Construction has been a part of human civilization for as long as we can remember. There is evidence of construction from more than 10,000 years ago which just goes to show how vital it has been for the survival and evolution of the human race. If you’re looking to partner up with experienced masonry construction contractors in Dallas, TX – Correa Masonry is your #1 choice. With hundreds of completed projects in the area, we deal with all types of construction including residential and commercial. Here, we take a look at notable differences between several building techniques that are available on the market and how masonry can be the better choice for you. Differences Between Masonry and Other Building Techniques Pros of Masonry 1. Durability and Strength The biggest positives that are in favor of masonry are its durability and strength of construction. It has been one of the most important factors that have favored it over such a long period. Masonry can handle the heaviest load in the smallest form factor safely and without any issues. Masonry forms the core of large construction projects with other materials only used on the outside as a facade. It is resistant to pests and fire while also suffering minimal degradation over time. 2. Aesthetic Appeal With the right combination of masonry materials, any building can become a timeless masterpiece. There are a huge palette of design options available for people to mix and match. And the best part is that even a simple masonry project using bricks considerably enhances curb appeal. Another advantage of masonry is that it can be combined with other styles for a truly unique home or office building. Today, you can choose between a variety of textures available on the market and at a considerably lower cost than before. 3. Sound Insulation Since masonry is quite dense and heavy, it works really well to filter out external noise. It is especially relevant if you’re considering a project in a busy neighborhood. It enhances the privacy of your home and gives you peace of mind. Using masonry together with double paned glass can give you almost complete silence regardless of which location you’re in. 4. Property Value and Resale Since masonry is well known for its durability and hardiness, investing into it can give homeowners a huge benefit when it comes to property value. There are more buyers for masonry properties than other types and it is a great long-term investment. Masonry projects also have lower insurance premiums, which is another attractive benefit. During resale, you will find that people haggle less over the price of a masonry building than other types. 5. Maintenance Costs Masonry buildings have considerably lower maintenance costs compared to something like wood or prefab. Owners will find that only minimal upkeep is required, and the intervals between repairs are much longer comparatively. With masonry, you also don’t need a lot of plastering or sealing to ensure protection. Cons of Masonry 1. Initial Construction Costs One of the few problems with masonry construction is that it required a significant upfront investment to execute well. The materials used by masonry are expensive and it is a labor intensive process. But the good news is that since it is durable, you won’t have to spend a lot on maintenance, which can somewhat offset the cost of investment. 2. Turnaround Time Masonry projects can take a long time to complete. There are not many ways of speeding it up because the materials need ‘curing’ time. And since heavy machinery is required for most types of masonry projects, there are more chances for weather-related delays. With proper planning and a professional contractor, these delays can be reduced significantly. 3. Repair Complexity Masonry projects require considerable time and expertise to perform correctly. It is difficult to get the right materials to match the existing construction because they take on a different appearance when they age. Contractors also need specialized tools and it will take time to fully cure and settle. If you have a professional contractor like Correa Masonry, it will speed up the process significantly. Are you looking to start a new project in Dallas, TX? Get in touch with the best masonry contractor in the area, Correa Masonry LLC. Check out our website now for more information about our costs and other details!
The Different Types of Bricks for Masonry Work
Bricks are the basic building blocks of any type of construction or masonry work. With the advances in materials sciences, there are a lot more different types of bricks available today with various attributes and differences in aesthetics. Are you looking for certified masonry specialists in the Dallas, TX area? Look no further than Correa Masonry LLC! With decades of collective experience with stellar projects in the city, we have a great portfolio for you to browse through. We have delivered residential and commercial buildings over the years and are looking forward to working with you. Let’s take a look at the different types of bricks available that you can choose from. Types of Bricks 1. Burnt Clay Bricks When people say bricks, this is what they usually mean. One of the oldest and most used types of bricks today is the burnt clay bricks. Its characteristic dark orange color has been around for centuries. It provides a robust structure that is reasonably fire and weather resistant. But for improved aesthetics, you might need to plaster on it for a smooth finish. 2. Concrete Bricks Concrete bricks are usually made from a mixture of high strength cement as bonding agent, water, and sand. These types of bricks are known for their high strength and durability and often used in construction of walls or pathways. They are highly weather resistant and durable. It should be noted that they are heavier than clay bricks and require proper sealing to prevent moisture seepage. 3. Sand-Lime Bricks Sand-lime bricks or calcium silicate bricks are an alternative to concrete bricks. It is similar to concrete bricks but it uses lime instead of cement as a bonding agent. These types of bricks need to be cured in an autoclave and are strong enough to be used in load-bearing walls or high-rise buildings. It has good thermal insulation and has a uniform shape which makes it a good choice for commercial construction. 4. Fly Ash Bricks Fly ash bricks are made from the residue of burning coal and mixed with water and other additives for bonding. It requires a specialized curing process under high-pressure to ensure it can be used. It has several advantages for construction being light, strong, and environmentally friendly. Since the edges are prone to chipping off, it needs careful handling which makes it a slightly more expensive option. 5.Engineering Bricks Engineering bricks are the choice for more demanding projects. These bricks are designed to be the highest strength with as low water porosity as possible. While these are also made with clay, the process is different, and the result is focused on a more durable product without any need for aesthetics. They are much more expensive than regular burnt-clay bricks. Brick Properties You Should Know 1. Density and Weight Ideally, the best option for bricks is to have a balance between density and weight when you’re looking at domestic construction. For commercial purposes, since the buildings are going to be larger and have multiple floors, you need denser material to form a proper load bearing base. Your contractor will be able to help you with the choice of bricks for your needs. 2.Compressive Strength Compressive strength is how much axial load (vertical load) a brick can withstand before being crushed. Needless to say, this is important for all types of construction. The compressive strength depends on the type of material and curing process of a brick. While engineering bricks have one of the highest compressive strength numbers, you might not need them for a two-story home. 3. Durability and Weather Resistance Durability is a vital factor for all types of bricks. The ability of the brick to resist external factors like weathering and wear is referred to as its durability. High durability is generally better, and this can be further enhanced by the use of protective coatings. Also, the choice of bricks is determined by the type of weather in the area. 4. Water Absorption Water absorption or porosity is a measure of the water intake experienced in a brick and is usually expressed as a percentage of its weight. So, for a brick that weighs 100 gms and has 6% water absorption, it will take in 6 gms of water. Regardless of the type of brick you choose, ensure that it has low water absorption, especially if you live in a rainy or wet climate. 5. Cost The one factor that mostly dictates the choice of what brick you’re going to use comes down to the cost. It should be noted that burnt-clay bricks are more expensive than concrete bricks. The reason is due to the choice of raw materials and the curing process. While some types of bricks may be more expensive, they may be more durable saving you maintenance costs down the line. There are many factors to choose the right brick type for your construction needs. If you’re investing in a project, you have to look at the cost to performance ratio rather than the cost alone. For professional advice and insights for your construction in Dallas, TX, get in touch with Correa Masonry LLC. Get your free consultation by calling us now!
How to Add Curb Appeal with Masonry: Tips for Enhancing Your Home
If you’re a homeowner looking for more aesthetically pleasing options to improve your home, you’ve come to the right place. With considerable expertise in construction and home improvement, Correa Masonry LLC should be your go-to choice for this project. With hundreds of successful projects in Dallas, TX, to our credit, we undertake domestic and commercial projects. Check out our website to learn more about how you can improve the curb appeal of your home with us! That said, here are a few tips from our experts that can help you. 1. Understanding Masonry No, we don’t mean you have to learn all about masonry! To ensure that your home looks the best it can, we think spending some time researching your options can make the difference. There are various broad categories of masonry to choose from, such as brick, stone, and concrete. They all have differing values when it comes to durability, aesthetics, and value for money. The key here is to ensure that you make the right aesthetic choice that is durable without exceeding your budget. Before signing off on the construction process, ensure that you learn the differences between structural and decorative masonry. There are various styles to draw from, and you’re limited by your imagination. 2. Choosing the Right Materials Material choices are also related to how much understanding you have of masonry in general. To put it simply, some materials are better than others in specific applications. For example, if you want to lay a driveway, concrete might be a better option compared to clay bricks because they are much more durable and hard-wearing. When you want to improve your aesthetics, it’s a good idea to take some time to match different materials to create a specific look that you enjoy. You should also make it a point to consider the cost of the material or you’re going to end up footing a huge bill for the work. 3. Opting for Walkways and Driveways Adding walkways and driveways are perhaps one of the easiest ways you can improve the looks of your home without ever touching the house. There are certain considerations that you need to keep in mind regarding the layout and size of the path. While creating driveways, don’t forget that you need a solid foundation and proper drainage to prevent mishaps in the future. There are no strict rules to consider when you implement these, just make sure you choose the right material for it. There are paver blocks, gravel, flagstone just to mention a few. Your contractor can help you choose the right one for your needs. 4. Adding Style to Walls Another way of adding a bit of style without going through breaking down existing structures is to add privacy walls to create spaces outdoors. And the huge benefit with privacy walls is that they are not very expensive even though the right choice of layout and material will look the part! Choose from a huge variety of options including metal, wood, or even bamboo. Consider landscaping and adding in aesthetically pleasing structures like retaining walls to break up the monotony. When done right, retaining walls can add charm and functionality to your home. It provides extra support to your foundation by preventing soil erosion. 5. Caring and Maintenance Choosing and building the right masonry elements is only the first part of the process, next comes proper care and maintenance. The number one cause of homes looking barren and lifeless even after expensive landscaping and remodels is because of care and neglect. Periodically cleaning your outdoor elements keeps the house looking fresh and new. Something you should also consider doing is sealing, a process by which you can protect materials against inclement weather. Keep an eye out for cracks in the structure and get it repaired immediately. Cracks can widen if left for a long time, which means more expensive repairs. 6. Finding Trendy Masonry Designs If you don’t know what type of look would suit your house, consider looking at other examples online. There are a huge number of projects that you can take inspiration from to come up with your own unique design for your home. Just browsing through social media websites like Instagram and Pinterest can give you enough ideas to create your own ‘lookbook’ for your home. 7. Hiring the Professionals Making the right aesthetic choice can be overwhelming. For the average person who’s new to this, there is just too much information out there. To prevent making bad decisions and waste time because of analysis-paralysis consider hiring an expert like Correa Masonry. With decades of collective experience between our contractors, we have what it takes to make your home beautiful. Visit our website to check our portfolio and reviews from hundreds of satisfied customers. If you’re in the Dallas, TX, area, we are but a call away!
Unleash the Beauty of Masonry: Top-notch Services for Your Construction Needs
10 Tips for Hiring the Best Masonry Construction Services Contractor
When you want to complete a masonry project, you need it done well and completed in a quick time. The right option would be to hire a professional masonry construction contractor. But the question arises – how do you choose the right company for the job? With decades of collective experience, Correa Masonry LLP can be your contractor in Dallas, TX. We have certified experts working for us who can deliver projects of any size that surpass your expectations and are within deadlines. We take you through what you need to do when hiring a masonry contractor for your project. 1. Evaluating Experience As the adage goes, ‘there’s no substitute for experience’, and nowhere is it more true than with masonry. It’s a general rule of thumb in this industry that the more experienced the contractor is, the better the quality of the finished project will be. Experience dictates the choice of materials, techniques, and machinery used in the project. Opt for contractors with at least two or three years in the business. A good contractor would have completed several different types of projects in that time and would be a viable candidate for your needs. 2. Understanding the Terminology An area where you have to do some reading would be masonry terminology. Words like relieving arch, anchor bolt, header, frog, and parapet are a few terms that can cause significant confusion for homeowners. As a customer, if you’re aware of these terms, you will have a better idea of what is going on in the project. It will also put you in a better position when you have to negotiate the cost of the project. The contractor can also communicate better with a homeowner who is used to these terms and keeps the project moving along smoothly. 3. Verifying Credentials and Licenses Any type of building needs proper licenses both at the state and local levels. The contractor you’re choosing also needs proper credentials from reputed bodies to prove that they’re competent. Masonry contractor certifications can vary depending on where you live. In Texas, there are several bodies that you can confirm your contractor’s credentials with. Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Angie’s List are popular websites that have a host of different contractors available for you to verify. You can also check their credentials at Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TLDR) and the Texas Masonry Council. 4. Going through Reviews Checking reviews of contractors has become easier than ever with Google. Just searching for their name can give you all the reviews of their business listed on the top right of the page. Going through a few reviews can give you important insights into their business. Check on what kinds of ratings they attract and how they deal with disgruntled customers. You should be wary of contractors that only have five-star ratings as this might be signs of review tampering. 5. Comparing Multiple Quotes Don’t be afraid to get quotes from multiple sources in your area. When getting these quotes, get a detailed breakdown of the costs and not just a flat rate to get things done. The reason is that the different particulars billed can give you important information about the process they follow during the project. You can use this to compare with the other quotes you’ve gotten. The lowest quote might not always be the best! 6. Assessing Portfolio and Past Records Portfolios are really important in this business and it can help you decide if you want to hire the contractor. When looking through portfolios, check if what they’re showing matches the project that you’re looking to get done. Request for photos and videos of the completed projects rather than just testimonials. 7. Evaluating the Contract Always ensure that you assess the building contract thoroughly because there are a lot of chances you can misinterpret certain aspects of the process. Any building contract should clearly define the scope of work, payment schedule, and timeline. It’s also a good idea to include dispute resolution and related terms in the contract. 8. Preparing a List of Questions As a customer, you need to ask about everything related to the project! Details about workforce, machinery, material sourcing, timeline, and contingencies are all good questions to start with. Don’t forget to clarify how they handle cleanup and disposal. Ensure they do it as cleanly as possible without disturbing the neighbors and in an environmentally conscious manner. 9. Visiting Their Offices If everything else pans out, visiting their office is a great idea. It gives you the chance to put faces to names and to see how receptive they are to new customers. You’re looking for a professional contracting unit, and the staff should be courteous. If the office is shabby and badly maintained, it should definitely raise red flags. 10. Negotiating the Final Price The final step of the process is negotiation and signing the contract. This is where both parties need to understand each other when it comes to costs and payment terms. Don’t hesitate to ask about discounts and promotions with a contractor; after all, it’s the hard-earned money you’re spending! The estimated project cost should have clearly defined terms on where the money is going. Getting the right kind of masonry contractor can be hard if you don’t know where to look. If you’re in Dallas, TX, Correa Masonry LLP is the right choice. Having completed hundreds of projects, we are a professional masonry contractor who can give you the best and at a great price. Check out our website or call us to learn more!
