Ever hear of rubble masonry? This type of masonry makes use of naturally shaped rocks that are fitted and held together using mortar. In many ways, this technique is the exact opposite of ashlar masonry, which uses finely cut rocks that fit together precisely.
Masonry is a highly skilled trade that takes many years to master. Traditionally, each brick is laid by hand and requires skill, creativity, strength, and flexibility to create beautiful, stylish projects and buildings. Historians now believe that the pyramids were built by skilled workers and not slaves.
While masonry is typically associated with buildings, one form of masonry called riprap is used to protect shorelines and hillsides from erosion. This type of masonry makes use of similar-sized rocks or rubble held together with grout.
While you may not notice the little cracks and holes in your home’s brick and stone exterior, you can count on homebuyers to notice them. Before you put your home on the real estate market, remember to bring in a masonry contractor to deal with any issues.
Sometimes, it will be necessary to demolish existing parts of your home or the exterior before we can begin. When this is the case, we'll discuss all safety concerns with you first.
A wall build from concrete masonry units (CMUs) can be colored, stained, or painted. CMUs may also be ribbed, scored, polished, brushed, raked, or sandblasted to give it a decorative appearance.
Bricks can be coated for both practical and aesthetic reasons through use of a glaze. Salt glazing involves adding salt during the firing process, while slip is a form of glaze into which bricks are dipped after production.
One common masonry material is natural stone, which can vary in terms of color, hardness, and surface texture. Natural stone is usually quarried and then sawn or split into regular shapes for interior and exterior architectural use.
During ancient times, Romans discovered that when using masonry units made from concrete, walls were faster to erect compared to when using units made from stone. Apart from this, using concrete was more economical too. To build walls, the Roman added stone or fired-clay materials to the concrete.
I’ve been considering utilizing masonry for my next build, but I’m worried about durability. Don’t be! Masonry builds are durable and strong, and the materials can withstand the elements and other potential outside damage.
You may know that sun dried clay bricks were produced by ancient peoples living in hot climates. These bricks were used to build crude structures over 6,000 years ago. What common type of clay brick is still produced through sun drying today? If you guessed adobe, you're right.
Did you know that bricks can be recycled? In fact, they're among the few building materials that can be reused in construction. Of course, care must be exercised when removing them from an old structure to prevent damage.
For masonry units made from stone, the finishing effect is crucial because this can affect the material’s durability. The finishing can either be sawn, honed, polished, flame-cut or thermal, bush-hammered, split-face (cleft), or sandblasted finished. Ornamental work on the stone units requires hand tools.
Veneer masonry makes it possible to build walls and structures out of two different materials. For example, the bulk of the strength can come from strong, durable materials like concrete bricks, and then a veneer can be added to give the wall a distinctive style.
Do you ever worry that all the cracks on your home’s brick exterior could be compromising its structural integrity? Since this can be a valid concern in some cases, it’s a good idea to bring in a masonry contractor to deal with the issue as soon as you discover it.
In the United States, the standard brick size is 2 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 8 inches. Made of shale and clay it is fired in kilns at approximately 2,000?F improving their durability through chemical bonding.
Concrete mason blocks are usually produced with hollow centers, which reduces the weight of the units while also improving insolation. These voids also allow rebar and concrete to run vertically through the block to create stronger load bearing walls.
Did you know that the color of your brickwork can be adjusted? Through "brick tinting", color can be added to create a uniform look to the entire pattern, or to correct color inconsistencies in a few sections of brick.
In the mid-nineteenth century in the U.S., the main ingredients used in brick-making were clay and sand or shale. The clay was dug from the shore of water bodies, such as the Hudson River. Beach sand mixed in very well and improved the quality of the brick.
Your full brick home creates an effective barrier to the intrusion of outside noises. While lightweight materials vibrate in response to the sound, the cavity between brick layers disrupts the transmission of noise through the wall.
A wood deck can look great, but can be a hazard if you want to use a fire pit or have a grill outside. You don’t have to worry about a masonry patio burning. Custom stonework or brickwork is the perfect setting for grills and fires.
The term masonry can refer not only to the construction of structures; it can also refer to the units used in building the said structures. Meanwhile, a person who performs masonry is called a mason or a bricklayer.
For a long time, roads and driveways were all paved with either cobblestones or bricks. Today, concrete and asphalt rule the roads, but you can still get that classic look by having a mason give you a brick paved driveway.
For historic or older homes, we use materials to match what was used originally. If the original is no longer available, we work closely with restoration specialists for a seamless integration of new and old.
Considering some outdoor renovations? Masonry work can add beauty to your home. Colored concrete and stone can form gorgeous patios and walkways around your house.
Did you know that masonry materials are naturally insulating? This is one of the reasons that builders, contractors, and homeowners love masonry so much. Less insulation means that there is less insulative material needed, which saves substantial amounts of money during the building process.
When you're having masonry work done in your home, don't forget to make safety your first priority. If possible, avoid walking under scaffolding, even when you don't think anyone's up there.
The masons of ancient Romans were able to create the first large scale use of masonry arches. Masons in this period also built roof vaults which lent a new architectural style to their basilicas, baths, palaces, and aqueducts.
