Maintain the beauty of your commercial masonry structure with DelPrete Masonry.
Masonry construction is widely recognized for its durability, beauty, and strength, making it a top choice for commercial properties. Whether your building features brick, stone, or precast materials, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving its structural integrity and appearance. With the right approach, and services from DelPrete Masonry, your masonry structure can last for decades with minimal issues.
Here are key strategies to extend the lifespan of your commercial masonry structure and protect your investment for years to come.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Preventative maintenance starts with identifying issues early. Schedule regular inspections, ideally annually, with a qualified masonry professional. They’ll look for signs of deterioration, water infiltration, mortar decay, or foundation movement. Catching small cracks or moisture issues early can prevent more extensive (and expensive) damage in the future.
Professional inspections also ensure that your building continues to meet safety standards and local building codes.
Repair Damaged Mortar with Tuckpointing
Mortar is the binding material that holds your bricks or stones together, but over time it can deteriorate due to weather, water, and natural aging. If your mortar joints appear cracked, crumbly, or recessed, it may be time for tuckpointing.
Tuckpointing involves removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh, color-matched mortar to restore both strength and appearance. This not only reinforces your commercial masonry structure but also helps prevent water intrusion.
Seal and Waterproof the Exterior
Moisture is one of masonry’s biggest enemies. Even though brick and stone are naturally durable, they’re also porous and can absorb water. Over time, this can lead to cracking, staining, efflorescence, and freeze-thaw damage.
Apply a professional-grade sealant or water repellent to your masonry exterior every few years. A proper sealant keeps moisture out while still allowing the structure to breathe, protecting against long-term water damage and helping extend the life of your building.
Clean the Masonry the Right Way
Dirt, mold, and pollutants can collect on your masonry, especially in high-traffic or urban environments. Regular cleaning improves appearance and prevents staining, but it’s important to clean masonry gently and correctly.
Avoid harsh power washing, which can damage bricks or mortar joints. Instead, use low-pressure rinsing with appropriate masonry-safe cleaners, or hire a professional to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
Watch for Signs of Foundation Movement
Uneven settling, sloping sidewalks, stair-step cracks, and doors that won’t close properly are signs that your commercial masonry building’s foundation may be shifting. Foundation problems can compromise the structural integrity of your masonry walls, leading to dangerous cracking or collapse.
If you notice these signs, call a masonry professional immediately. Foundation repairs—especially when addressed early—can protect your masonry and avoid complete wall reconstruction.
Address Efflorescence Promptly
Efflorescence appears as a white, powdery residue on the surface of brick or stone. It’s caused by moisture drawing salts out of the masonry. While often cosmetic, it can be a sign of water infiltration.
Removing efflorescence is important, but so is identifying and correcting the moisture source. Sealing cracks, improving drainage, or repairing flashing may be necessary to prevent recurrence.
Partner with Trusted Masonry Experts
Ultimately, extending the lifespan of your commercial masonry structure comes down to working with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of brick and stone construction. Whether you need restoration, repairs, or preventative maintenance, a skilled masonry contractor will help you protect your investment long-term.
At DelPrete Masonry, we’ve been providing expert masonry services to commercial clients for decades. Contact DelPrete Masonry today to schedule a consultation and keep your masonry building in top condition for years to come.
CONTACT DEL PRETE MASONRY TODAY!
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 follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: brick, brick masonry, efflorescence, masonry contractor, tuckpointing