Find a Masonry Contractor

2008-10-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

When you need to brick, stone or concrete mason you usually have to look through the yellow pages. Or ask a friend for a referral.

At ConstructionDeal.com - we can help! It's the fast, free & easy way to find a masonry pro.

On our site, you can:

Submit your masonry installation or masonry repair project in minutes!

Get bids from local Masonry Companies.

Meet with prospective Masons and make your decision.

Save time by not calling contractors at random from your outdated phone book!

Save money by getting multiple bids from several masonry service companies - you have the option to go with the best bid!

Do all of this -- at no cost -- with ConstructionDeal.com

Many homeowners need a masonry contractor build or repair walks, paving, fireplaces, veneers, steps, or walls. When you Brick or Stone Mason think of ConstructionDeal.com and submit your project today!

Naper Valley Masonry Brick Maintenance Tips!

2008-10-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

A lot of homeowners want to use brick because they love the look and feel. It's great for siding, patios, and walks. Not only does it look great, but it lasts a long time.

However, to make sure the bricks last as long as possible and looks good in the process, many homeowners want to know what they have to do to maintain them.

We asked our friends over at Naper Valley Masonry, Inc. to give us the scoop on what is required for proper brick maintenance. Naper Valley Masonry specializes in high-end residential construction work in the Chicago area - and if anyone knows how to maintain an exterior of a house in a nasty climate, it's these guys!

"Brick is one of the most common choices for basic masonry materials. It's made of fired clay and is available in various choices of color and texture. It can be one of the higher-priced exterior finishes; however, being water repellent, easy to maintain and less expensive in the long run, it is a preferred choice for many homeowners. Brick masonry should last 100 years, with the first 25 free of maintenance. The most common maintenance is repairing loose joints between bricks, commonly called tuck pointing.

Stone is an ancient form of masonry. In theory it will last a lifetime. Stone exteriors work best when installed with traditional techniques. Problems can occur when mixing stone masonry with new building techniques. For example, many homeowners want the look of stone without paying the cost to get a properly-built stone exterior. They choose to go with stone veneer over a modern stud frame. This will likely fail over time.

Water is stone masonry's worst enemy because freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks. Properly sealed stone masonry prevents these problems. Routine checking of your building’s exterior should be practiced after heavy rains. Any dark patches on the wall indicate that water has soaked into the surface, occurrences such as these will likely lead to problems in the future.

Bricks which have absorbed water are susceptible to their outer surfaces to flake off. When this happens, the damaged bricks need to be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, large areas of the walls of your house will be affected and it will become expensive to rectify.

Concrete block masonry is more common with industrial buildings. It should last 50 to 80 years, and the joints may need to be fixed after 25 years. Unlike brick, concrete blocks are not waterproof. You'll need to apply a water seal every 10 years. Some effective water seals are Silane and Siloxane, which can be applied by spray, after which they will soak into the surface of the wall like stain.

Signs of green algae growing on outside walls and black mold or wallpaper peeling off internal walls are a sign of dampness within the brickwork. Cracked bricks may indicate a serious problem with foundations. Ultimately the quality of the brickwork and masonry will determine how much and how soon repairs will be necessary, so choose wisely when getting masonry work done."

If you're in the Chicagoland area, give the guys at Naper Valley Masonry a call (630.978.7405) to get a quote on your brick masonry installation. Tell them you read about them on the Construction Deal website! And, if you're not in that area, you can always post your job on our site to find a quality brick installer!

Brick and Mortar - Useful Information on Mortar

2008-10-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

I found some interesting information on mortar from the PineHallBrick.com Buyer's Guide: "Mortar represents 20 percent of the total surface of a wall, so picking the right mortar color is very important to the overall look of your home.

Different mortar types and specifications are required for various applications and climates. The most common is called type S and is naturally gray in color. Mortar can be tinted to blend or to contrast with the brick color. It is important to keep mortar mixing and tooling practices uniform, especially when using colored mortar. A slight variation in mortar color can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of a finished wall. "

Talk with a masonry contractor to "discuss the mortar colors that look best with your brick color. Also, sand color will affect the finished look of your mortar color. Lighter color sands are generally recommended for lighter colored mortars. Inquire about the common sand colors in your area."

The mortar joint is also an important factor in the appearance and functionality of the wall. 'Tooling' the joints help seal the wall surface against moisture penetration. The concave, vee, and grapevine joints are best for exterior construction. These joint types compress the mortar at the surface and are the most weatherproof. Other joints are acceptable for interior use. "

Need to find a mortar and brick expert? We can help. ConstructionDeal.com matches homeowners with contractors - at no cost. Submit your project today!

Masonry Facts and Myths

2008-10-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

From the Masonry Contractors Association of America website, this little nugget on the some of the myths on masonry:

"Masonry is often thought of as a facade or cladding material and not capable of supporting the entire structure. This is a myth. The fact is that structurally engineered masonry can bring great physical and economical strength to your buildings. When a masonry system approach is used, especially with a brick and concrete block cavity wall, you will find unequaled performance and satisfaction.

Another myth is that mason contractors and skilled craftworkers are undergoing a manpower crisis and that they are hard to line up for your projects. The fact is that the masonry industry is rebuilding its manpower strength through comprehensive apprenticeship schools throughout the country. Not only are new craftsworkers learning to construct new buildings, they are also learning the skills needed to retain the beauty of your historical structures.

Masonry has been the material of choice for shelter for thousands of years for a number of reasons including availability, thermal mass, fire resistance, durability and sustainability.

Ancient masonry buildings were load-bearing in the sense that masonry resisted all of the imposed loads.

Savings on Insurance Costs. Masonry provides the best fire resistance of any building material because it cannot burn, melt or bend. This fact is acknowledged by insurance companies and is reflected in the premiums for insurance on the building and its contents. The use of fire resistive building materials throughout provides maximum security for future business performance. Many businesses cannot survive the devastation of a fire and the interruption to their normal flow of goods and services.

Savings on Maintenance Costs. A masonry building requires a minimum of maintenance primarily because masonry does not rust, shatter, warp, dent, buckle or rot, and there is no need for cleaning or repainting. Consideration of the vulnerability to damage of building walls is also important. Whether a careless fork lift operator or strong winds with hail hits the wall, or a heavy object is propped against the wall, masonry can handle the abuse.

Contrary to a belief entertained by some, masonry construction is not slow. In fact, in almost every case, using a masonry system is a faster process. If the owner decides today to start that new warehouse construction can literally begin tomorrow. If footings take a day, brick and block from local sources can be on site and be laid down the next day. There is no lag time for shop drawings and off-site fabrication.

While discussing myths, let's not overlook the usual: 'hot and cold weather delays masonry too much.' As an industry, updated all-weather practices such as the All-Weather Council's 'Recommended Practices and Guide Specifications for Cold Weather Masonry Construction' have resulted in a much greater construction season without fear of weather damage or delay. The old practice of closing down during January and February becomes obsolete."

Need to Find a Masonry Contractor?
We can help. ConstructionDeal.com matches brick masons with homeowners. Submit your project and get bids from 4 masons.

There is no cost for this service. And no obligation to hire anyone. It's a fast and easy way to find quality masonry contractors. Save Time - no more searching at random from a phone book - contractors call you! Save Money - 4 quotes means you can choose the contractor who is just right for your budget.

Eco-Friendly? Green Building with Masonry

2008-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Sustainability and green building are the buzzwords of the day, and for good reason. They will more than likely be on everyone's mind over the next few decades as people become more conscious of their actions on this Earth - and the consequences of those actions.

It's important to consider what materials you're going to use when you build a new home or remodel your existing home. The Mason Contractors Association of America has some excellent advice when it comes to choosing brick and concrete masonry products.

Whether you're just interested in finding out how you can make a difference or you're a diehard conservationist, this is valuable information to keep and to pass along to friends and family if they're considering a new construction or renovation project. Both now and, in our hopefully healthy, future:

"'The ingredients of masonry and mortar are inert, non-toxic, and promote excellent indoor air quality,' states the Portland Cement Association. Masonry's natural textures and colors also eliminate the need for painting, drywall, or other finishes that could result in undesirable chemicals in the air. The reduced potential for mold growth (masonry does not provide a food source, does not rot, and can be easily cleaned) also supports indoor air quality.
Daylighting, outdoor views, and masonry's flexibility to comply with such demands also make it a natural choice for any project. Since walls are constructed on site, design considerations are easily accommodated. And, occupants reap the benefits: employees' health and productivity are enhanced by better work spaces, chemically sensitive patients are inhaling clean air, shoppers are staying longer and buying more, and children are learning and playing carefree.
Local material supplies are satisfied on the LEED checklist because masonry products are commonly extracted from and manufactured within the building site region supporting the local economy, minimizing fuel requirements for handling and transport, and reducing traffic congestion and resultant emissions. Local material use also helps to keep building costs down.
Masonry's thermal mass characteristics provide optimal heating and cooling efficiency. Masonry walls remain warm or cool long after the heat or air-conditioner has shut off. This attribute not only reduces heating and cooling loads but stabilizes indoor temperature shifts and exchanges typical peak heating and cooling loads to off-peak hours. Daylighting also comes into play with energy conservation as natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting fixtures and the energy needed to run them. Masonry's color and texture options can also create reflective surfaces which lend themselves to further energy efficiency and reduced building operation costs.
Masonry is renewable and reusable. Rock and sand are in no short supply and are easily accessible, thus renewable. A building's life speaks to its re-usability. The goal being to extend its usable existence. Masonry is a durable material whose life cycle exceeds that of many other building envelope products. It is resistant to fire, water, and insects. As a result, it presents the opportunity to refurbish an existing building's structure and shell as opposed to tearing down and starting anew. And, once again, cost savings are realized due to masonry's resiliency and low maintenance nature."

Need to Find a Brick Mason?
If you're looking to find a masonry company or local brick contractor to help with your remodeling, home addition, siding, paving, or home building project - submit it to ConstructionDeal.com.

It's free, for one, and it's fast. You'll be able to receive several bids from brick contractors in your area who will help get the job done and help you save and protect the environment!

Home Renovation Trends - Brick Pavers

2008-10-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Bricks can be used almost anywhere inside or outside your home. They are found in walls, fireplaces, driveways, floors, on siding and are used to make back patios.

What Are Brick Pavers?
If you're planning to install bricks as a walkway or your patio, you'll need what are called brick pavers.

Keep in mind, a brick paver is not the same as the standard brick. The type of brick used in a fireplace chimney or on brick veneer is very porous and more soft than brick pavers.

These pavers are stronger than ordinary bricks and can withstand the elements better. They are more exposed when the bricks are layed out in a patio or driveway to water, temperature changes, and sunlight. If you install a brick sidewalk using regular bricks they will crack, chip, and crumble in no time.

You can buy brick pavers at a local home improvement or hardware store, but you'll get a better quality of brick pavers from a brick supplier or wholesale manufacturer. Because these bricks are very hard, they can be very hard to cut.

If you're doing it yourself, you'll need to make sure you either plan a paving path that has few or no curves or you'll need to make sure you've got cutting tools with masonry blades. And the more curves you have, the more wasted brick you'll have because you'll be cutting and leaving a lot of brick pieces behind. The more curves, in other words, the higher your budget.

Brick pavers look really good and they can last for a hundred years or more so I'll just let you in on some of the problems with brick:

Disadvantages to Brick Pavers

Bricks can be more expensive that cheaper concrete blocks
Pavers can collect moss easily - maintenance may be required to keep the slippery moss to a minimum
Due to the firing process, bricks can really vary in size so a perfect fit will require playing around with multiple bricks to find the right one
If you're working with multiple pallets of bricks, they could be from different batches. Make sure you or your brick installer takes bricks from both pallets as the pavers are being laid done to keep from having a giant color mark on the path or patio

Need to Find a Brick Installer?
If you're not doing the work yourself and would like to have brick pavers installed, you can submit your project to ConstructionDeal.com - at no cost.

Find brick contractors and save time and money. Get up to 4 quotes and pick the best quote. No more searching at random through your phone book - contractors call you! It's a fast, free and easy way to find brick masons.

Advantages of a Masonry Built Home

2008-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past few decades, the majority of houses have been built with timber construction. However, people have been turning to masonry-built homes created with brick and concrete block.

Why the turnaround? More and more, there has been great interest in energy conservation, low maintenance materials, and the concept of "building green" to conserve our environment.

Masonry home construction meets all those demands and more. According to the Arizona Masonry Guild's website, a masonry house can offer tremendous advantages over a house built with a wood frame.

Here are some of the masonry advantages:

Lower Energy Bills - the thermal mass of a concrete masonry house can keep a home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Soundproofing - the thicker walls help deaden the noise outside and around a house.
Fire Resistance - masonry walls help prevent the spread of fire.
Termite Resistance - without wood, there is no food source for termites.
Mold Resistance - no exterior rot from wood means that the mold and fungus cannot get into a house and spread throughout.
Weather Resistance - masonry can hold up to wind, water, sunlight, and low temperatures.
Lower Insurance Bills - since masonry construction has the resistances listed above, insurance companies will discount premiums paid because of lower costs associated with a house like this.
Environmentally Friendly - masonry products don't use up our timber and tree resources like a wood frame house.

Need to Find a Masonry Pro?
If you're looking to build a home addition or construct a new home, consider the advantages and benefits of a masonry house. To find a masonry company or a masonry contractor in your area - we can help!

Simply submit your masonry project to ConstructionDeal.com - at no cost - and we'll match you to quality brick masons as little as 24 hours (sometimes in a matter of minutes!) It will save you time and money.

Home Remodeling Ideas - Adding Brick Steps

2008-10-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Need to replace those cracked concrete steps leading up to your house? The cheap and easy way to go is to replace them with more concrete. A new set of concrete steps can be cast and finished in a very short amount of time and for very little money.

Improve Curb Appeal
However, everyone wants to improve the curb appeal of their home. If you can, splurge and go the extra mile by adding brick steps. With the variety of colors and textures that are available in brick, you'll be outshining any set of boring, old gray concrete steps.

As an alternative, you can also add a brick facing to your concrete steps. A 1/2" to 1" layer of brick can be placed around the sides and on the steps to give it a feel of being a completely brick structure. This can be very effective for a large set of stairs.

Improve Home Values
In a time when folks are struggling to sell their homes, adding minor touches here and there can truly improve the aesthetic and value of your house. The brick walkway, a stamped concrete driveway, several landscaping retaining walls, and brick steps can dramatically change the look of your exterior.

Those brick steps out front could allow your house to catch up to the rest of the neighborhood (if you're behind) or be the shining star (if you're even or slightly ahead.)

Need to Find a Brick Step Installer?
We can help. ConstructionDeal.com is a website that matches homeowners to contractors. At no cost.

No matter what your masonry project, we can connect you with brick installers for driveways, walkways, and stairs. You won't have to search at random in the yellow pages book. Simply post your project and get calls from local pros. It's that easy.

At ConstructionDeal.com, we help you get your masonry project done!

Home Remodeling Ideas - Interior Brick Flooring

2008-10-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Want to get crazy with your interior design? Want to really make a statement?

If you're tired of hardwood floors or cheesy shag carpet and want to make a big splash- a thin, brick veneer can be installed in nearly any room.

With a 3/8" or 3/4" brick, you won't have to worry about any additional weight being added to your sub floors. And it will have the same look and feel of a full brick paved floor. Also, because it's a thin veneer, you won't be limiting the height of the room with the installation.

Looking to Install Brick Indoors?
You can go with a brick installation on the floor that will have the same irregularities, color variations, and durability that you'd find in a brick wall! If you feel that might be a bit too rough to be underfoot in your home, you can have a sealer put on that will either coat the surface or penetrate the material. The surface coating sealer might be the best option to keep the surface level and smooth. The sealing also ensures that cleaning will be fairly easy.

It could be a great option in your home and it will provide a very unique, beautiful, and extremely durable floor that could make it the talk of the neighborhood.

Need to Find a Brick Installer?
If you want to find a brick floor contractor you should submit your project with ConstructionDeal.com and we'll help match you to local brick companies - at no cost.

It's a fast and easy way to find brick masons. Save Time - brick pros call you instead of you having to search at random through a phone books. Save Money - get up to 4 quotes and choose the best quote for your budget.

We Help You Get Your Project Done!

technorati tags: brick veneer flooring, brick flooring, interior brick floor, brick installers, brick pavers, brick mason, brick floor installation, brick floor installers, installing a brick floor

Brick Driveway Installation

2008-09-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Interested in a completely new look for your home? Want to add instant curb appeal?

A Brick Driveway Installation
Well, we're not talking about anything groundbreaking or brand new to the industry of home remodeling. We are talking about getting rid of your old black asphalt driveway or your cracked gray concrete driveway and replacing it with brick pavers.

It's a very simple solution to really helping the exterior look of your home. And it's not a very expensive project.

Installing a Brick Driveway
The great thing about a brick or masonry driveway is that you have tons of brick and stone colors to choose from. It's not just the flat red brick anymore. Nearly every earth-tone color is available to really make your home driveway stand out from the crowd.

There are a huge number of layout design options for your pavers, as well. The patterns can very anything from a conservative straight-up-and-down design to a wildly exotic layout with circles and waves of brick.

The beauty of brick pavers on the driveway is reason enough. The aesthetic appeal of bricks or stone on the main entrance to the home means that you've got added value. Added value increase what you're home is worth -- that makes it all worth while.

Repair options mean it's easy to fix a cracked or broken brick. Try that with a solid concrete driveway that is cracked when the nearby tree roots push it up. It can be a matter of going in and digging out the old, broken brick and replacing it with a similarly worn new brick.

Now, the trick is - how do you find brick driveway installers in your neighborhood? Well, you could choose a company, at random, from your phone book. You could ask some friends for a recommendation. But the best way to save time and save money is to post your request on the ConstructionDeal.com website. At No Cost. We'll match you with qualified brick installers who want to install your new driveway. And those multiple bids mean you'll get the best price and you'll get to choose a brick contractor hat you're comfortable with.

RELATED POSTS:
Masonry Home Exteriors
Brick Paver Design Patterns
Improving Home Value: Brick Pavers

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Improving Home Value: Brick Pavers

2008-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

When patios, walls and walkways are made of brick, the value of the home is always pushed skyward - nothing matches the beauty of brick laid out in an intricate pattern. Even a simple brick driveway outshines the best asphalt or concrete slab. Brick is not just for the siding of the house, it can compliment any home style and improve the curb appeal and overall value of your largest investment.

The great thing about installing brick around your house is that it is relatively easy to do - which means your masonry installer can have your project installed in very little time.

Many people choose to have a wood deck installed in the backyard, but the best way to make sure you increase home value is to go with the classic brick patio installation. It requires less maintenance, can be cheaper and faster to install, and has a higher aesthically-perceived value to potential buyers. This can mean a higher return on investment when you go to sell your house.

Brick walls in the garden are a great landscaping touch. Brick pavers surrounding a tall tree are the perfect accent. The contrasting colors of the brick (from red to white bricks against green foliage) can feature and highlight any aspect of the garden.

If a house has brick siding, it may be too much to try and add a brick driveway, walk, and porch. But a brick addition to the front yard on a house with wood or vinyl siding is a great complement to prevent the house from disappearing into the background. With suburban houses that already look alike, adding brick will pump up the curb appeal. Anything that can increase curb appeal can increase the overall value of the house.

Brick driveways are also less expensive to install than concrete or asphalt. Brick is also stronger during heat and cold extremes than concrete and asphalt. Finally, brick lasts longer. It's a great choice for your driveway.

Some things to consider with your Brick Paver Installation:

Talk to your masonry contractor about sealing your bricks. Sealing the bricks is not a necessary step, but can prevent color fading from sun and weather exposure. You'll need to re-seal every few years, too.
You'll want the pavers to be installed on the most level surface possible. Without levelling, your pavers could spread over time, even with edgers. Make sure you get a good base of gravel, then sand, and use metal edging with your pavers to prevent additional spread.
Plan on spending about $10 to $15 a square foot for patio installations. It's usually less for brick driveway installations.

To find a brick installer in your neighborhood, post your project - at no cost - at ConstructionDeal.com.

We'll match you with brick contractors who can install pavers and driveways for your home. Look, you can flip through your yellow pages and call some masonry companies at random. Then wait for them to call you back. Then hopefully you'll get one or two to come out a bid on the job -- OR you can post the request with us... and brick masons will call you.

The more bids you have, the better overall installation price you will get. That's how it works. Save time and save money with ConstructionDeal.com.

RELATED POSTS:
Brick Paver Design Patterns
Masonry Home Exteriors

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Adding a Fireplace & Chimney

2008-09-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

If you long for a warming fire in your master bedroom or maybe even in your living room -- if your house didn't come with one originally -- might consider adding a chimney and fireplace.

It can be a fairly expensive project but it will pay off for you in the long run. You'll be adding a wonderful new feature to your home that your family can enjoy for as long as you own your house. You'll also be improving the overall value of the home. Having a fireplace in the family room, kitchen, or bedroom is an added bonus that will definitely help you sell your home. Fireplaces rank among the top 3 features desired by new homeowners, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

There are pre-fab fireplace kits but they tend to look and work like a pre-fab kit. A true masonry fireplace will allow you to add a real wood burning fireplace to your most important rooms.

When planning to add a new fireplace, consider:

If you can have a fireplace at your house. Some areas or neighborhoods don't allow them. Also, your house may not be up to code to have a fireplace added.
The flow of traffic in the room. Make sure your fireplace won't interrupt the flow of the room. Also consider putting the fireplace where a window or door already exist to keep from having to squeeze it in and ruining the style or architecture of the room.
If you can put the fireplace in a corner, you'll take up less wall and room space. A fireplace in the center of a wall can take over a room and limit your options with pictures/paintings, furniture, or TVs.

Decide on the Type of Fireplace you want:

Wood Burning
Electric
Gas

Finally, you'll want to think about your mantle. The fireplace mantle can be the focal point of the entire room. You'll put your knick-knacks and family photos up there. You'll want to try to match the mantle to the decorations and design of your house and of the room itself. If you've got a rustic bungalow, you'll probably not want to install a sleek contemporary marble mantle. You can go with wood, brick, natural stone, and even metal.

One last thing to consider - your firebox opening doesn't need to be a square or rectangle. You can go with a slightly arched opening or even a semi-circle to give the fireplace a truly unique look and style. Have fun with your fireplace installation. Discuss your options with your masonry contractor.

If you need to find a fireplace installation contractor to install your new fireplace, you can post your request on ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a local brick fireplace installer your area for free. It beats choosing someone at random from the yellow pages.

Don't forget to ask for references -- you want to make sure you get a mason with a strong background in chimney building. It can be a very tricky process and the fireplace must be installed correctly.

ConstructionDeal.com - We Help You Get Your Project Done!

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Find a Masonry Contractor: What is Masonry?

2008-09-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

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 o

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f 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!

Post your project on our site at no cost! ConstructionDeal.com is a website dedicated to matching homeowners with masonry companies - We Help You Get Your Project Done!

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"masonry." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2005. Answers.com 06 Nov. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/masonry

Masonry Home Exteriors & Brick Siding Options

2008-09-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Remember the story of the Three Little Pigs?

There's a reason many build their homes with a brick masonry exterior - brick can withstand all the huffing and puffing that the weather can throw at your house.

If you live in an area that has even minor changes in the weather, as well as the possibility for thunderstorms (and even hurricanes), it might be a good idea to consider either siding your new home with brick or residing your current home using these masonry wonders.

Heavy wind, rain, hail, and water can wear down vinyl and many other types of siding. It's why so many homes have brick exteriors. Brick fell out of favor after so many homes had brick siding from the 50's through the 70's. Everyone switched to vinyl, wood, or stucco siding for their homes. Now, a lot of homeowners now need to replace their siding and are considering brick masonry.

While rain can and does seep into brick siding and thin brick veneer exteriors, modern technology has made it easier to protect homes from damage with special flashing that can re-direct the water away from the house and foundation.

Advantages of Brick Siding:

Very durable
Fireproof
Storm/Weather protection
Very solid
Great insulator
Doesn't fade, rot, or require painting or sealing

Disdadvantages of Brick Siding:

Can be expensive to install
Requires professional installation

Ready to install brick siding on your home? We can help. Submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with brick siding installers at no cost. Simply tell us about your project and get quotes from up to 4 brick contractors.

Save Time - get quotes fast instead of calling brick masons at random from the phone book. Save Money - 4 quotes means you'll be able to pick the best bid for your budget.

We help you get your project done at ConstructionDeal.com

technorati tags: brick siding, brick contractor, brick installer, brick exterior, brick veneer, brick flashing, brick installation, brick companies, masonry contractor, masonry exterior, masonry siding, brick veneer siding, brick siding company, brick siding contractor

Brick Paver Design Patterns

2008-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

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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Tell us once and we'll pass it along to brick masons.

Save Money - getting four quotes is better than just one. Four quotes means that you'll be able to pick the bid that works best for your budget.

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Interior Decoration Ideas: Thin Brick Veneer

2008-09-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

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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Masonry & Brick Applications

2008-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

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"masonry." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2005. Answers.com 06 Nov. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/masonry