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…)
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…)
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.
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 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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
Stone and brick masonry provide for long lasting, structurally sound, and impressive architecture. However, as long lasting as masonry may be, older masonry structures may still need masonry restoration for a number of reasons. The original mortar holding the masonry together may not have been well made, acid rain may have taken a toll, physical weathering, or freak accidents can all damage masonry enough to require masonry restoration. If you own or operate a historic or otherwise venerable masonry structure it’s important that you get professional masonry restoration for your property. Professional masonry restoration can return structural stability, revive your masonries appearance, and protect the historic quality of the structure. Poorly done restoration may devalue the structure, or worse, cause more damage. (more…)