Stamped Concrete Driveway

Not all masonry repair jobs are the same. It depends on what’s being repaired, what the client wants, and what the professional thinks is right. You’ll find that since each repair job is different, there are different types of masonry materials that can be used.

Common Materials Used in Masonry Repair

Below is a guide that will give you more info about the materials used in masonry repair, in case you see them on your bill or you see workers using them. It’s always nice to have an idea about what’s going on.

Bricks

Bricks are the first on our list because they’re the ones most commonly used in masonry repair and construction. Plus, they’re very popular and preferred for so many reasons. First, they’re durable. Second, they last for generations. Third, they’re stylish and remain stylish for a long period of time. There are also a lot of choices when it comes to bricks. Now, you can get them in many different colors and textures.

Bricks can be made of clay, sand, and water, plus or minus lime or ash. As you change the concentrations of each component, you’ll get a different type of brick. The components are mixed together then pressed using a steel mold for shaping. They’re then put in a hot oven in order to be baked into solid units. This only proves that not all bricks are exactly the same.

Concrete

Concrete blocks are laid in a similar fashion as bricks. You stack them on top of each other in a staggered or serpentine manner. Concrete blocks take less time to be laid compared to bricks because they’re much larger. The fact that they don’t take so much time to be laid has led to their increased popularity. Concrete blocks are also cheaper and are fire resistant.

While bricks may be more popular overall, especially with houses, concrete is heavily used in the construction of schools and factories. When constructing buildings of large structures, money and time are very important factors. Concrete ticks both of these boxes since it’s somewhat cheaper and isn’t as time-consuming as laying bricks.

Stone Masonry

Stones used in stone masonry purposes can either be dressed or undressed. If you’re looking for something that’s more flexible and offers varied options when it comes to sizes and patterns, then dressed stone will fit your needs. On the other hand, if you want a more natural or rugged look, then go for undressed stones. Undressed stones are placed together without a regular pattern so it gives a somewhat messy look. Surprisingly, it often looks great and many people want it as a part of their house.

Choosing the right material for masonry repair or construction can be tricky. If you’re building an outdoor structure, then you should certainly prioritize strength and durability. Alternatively, appearance and design are prioritized for indoor structures. Other factors that’ll affect your decision include the cost of the project and how much time you have to complete the entire structure. Each kind of material has its own advantages, and you just have to pick the ones that are most important to you.