The advantages of building with masonry are visible to anyone, not just to construction specialists.

The first advantage of the load bearing masonry houses is that they resist very well in the case of seismic movements. Any construction company can tell you that due to the mosaic-type construction, the structure is much more resistant, and the mortar between the bricks only adds to the overall strength of the building. Obviously, an analysis of the structure has to be performed at certain intervals, because the mortar may shrink or lose its consistency over time, in which case consolidation works will be needed.

Another advantage worth taking into account when it comes to the masonry is that these types of constructions manage to provide good thermal insulation. It does not mean that a masonry construction will no longer require the installation of insulation, but it does have the property of retaining heat much better than other materials, such as concrete or wood, and masonry restoration experts agree.

Masonry is also rising in popularity because it is a very durable option and has a long life span; testimonies are the thousands of constructions built over time. Additionally, masonry buildings are very resistant to fire and also provide good sound insulation.

Damaged brickwork or a wall that is missing bricks needs immediate attention, but fortunately, the repair can be easily tackled by DIY repair enthusiasts as well. Here is how to do it:

• Find suitable bricks – you will need bricks that match the rest of the wall in shape, size and color. If you have some in your attic, you are lucky, but don’t despair if you don’t – most hardware stores carry large inventories of bricks;
• Grab a bucket, fill it with water and soak the replacement brick in the water for about an hour;
• Clean the gap – use a chisel to remove the old mortar or remaining pieces of the old brick;
• Make the mortar – mix a small amount following the instructions on the packaging;
• Spray some water on the bricks around the hole to prevent them from drying out your mortar too quickly;
• Spread a generous layer of mortar on the bottom of the hole, then take the replacement brick out of the bucket and apply mortar on all the edges except the bottom that will come attached to the already mortared surface;
• Place the brick into the hole and press it downward, then align the brick and remove the access mortar.

If you are not up to the task, call a professional masonry restoration Connecticut contractor to do the work for you, for wonderful results.

Masonry work is among the most traditional building procedures, but natural stone, brick and mortar can be used not only for creating structures that feature traditional styles, but for adding modern components as well. Here is how you can use masonry for your modernization project:

• Add a fireplace – when we hear about built, masonry fireplaces, what usually comes to mind is a large mantelpiece and a large fire chamber with large logs burning quietly. However, you can have your new fireplace built in sleek, modern style, with more angular shapes and a glass door for an even more elegant look;
• Add or replace a wall with a brick structure – you can replace one of your non-load bearing walls with a masonry structure with beautiful bricks revealed or painted into a bold color to spice up the looks of your home;
• Build a masonry floor – masonry floors are not only very durable, resistant to any amount of traffic and easy to clean, but they also add class and style to your room, especially if it gets combined with some other type of flooring, such as smooth and shiny epoxy resin. You can also choose to have a mosaic made from carefully picked and polished stones for a look that is modern and traditional at the same time.  Find professional masonry companies in your neighborhood, like New England Masonry and Restoration for quality services.

Stone masonry is spectacular, it adds not only value, but beauty to any home. Natural stone is among the most versatile, most attractive building materials – whether you use it inside your home, for your floor or for your fireplace, or outside, for setting up a grill or to create a sanctuary for relaxation in your garden, the material will add unparalleled atmosphere to your space. If you are currently trying to figure out the best way to incorporate masonry in your home, here are some unique ways to do it:

• Use masonry veneer – the special material is used to create finishes on structural walls, accent walls, fireplaces and mantels. Modern design solutions use masonry veneer in the kitchen, to create exterior finishes for columns that visually delimit the space as well as for backsplashes and the material is also frequently used to create unique bathroom design solutions;
• Masonry stoves – this traditional heating solution is chosen by many homeowners not only for the great heating performance offered, but also for the wonderfully varied design options available;
• Stuccos – these special types of masonry coating can be used to add elegance to both exterior and interior spaces. A great way to use the solution is to combine it with various other textures, such as polished steel frames and wood accents.  The people best suited to install a brick wall in your home, are those who have spent countless hours doing masonry restoration work.  Masonry is an art and needs to be done correctly to withstand the test of time.

While masonry and concrete are both used for building walls and other structures that make up buildings, the two are very different in terms of application and the method of preparation – here are some of the most important differences:

• Composition – while cement is created using cement, water and some sort of aggregate, such as stone or sand, masonry uses brick or stone components glued together with mortar, a combination cement, sand and water;
• Preparation – both concrete and the mortar used to make bricks stick together can be made in a mixer, but in most cases, concrete is manufactured in large quantities in a factory and it is transported to the building site ready for being used;
• Application – concrete is usually poured into molds to form posts, floors and walls, while masonry walls are built brick by brick, stone by stone, spreading a layer of mortar on the top of a layer of bricks, then laying bricks on the mortar and continuing the operation until the desired height is reached;
• Durability – both concrete and masonry walls are resistant and durable structures, the choice between the two being determined by the type of the building, budgeting considerations, architectural and terrain-related factors.  When looking for masonry experts, look to New England Masonry & Roofing of Connecticut for professional results.