If you are debating the right way to construct a new commercial building or do some heavy renovations and additions to an existing structure, you already have a lot to think about. However, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is what material to make your commercial building out of. Many people are drawn to options like vinyl siding because they are relatively affordable at first glance, but commercial masonry is a worthwhile choice to consider. Here are some of the many reasons why you should think about using masonry for your commercial buildings.
Masonry Is Easy on the Environment
Masonry refers to both stone and bricks, and because of its composition, it has little to no environmental impact. When buildings are made from synthetic or “faux” materials like vinyl (which is made of plastic), it takes more energy and non-renewable materials to create each piece. However, masonry materials like concrete and bricks can be reused by crushing and reforming them. And since they are made of naturally occurring materials like stone, you are not introducing pollutants into the environment when you make a building out of bricks.
Masonry also lasts a long time, and its durability and longevity should be factored into your decision making. Remember that if you choose a less durable but cheaper material like vinyl, you will probably be replacing those materials more often. Vinyl in particular is prone to cracking due to temperature changes and will need to be changed out. That is a lot of plastic waste that you are adding into the environment, much of which will not be able to be reused or recycled into new projects. The environmental impact of non-masonry options extends beyond just the initial build.
Masonry Helps You Conserve Energy
It may seem like the shiny, smooth surface of a vinyl siding piece would reflect sunlight and keep your building cool, but in reality, it is masonry that is the best at maintaining temperatures and conserving energy. Thanks to the density of the brick or stone, masonry absorbs heat to create a consistent temperature. In other words, it stays cool without letting heat in and warm without letting heat out, depending on the time of year.
This is great for your energy bill, because you will spend less on regulating the indoor climate when your building stays at a consistent ambient temperature. There are also less obvious savings to be had-such as less risk of pipes behind the masonry freezing and bursting.
Masonry Will Last a Long Time
Of course, one thing that you may have already known about masonry is that it is durable. Some types of bricks or stones can last more than a hundred years with the proper care. This is because stone does not typically erode on its own like plastic and other materials might. In order to wear down, masonry will need exposure to other elements.
Naturally, no building exists in a vacuum, and your masonry will in fact wear down a little over time. Masonry is durable, but still sensitive to environmental factors like the heat of direct sunlight, heavy winds, heavy rain and maybe even freezing temperatures, depending on the climate in the location where you build. However, the material is robust, and regular maintenance can catch small problems before they become big issues.
In other types of buildings, like those with vinyl siding, you will need to consistently pay attention to whether panels are warping, cracking and leaking. With masonry, the indicators of a problem include small cracks or erosion of the mortar between the bricks.
The good news is that masonry is simple to repair if you catch problems early. If you notice that mortar has started to flake or wear away over time, you need only ask a professional to repoint that area and add new mortar. This does not require any replacement of existing bricks and restores not only the building’s function but also its aesthetic. In this way, masonry for commercial buildings tends to last a lot longer than other building products because it can be repaired easily without major replacement.
Trust the Experts to Help Make Your Commercial Building the Best It Can Be
You may be in a situation where you’re building your commercial structure from scratch, or maybe you’re adding an expansion or opening a new branch. No matter the circumstances, give some thought to whether or not masonry is the right choice for your structure. The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration would be happy to walk you through the process. They’ll explain how masonry for commercial buildings can be used to accomplish your goals, as well as how to maintain your masonry for maximum durability. Reach out for more information or to get started with an appointment.