Brick Paver Design Patterns
18 November 2006
Brick pavers allow for nearly endless pattern possibilities. When laying bricks for a patio or a walkway, there are various designs options for paving patterns. Naturally, some patterns are more difficult to cut and install than others.But make sure you choose your favorite pattern and avoid what might be easy or less expensive. Brick pavers, if installed correctly, can last quite a long time.
When you're having a masonry contractor install your brick pavers, keep in mind that the more intricate the pattern, the longer it will take to install. Which can mean a higher installation cost. But, again, it's something you're going to have around your home for a long time. A more detailed pattern could mean that you're making an even greater improvement to your home, thereby increasing the homes value.
If you need to find a local masonry contractor to install your brick walk or patio, you can save yourself time and money by posting your request on Construction Deal. You save time by not having to call masonry companies at random from your phone book. They call you. You can save money because you'll have several masons bidding on the brick installation project. And it's a completely free process that takes only minutes.
Interior Decoration: Thin Brick Veneer
08 November 2006
Can't decide what color to paint your dining room? Tired of the same-old same-old in your home? Here's a tip that could really make the interior of your home come to life: cover one or more walls with a thin brick veneer.A brick veneer is a great choice to accent a room and do something unique that will be the center of conversation at your next party. The thin bricks are applied the same way a traditional brick wall is built. A masonry contractor can create the look and feel of a full clay brick wall with mortar but without the extra weight, extra cost, and extra cleanup costs.
You'll have the same choices of brick colors to choose from that you'd have with regular clay bricks. You can pick the perfect brick shape, style, and color that's right for your house and make a complete wall or even a chair railing for the wall.
The thin brick veneer wall will have the same sound dampening effects that a full wall would have. It will be just as durable, as well. You'll even have the benefits of extra fire protection in the areas of the brick installation.
It's a great addition to any home interior and could even improve the value of the home. If you're looking to find a brick installation pro, post your project for free with Construction Deal and we'll help you get multiple bids. That saves you time and money!Masonry & Brick Applications
01 November 2006
Applications of Masonry - Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Brick is the most common type of masonry and may be either weight-bearing or a veneer. Concrete block masonry is rapidly gaining in popularity as a comparable material. Blocks - most of which have hollow cores - offer various possibilities in masonry construction, generally providing great compressive strength, and they're generally best suited to structures with light transverse loading when the cores remain unfilled. Filling some or all of the cores with concrete, stone or steel reinforcement (typically rebar) offers much greater tensile and lateral strength to structures.
Advantages
If you need a Masonry Contractor, think of Construction Deal and place your brick installation and repair project with us!
Advantages
- The use of materials such as brick and stone can increase the thermal mass of a building, giving increased comfort in the heat of summer and the cold of winter and can be ideal for passive solar applications.
- Brick typically will not require painting and so can provide a structure with reduced life-cycle costs, although sealing appropriately will reduce potential spalling due to frost damage. Concrete block of the non-decorative variety generally is painted or stuccoed if exposed.
- The appearance, especially when well crafted, can impart an impression of solidity and permanence.
- Is very heat resistant and thus will provide good fire protection
- Extreme weather may cause degradation of the surface due to frost damage. This type of damage is common with certain types of brick, though relatively rare with concrete block. If non-concrete (clay-based) brick is to be used, care should be taken to select bricks suitable for the climate in question.
- Masonry must be built upon a firm foundation (usually reinforced concrete) to avoid potential settling and cracking. If expansive soils (such as adobe clay) are present, this foundation may need to be quite elaborate and the services of a qualified structural engineer may be required.
- The high weight increases structural requirements, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
If you need a Masonry Contractor, think of Construction Deal and place your brick installation and repair project with us!
