A Petracca Masonry

When working with a masonry contractor or bricklayer, it's important to discuss the scope of the project at the beginning. This will ensure everyone's on the same page about the work being done.

Henry Clayton of Middlesex, England in 1855, invented the first successful machine for mass-producing bricks though similar patents had been issued in Britain and New York several years prior. Clayton's device could make 25,000 bricks a day with minimal personnel.

Whether you choose brick, stone, or a mix of both, upgrading your front steps can deliver significant return for the dollars invested, according to some home remodeling experts. Why? The improvements are highly visible, add charm and interest, and convey substance and durability.

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.

If the stone-based masonry unit will be used for exterior purposes, it is crucial to look at the material’s historical performance in the local environment. Will the stone-based unit withstand the local conditions? Generally, these are the factors to consider: density, water...

A key element in masonry is concrete blocks. Composed of sand, cement, and aggregate, concrete blocks are an ideal building material as they do not burn, melt, or twist when confronted with extreme temperatures. Concrete blocks, like brick, are environmentally friendly, as...

Did you know that bricks are naturally fire resistant? A full brick house eliminates the use of a timber frame and will tend to remain intact longer in the event of a fire, giving your family more time to make their escape.

One of the benefits of homes and buildings that are built with masonry materials is that they are more energy efficient. This has largely to do with masonry's natural ability to insulate a space more effectively. The bottom line? You pay less for heating and air conditioning.

It’s important to remember that the way your fireplace looked when you moved into your home isn’t the way it must look the entire time you live there. If you’re interested in updating the style of fireplace, we may have a few ideas.

Did you know many of the world's most memorable architectural achievements were constructed with masonry? The Taj Mahal in India, Buckingham Palace in the UK, and the White House in America are a few.

Masonry is almost maintenance-free, so, in addition to saving money on energy bills, you can save money on not having to do damp-proofing, water-proofing, pest control, fire-proofing, or pressure washing. Masonry properties tread lightly on your wallet.

Before you contact us about starting a new project, take the time to consider what kind of materials you're most interested in using. This will help us get you a quicker estimate.

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.

The earliest bricks were formed from mud containing clay and dried in the sun. Straw was added to the mud as a mechanical binder. Bricks of this type dating back to 7500 BC have been found in the Fertile Crescent.

Did you know that more than half of the structures that exist in the world today are either all or in part built using masonry construction? Masonry is so popular because it creates structures that are strong, durable, and economical.

Cavity walls consist of two separate brick or stone walls with about a 2-inch air space between them, and were the solution to the problem of water penetration. Water that seeps inside the outer wall runs down that wall, while the inside wall remains dry.

Did you know that brick is one of human's oldest manufactured products and was used in the construction of buildings more than 6,000 years ago? Masons, to prevent cracking in the clay shapes, chopped up straw and grass and added them to the mix to make the stone more durable.

It may exhibit extremely different characteristics from stone or cement, but glass is also used as a masonry unit. By combining it with the modularity of other masonry units, glass gives the structure a touch of elegance that cannot be duplicated by other masonry units.

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.

Did you realize masonry is so thick and dense it offers not only protection from weather extremes, but protection from noise pollution? If you're located near a busy street, consider using brick or stone building materials.