Find a Masonry Contractor

Many people are never quite sure what all is involved in masonry work. I thought I would provide some definitions of what a masonry contractor does.

What Does a Stone Mason Do?
They specialize in construction with natural building stone or manufactured units such as brick, concrete block, adobe, glass block, or cast stone that is usually bonded with mortar.

Masonry can be used structurally or as cladding or paving. It is strong in compression but requires the incorporation of reinforcing steel to resist tensile and flexural stresses. Masonry veneer cladding can be constructed with adhesive or mechanical bond over a variety of structural frame types and backing walls.

Masonry is noncombustible and can be used as both structural and protective elements in fire-resistive construction. It is durable against wear and abrasion, and most types weather well without protective coatings. The mass and density of masonry also provide efficient thermal and acoustical resistance.

Brick, concrete block, and stone are the most widely used masonry materials for both interior and exterior applications in bearing and non-bearing construction. Stone masonry can range from small rubble or units of ashlar (a hewn or squared stone) embedded in mortar, to mechanically anchored thin slabs, to ornately carved decorative elements. Granite, marble, and limestone are the most commonly used commercial building stones. Glass block can be used as security glazing or as elements to produce special daylighting effects.

Masonry mortar is made from cement, sand, lime, and water. Masonry grout, a more fluid mixture of similar ingredients, is used to fill hollow cores and cavities and to embed reinforcing steel. Anchors and ties are usually of galvanized or stainless steel. Flashing may be of stainless steel, coated copper, heavy rubber sheet, or rubberized asphalt.

If you need to have masonry work done on your home, you can use our free service to find a local brick mason or brick installer!

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Labels: Brick Masons, Concrete Masons, Masonry Contractors, Masonry Definition, Stone Masons

Brick Paver Remodeling Ideas
Ready to have a brick patio, walk or drive installed by a brick mason?

First, you'll need to decide on a pattern.

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.

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Labels: Brick Contractors, Brick Installers, Brick Masons, Brick Pavers

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.

What Is 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 an 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.

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Labels: Brick Installers, Brick Masons, Brick Veneer, Interior Brick

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 of Masonry

• 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 grat fire protection

Disadvantages of Masonry

• Extreme weather may cause degradation of the surface due. 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.

Structural Limitations of Masonry
Masonry boasts an impressive compressive strength (vertical loads) but is much lower in tensile strength (twisting or stretching) unless reinforced. The tensile strength of masonry walls can be strengthened by thickening the wall, or by building masonry "piers" (vertical columns or ribs) at intervals.

Where practical, steel reinforcement also can be introduced vertically and/or horizontally to greatly increase tensile strength, though this is most commonly done with poured walls.

Do you need a brick installer or masonry contractor? We can help.

ConstructionDeal.com matches homeowners with masonry companies - at no cost. Simply submit your project and get up to 4 quotes from masonry pros. There is no obligation to hire any of our members. It's a fast and easy way to find masons.

Labels: Brick Masons, Masonry Contractors, Masonry Definition