Things to Know About Masonry

Masonry is among the most popular construction methods used around the world. However, this method is usually misunderstood. Based on the definition of masonry, it is any stonework building or structure in which materials, such as stones, concrete blocks, and more, are connected and bound with the help of mortar. A paste type of mortar, cement, when dry, aids the structure to hold together.  

Each country all over the world can give examples of masonry constructions that still even decades after decades. Masonry buildings are strong, durable, and can withstand other physical forces and extreme weather. When masonry is appropriately reinforced, it can even resist hurricanes and earthquakes. Knowing more about masonry can help you determine the best option to get for your construction projects, such as residential homes, businesses, a retaining block wall, walkways, and more.  

Popular Masonry Materials 

A masonry structure is one wherein mortar and masonry materials are utilized. Mortar helps the building material to be kept together and comes in various strengths. Nowadays, the most popular construction materials include concrete, stone, and brick, and here are the following reasons why: 

Concrete 

Concrete blocks are positioned similarly to how bricks are laid, which is usually in a staggered pattern to provide strength to the structure. Due to the concrete blocks’ weight, they can offer promising strength and stability to exterior walls. In terms of size, they are quite larger compared to bricks. Hence, you need less building time, plus they are more fire-resistant and affordable. Moreover, concrete blocks come in various forms, sizes, and shapes, which enables you to achieve versatile and unique construction designs compared to others.  

Stone 

One of the strongest, most durable, and weather-resistant building construction accessible today includes stone. Compared to other materials, the stone has a substantially longer lifespan. Stones can last up to 1,000 years or more. Since stone is resistant to rain, hail, wind, sleet, and stow, this material won’t bend, swell, splinter, warp, or dent. Two kinds of stones are typically utilized in stone masonry—undressed or dressed. Undressed stones—also recognized as rough stones—gives a more natural and unique appearance once laid while the dressed stone is available in both fluid sizes and patterns and can be laid with the usual pattern.  

Brick 

Out of all masonry products, brick is one of the most popular options nowadays. Bricks are usually made out of water, clay, and sand with a hit of lime or ash, which are then baked afterward. Bricks are popular for their longevity, aesthetics, and durability. Usually, brick structures can last generations while remaining classic-looking. Bricks can be purchased in an extensive range of textures and colors and can be set in distinct patterns that add distinct strength levels to the structures. This material will do great in several climates.  

Masonry structures usually give a great deal of range and can be utilized outside and inside your house, walls, office, chimneys, etc. if interested, contact a trusted masonry contractor today and get a free quote from them.  

When to Consider Repairing Your Exterior Masonry?

Brick houses are renowned for being low-maintenance and sturdy. Compared to wooden siding, you do not really need to paint and scrape bricks. Moreover, bricks don’t easily surrender to UV damage similar to vinyl sidings as well. Although, brick isn’t totally maintenance-free. So, expect that your bricks will be needing some repairs at some point. Moreover, it is best to know how to identify whether your exterior brick masonry should be repaired or not. To help you with that, here are some of the warning signs to pay attention to: 

Spalling at the shelf angle 

Once the surface of your bricks is chipping, it is considered as spalling. This phenomenon is when a shelf angle is corroding. If this is the case, it can eventually be weak. As a result, the whole weight of the brick and mortar would unify. Basing on the age of your walls and how healthy their surrounding soil on your building and home is, this can extremely be bad for you.  

Missing mortar 

Usually, the mortar between bricks gets destructed even before the bricks themselves begin to deteriorate. It’s fine when your mortar looks a bit chipped and crumbly. However, if there’s already a missing mortar from the joints, then this is another story. The mortar is responsible for holding everything in place. If not for them, your brick wall Scottsdale is one step away from collapsing down. A certified masonry expert can help you eliminate whatever will remain of the dented mortar and place new mortar into its place, which will make your wall r-stabilized. 

Bricks are compacting and crumbling in particular spots 

Try to observe your walls and see if there are a few bricks that are being compressed and crushed. This is an indication that the wall isn’t evenly backing the weight of your house. It will just get worse as it will make your interior walls unaligned especially if you delay taking action about it. A certified brick mason can help you lever up a side of your house, reallocate the pressure, and change the crushed bricks.   

Cracking corners 

Brickwork normally forms some cracks here and there sooner or later. At the initial cracking sign, you notice, you do not need to contact a mason yet. However, when your brickwork’s corners start to crack, then immediately schedule for brick repairs with the help of the brick experts. If you neglect the cracks at the corners of your brickwork, it can possibly affect its stability. Your house may begin to sink down in that corner. Moreover, you may observe that waters reach into your basement after a severe rain or storm. In this case, you should have your corner bricks eliminated, changed, and then re-mortared as soon as possible.   

Due to several potential signs of damage, you should guarantee to check your brick walls at least once/twice per year. If you can identify any of the issues stated above, never hesitate to contact a brick mason expert right away for it to be repaired. 

Major Purposes of Retaining Walls

Basically, a retaining wall is intended to hold back the soil. Sure, this may seem to be a simple concept, however, you should never allow this to trick you. In fact, retaining walls are quite beautiful engineering pieces. Moreover, they have been utilized even during ancient times to boost and enhance the aesthetics, productivity, and usefulness of several property types. For you to know in full detail about these mentioned retaining wall purposes, read on this article: 

Easy maintenance 

It’s much easier to keep up a flat area compared to have to plant, mow, or prune a slope. Moreover, they give a natural separation among beds and turf. Eventually, such easy to maintain features can help you save a great amount of money from the landscape maintenance expenses.  

Hold back water 

Some function to secure the shore from being eroded, to prevent the shoreline from shifting, or to make a docking or harbor area for boats. Though never forget that permitting requirements will also be needed for this.  

Enhance site drainage 

Occasionally, a block retaining wall Glendale can extremely be useful if you want to direct water on a property. Moreover, they are usually utilized to address slope problems close to bodies of water.  

If you’re thinking about constructing one for this purpose, you should know that several state and local regulations need to be adhered to. It would be best to know what permitting requirements you should have before even beginning to work on your project’s design.  

Give accessibility to handicapped 

Usually, retaining walls are utilized to make slightly inclined ramps for wheelchair access. 

Make a useful slope 

In several areas all over the globe, the entire mountainsides are divided into several steps that are supported by a series of retaining walls. This method is known as terracing, which makes it more useful farmland as it transforms too steep lands to develop crops.  

Not only are the farmers the ones who can take advantage of terracing, In fact, but you can use this method on your commercial properties as well. Terracing can help avoid erosion on steep areas, making a steep landscape a lot simpler and cheaper to maintain. Moreover, terracing can be utilized to make pedestrian access on a slope or to transition a grade.  

Make a flat space 

Compared to a steep slope, flat ground is nearly almost more useful. Retaining walls can transform a slope into a level and flat space. This can possibly let those structures that could not be constructed on a particular property, such as building, sports field, or a parking lot to be constructed with a new flat area.  

Enhance the aesthetics of a property 

Retaining walls can be a highly sophisticated and appealing feature you can add to your property to improve its aesthetic. An architectural, curvilinear retaining wall could look great all by itself. Incorporate a set of stairs or two, appropriate plantings, and landscape lighting, and your property will be the talk of the town.  

Advantages of Waterproofing Your Home

In terms of the perks of having your home waterproofed, the most apparent advantage would be to prevent you from dealing with water damage. Also, you are doing your deck or home a favor once you consider waterproofing them because apart from the fact that it can help avoid potential water damage, this can protect your house from the outside in. If you’re still confused whether to waterproof your home or not, keep on reading this article to know more about the advantages that come with a waterproof foundation Glendale: 

• Decrease your stress and increase your wellbeing. If you have your home waterproofed, you can be assured since you know that your belongings, your home, and your family will be safe and won’t experience the negative impacts that water leaks and water damage can bring.  
• Secure your memories. Usually, we store our sentimental belongings, such as memorabilia, photo albums, and times furniture in our basements. Once the basement gets flooded, it can possibly wreak havoc and result in water damage to your important artifacts that you want to preserve.  

• Protect your sump pump. Among the best part of waterproofing your basement is setting up a sump pump. However, they can eventually stop functioning or break. Getting extra waterproofing in your basement can give additional security to your home in the event your sump pump flunks. 
• Help avoid structural damage to your house. Once the water gets absorbed in your home’s foundation, it can result in buckling of walls and foundation cracks. Waterproofing in and out of your house can increase structural protection.  
• More than 60 percent of basements within the United States are having moisture issues. Boost the wellbeing and safety of your house by waterproofing it since this can help your home to be less likely to have moisture issues.  
• Increase your home’s property value. Water damage and mold can possibly lessen your home value by up to 25 percent. If your house is waterproofed, you can guarantee your home’s overall value and protection.  
• Waterproof your floor for added protection. Note that there’s commonly a 2-4 inch concrete floor underneath your floor. Once the concrete is extremely thin, it could be prone to groundwater pressure below it. This can lead to leaks and cracks over time.  

• Waterproofing your basement can help minimize your overall cooling and heating expenses. This is because the humid indoor air due to leaking on the basement strains your use of air conditioner. As a result, it increases your energy consumption and bills as much as 10 to 15 percent. 
• Waterproofing can make your home become a healthier environment for your family since it just takes 1-2 days for mold to develop on damp surfaces. Once you become exposed to mold for a long time, it can result in medical conditions like hay fever, asthma, and more.  
• Water damages actually account for 20 percent of the entire insurance claims created by property owners. With the help of waterproofing, you can avoid expensive flooding repairs such as due to flooding in your basement.