Posts Tagged ‘ masonry restoration ’

Signs That Your Masonry Needs Reparation

Friday, February 16th, 2018

Make sure you know when it is time for masonry reparation!

Your masonry might need reparation if there is seepage or structural damage present. However, how can you identify whether one of those two conditions are occurring? There are many signs, some subtle and some obvious, that your masonry is in need of repair. Here is what you need to know about the signs you might need masonry reparation!

Seepage Problems

Every foundation can slowly seep water into the home through tiny cracks in the basement floor as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure. This can also occur over the foundation wall whenever there are yard drainage problems, grading issues, or poorly sloped exterior hardscaping additions (like sidewalks, patios, and decks). Anything that forces water to flow towards your home instead of away from it can lead to seepage problems on the inside of the home.

Porous Masonry

What is the masonry in your home made from? If the stone used to make your foundation was porous, like unglazed telephone tile or terra cotta, it could cause seepage and foundation problems. Historic district brick foundations are also sometimes made from old clay bricks that can absorb excess water and start to deteriorate. The biggest problem-type of foundation is made from CMU, which is also known as concrete block. This mixture can be very porous if it is not properly made.

Mortar Joints

Mortar joints are also a prime spot for problems with seepage in foundations and masonry, since mortar is simply a mixture of cement and sand. If the masonry has not been repointed in a while, the mortar might be deteriorated to the extent that it cannot keep moisture out from the surface of the bricks adequately. Mortar joints are a very common weak spot in masonry walls, so if you are experiencing seepage and not sure where it’s coming from, there’s a good chance that it’s from them!

Structural Issues

Structural problems can also require a masonry reparation to fix. Lateral pressure as a result of very damp soil can put a great deal of pressure on masonry and lead to structural problems. Whenever expanded soil presses firmly against a masonry wall, there is a potential for pushing the wall in a certain direction and creating a need for masonry reparation.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at (410)-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Posted in Masonry Restoration

Understanding Masonry Restoration

Friday, January 19th, 2018

Masonry Restoration is a true necessity in some cases.

Masonry restoration is an important process that keeps historic buildings and new buildings in great condition. While many people assume that repointing a brick wall is the same as restoration, that’s simplifying the process a little bit too much! Here is what you should know to fully understand masonry restoration. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor, Masonry Restoration, Stone Masonry

What Exactly Is Masonry Restoration?

Friday, September 1st, 2017

Masonry restoration is a broad term used to refer to any work on masonry on a home or commercial property that is already standing.

Masonry restoration is a broad term used to refer to any work on masonry on a home or commercial property that is already standing. It can refer to minor repairs in the brick outside or major restoration work on a historical building. Repointing is one of the most essential parts of masonry restoration, but it isn’t the only thing that occurs. Today we’re talking about masonry restoration, and what it is and is not. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

How to Choose the Right Masonry Contractor

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process.

Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process. The right masonry contractor will have the expertise, equipment, and experience to get the job done right the first time. Here are some of our tips for finding the perfect masonry contractor for your job. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor

The Difference Between Limestone and Marble

Thursday, October 13th, 2016

Marble is a metamorphic rock, the result of a transformation of pre-existing rock.

For centuries, limestone and marble have been used to create man-made monuments and structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the first architectural marvels crafted with limestone. So what exactly is the difference between limestone and marble? Here’s a look into what makes these stones so unique. (more…)

Posted in Marble

Maintaining and Restoring Historic Marble and Limestone Structures

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Marble and limestone are the stones of history, and we must do our part to preserve them.

Stone is one of the most enduring construction materials, and has throughout history been a lasting testament to architecture. Marble and limestone, valued for their versatility and beauty, are two of the most common materials used in historic structures. But despite their tenacity, even marble and limestone will suffer from wear over time. Pollution and urbanization are contributing to stone deterioration faster than ever before.
(more…)

Posted in Marble

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

When is it Time for Masonry Restoration?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2015

Masonry is one of the oldest professions out there, dating back to well over 5,000 years ago. Even though centuries have been spent now to try and perfect the art, unfortunately, brick and stone work does deteriorate over a period of time. When that happens, you may be tempted to demolish it. Maybe you would even just leave it be and hope it doesn’t get any worse. But in fact, oftentimes, the best course of action is to hire an experienced and detail-oriented company to professionally restore your masonry. At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

Reasons for Masonry Restoration

1. It’s lacking in the aesthetics department.

Crumbling, faded masonry just isn’t pretty to look at. If your building’s structure is still completely functional, just could use a face lift, masonry restoration is a great option to preserve the original building and avoid the costs of demolition.

2. It’s unstable.

Although stone and brick masonry stands up well to the elements, if it was constructed poorly or is just very old, it may start to crack and crumble. DelPrete Masonry will be able to take a look and tell if masonry restoration can help to bring stability back to your structure.

3. It’s historic.

Many brick and stone structures and buildings contain rich history. By neglecting to maintain them properly, you could be neglecting a piece of history.

Many times, masonry restoration is the best option if you think your masonry could use a little love. Avoid costly and time-consuming demolition and save history through the simple process of restoration with DelPrete Masonry.

At DelPrete Masonry, we offer professional masonry restoration for your building or structure. DelPrete Masonry is a commercial masonry construction and restoration company that services Baltimore and the surrounding area. For more than 25 years, we’ve been performing quality masonry work for a wide variety of clients with different masonry needs. We’ve built a solid reputation for ourselves in the Baltimore area as a leading commercial masonry service. For more information, 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 Blog, Masonry Restoration

Restoring your Bricks by Tuckpointing

Monday, May 25th, 2015

Do your bricks need a facelift?

Bricks wear down over the years from moisture and weather, but what if you could restore them? Well, using a method known as “tuckpointing” you can. Tuckpointing restores the mortar of your bricks and keeps them looking fresh and new. So, are you ready to learn more about tuckpointing? Here we go! (more…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

Importance of Professional Masonry Restoration

Monday, March 16th, 2015

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…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration