Masonry is the art of constructing buildings using materials such as stone, bricks, concrete, etc. It is thanks to the ages-old art of masonry, and countless talented masons, that grand imposing buildings such as the Buckingham Palace and the Notre-Dame could be constructed. Playing a no less important role is the job of masonry repair experts, who help maintain and repair these buildings should something harmful happen to the structure.
It’s a good idea to take a look into the most frequently used materials in masonry repair to gain a better understanding of the process. While it’s true that stone buildings should be the first image that springs to your mind when you hear the word masonry, bricks and concrete are also commonly used in masonry repair.
Stone
Stone is among the oldest building materials on Earth. Stone is a very durable construction material, and if the right construction techniques are used, stone buildings can last through ages with only routine repair needed. Stone buildings are also among the most beautiful constructions in the world, and the most expensive as well. However, in modern construction, using stone as a construction material can be quite difficult, in part of its expensive pricing and the rarity of craftsmen who can work with the material. Masonry repair experts who can work with stone are even rarer.
Brick
Contrary to popular belief, brick is actually the most popular material in masonry repair. Brick is cheap and reliable, and people have been using it since the start of civilizations. Brick is created through clay, and thanks to a wide variety of dyes, brick can take on numerous colors, allowing your building to stand out from others. As a construction material, brick is durable and resistant to many hazards, such as water, fire, and wind. Brick’s energy efficiency is also very high, making it an extremely versatile material. The downside is that it can be quite expensive to repair a brick building because the processes are complicated. Furthermore, brick is quite heavy, so the foundation of a brick building will have bear quite a pressure on it.
Concrete
Concrete is a new construction material, and you would see it in commercial buildings more than in residential ones. Concrete is extremely durable and cost-effective, being able to last up to 80 years without needing an extensive replacement. However, every 25 years, you will have to assess and replace the joints, as they tend to be damaged over time. Concrete’s insulation is, without a doubt, among the best, in part thanks to its high density. The downside is that concrete is not made to be water-proof, so water seal must be applied every now and then, making masonry repair much more common and expensive.
The importance of masonry repair
Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to your needs and budget when you decide which one you’d prefer. Just remember to let your masonry repair experts know exactly what kind of material you used for your building, since each kind of material will require different repair processes.
