Whether you’re a commercial enterprise that’s looking to build a new facility or update your existing one, you have a lot of decisions to make. Among these are what type of building material you should use for your project. Factors like cost, longevity and overall aesthetic are important to consider, and for that reason, masonry is a solid choice for commercial projects. Here are some of the many reasons why commercial masonry last longer and look better than their peers.
Why Masonry Lasts Longer Than Other Options
Masonry is a robust material, it’s thick and heavy. Brick and stone can be made in a variety of shapes and, in the case of concrete, different mixtures as well. This means that masonry can be crafted or selected specifically to meet your needs. If your building must be able to stand up against heavy forces like earthquakes or vibrations, reinforced concrete blocks offer a solution.
In addition, masonry gradually adapts to the temperatures around it, making it energy-efficient and strong against changes. Compare this to something like vinyl, which may warp or crack when the temperature changes quickly. While it is certainly true that masonry can also crack under the forces of moisture and cold, it can be repaired without requiring full replacement in most cases.
If you take good care of your commercial masonry, it could last upwards of a hundred years. Minor repairs made as part of regular maintenance are cost-effective, simple and a reliable way to keep your structure in good condition for as long as possible.
Why Masonry is Timeless
Another benefit of commercial masonry is how good it makes your building look. The crisp, clean, bright lines of mortar between the bricks creates a sense of order and professionalism. If you use stone, you can opt for unevenly cut blocks to create a visually appealing and interesting surface. And masonry can come in colors ranging from white to red and even gray, which are all professional and seamless with almost any type of decoration or business color scheme.
Another advantage of masonry is its symmetry. Each block is exactly the same size-unless you intentionally choose randomly cut stones for that unique, varied appearance. If you keep your masonry in good repair, it will retain its bright color both in the mortar and the bricks themselves. Bricks do not need to be painted because they achieve their color directly from the materials they are made from. That means you can’t wash the color away, even if bad weather keeps your building wet for a long time.
Keeping Your Masonry in Good Repair
Of course, both the longevity and beauty of a masonry project are best preserved with regular maintenance. Masonry is a tough material option, but it too needs care just like other choices. The good news is that this type of care is simple as long as you stay consistent.
Make it part of your regular maintenance schedule to walk around the building and examine it closely, or trust a professional to come out and do so from time to time. You’ll be looking for cracks, areas where mortar is starting to flake or disappear and signs of water damage. Catching bulging or sagging areas, deteriorating mortar and cracking masonry early on makes for an easy fix. Most of the time, the area can be patched without needing to replace bricks at all.
The most common repair you can expect will be tuckpointing (or repointing). Stay on top of this process and you’ll only rarely find more advanced issues like cracks in the brick. That’s because repointing replaces old, worn out mortar with new material. Not only does this help your building distribute its weight property and protect the bricks, but it also keeps the structure looking new and clean.
Don’t forget about power washing as well. An expert can help you determine the right detergent, temperature and power to clean your exterior. This process inhibits the growth of damaging elements like mold and algae while keeping the structure beautiful and clean.
Trust the Pros to Handle Your Masonry Needs
You might be thinking about using masonry for a new commercial building, or maybe you are adding an extension to an existing structure. No matter the scenario, masonry can provide an option that lasts and looks visually appealing.
The professionals at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration can help you understand how masonry might fit into your plans and how to take care of it, from preventive maintenance like waterproofing to on-site repair. Reach out to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.