preparation is key to a successful concrete masonry demolition.

There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry.

Demolition projects should not be taken lightly. Not only do you need the proper tools to take on a concrete demolition project, but you also need to implement proper safety techniques when moving and lifting the concrete. There are a few key elements to keep in mind when properly demolishing your concrete masonry. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Keep Your Concrete Masonry Looking Like New

Thursday, October 8th, 2015

When you think about concrete, you usually don’t think about maintenance. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, and most people don’t think it really needs much upkeep. The fact is, properly maintained concrete lasts longer and looks better. Maintaining concrete, especially decorative concrete, can extend its life and beauty and keep it looking clean and bright, rather than faded, dirty, and stained. Why wouldn’t you want to keep your investment protected? Let’s learn how to properly maintain our decorative concrete structures!

Maintaining concrete, especially decorative concrete, can extend its life and beauty and keep it looking clean and bright, rather than faded, dirty, and stained. Why wouldn’t you want to keep your investment protected?

Four Steps to Maintaining Your Concrete Masonry

Clean your concrete at least annually

Concrete is pretty low-maintenance, but you should clean it at least once a year to remove dirt and grime build-up as well as rust and other types of stains. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Concrete

Helpful Hints for Properly Cleaning Your Masonry

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

When it comes time to clean your masonry, it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to do it right. Masonry is fairly low-maintenance, but does require regular upkeep from time to time. If you don’t understand proper cleaning techniques, you run the risk of permanently altering its appearance or damaging your structure. We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

Masonry Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Do tests before you dive in.

Before you dive into your cleaning project, you should always do a test beforehand. Try out your cleaning product beforehand – on different stains, on different brick colors, and in different places. Cleaning chemicals and stains can be very different and not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you’re testing in an inconspicuous area and give it time to dry before you make a decision. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Masonry Restoration

Beautiful Stone Masonry Signs Set the Tone for Your Business

Thursday, September 24th, 2015

Do you know what looks tacky? A flimsy plastic sign to advertise your business. Or even worse, a flashy electronic marquee sign with bright red, scrolling text. Those signs are fine to catch someone’s attention, but wouldn’t you prefer a more timeless sign with longevity and class? You want to choose a sign that will last forever, not show signs of wear, and look great out in front of your business. Send the right message to your clients with a beautiful stone masonry sign.

Send the right message to your clients with a beautiful stone masonry sign.

Why Opt for Stone Masonry Signs?

If you’re from the Baltimore area, you’ve probably seen one of our superior signs out and about. We are most proud of our signs out in front of Johns Hopkins University and M&T Bank Stadium, for example. Send the right message about your business by choosing a stone masonry sign. Here are some other reasons to choose stone masonry signs: (more…)

Posted in Blog

The Top 4 Commercial Masonry Demolition Methods

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

So it’s finally time for your old masonry structure to go. It’s old, it’s crumbling, it’s ugly – and it’s past the time for restoration. You’ve called Del Prete Masonry for help and now you’re wondering just how we will go about demolishing your structure or building. Well, there are four different ways we might go about it. Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed. Find out what method we will use to demolish your masonry structure in this week’s blog.

Demolition methods will vary depending on several factors: the area the demolition will occur, the building material, the demolition’s purpose, and the method that debris must be disposed.

Masonry Demolition Methods

Implosion

Perhaps the most “fun” demolition method, implosion involves the use of explosives to eliminate the critical vertical structure supports. A blaster crew will need to first assess the structure to identify what areas need to be blasted, what type of explosives to use, and how to time the detonations. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Demolition

5 Things You Never Knew about Granite!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

We know that granite has a rich history, but generally, we don’t know much else.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone. We narrowed down five interesting facts for all of you granite enthusiasts.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone.

1. Granite’s Long History

Since granite is a natural stone, and it has been used as a building material for several centuries. Most people don’t realize that granite is an igneous rock, which means it was formed by volcanic activity. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Granite

4 Benefits of Constructing with Marble

Tuesday, September 1st, 2015

Using marble in a construction project can stretch a few budgets, but the benefits outweigh the initial price tag and provide a solid return on your investment.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

Heat Resistance

Some construction materials have a hard time dealing with the heat. The sun’s rays can actually start to wear down certain materials, and you also may have to deal with the material being hot to the touch on especially blistering days. When marble is used in a project, however, it’s beneficial because it offers uniformity in the temperature levels throughout a home, building or other structure. In the summer, marble allows for a naturally cooler temperature than structures not made from marble. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Marble

How to Properly Clean Your Stone Building

Monday, August 24th, 2015

A balancing act is required when cleaning a stone building. You want to improve the aesthetics of your property, but you also need to make sure that the cleaning agents will not damage the structure and integrity of the stone.

Cleaning a stone building is not a simple project, and there are many important nuances to consider before embarking on a big project.

Stone Buildings and Abrasive Cleaning

Abrasive cleaning normally offers a quick turnaround through sandblasting and other methods to remove dirt and old paint. Unfortunately, abrasive cleaning can erode the structure and foundation of the building material. For something as historic as stone buildings, abrasive cleaning can generally cause more harm to the aesthetics and structure than good. Ornamental stone is at great risk of becoming damaged when excessive abrasive cleaning tactics are implemented. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Stone Masonry

Benefits of Using Stone to Construct Buildings

Friday, August 21st, 2015

Stone can be a beautiful way to construct or just accent your buildings and other structures. But what makes it advantageous over other building materials like brick, for example? The following are five reasons to consider using stone as the material for your next building:

Stone can be a beautiful way to construct or just accent your buildings and other structures. But what makes it advantageous over other building materials like brick, for example?

Advantages of Building with Stone

Environmentally friendly

Since stone is a natural material, it does not contain any toxic substances that may be harmful to humans. It can even be used in food areas! Stone does not require any chemicals or safety coatings to be made safe to use. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Stone Masonry