Masonry is a time-honored construction material that delivers both beauty and durability. However, like all construction materials, masonry is not immune to problems.
Bricks and concrete blocks are generally used to construct load-bearing walls but can also be used as decorative veneers. They can be either hollow or filled with steel reinforcement. Contact Charleston Masonry Masters now!
Masonry combines beauty and durability to create structures that stand the test of time. It is commonly used in new construction and renovations as a foundational material for walls, chimneys, and fireplaces. Masonry is also used to build homes and commercial buildings. These structures offer a variety of benefits, including strength, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.
Masonry offers structural stability, which is critical for commercial, industrial, and other high-rise buildings. Its sturdiness is especially beneficial in earthquake zones, where buildings constructed with other materials are at risk for damage or total loss.
Load bearing masonry walls are built using bricks, stones and concrete blocks that distribute the weight of a building evenly across the structure. This type of construction is commonly seen in older castles and grand houses as well as some contemporary architecture. It is typically more expensive than other methods of construction, but offers superior strength and durability.
The materials used in a load bearing masonry system are often readily available locally, which reduces transportation costs and helps support sustainable construction practices. In addition, a single contractor is responsible for the entire project, which reduces coordination issues and construction problems and allows for construction momentum that speeds up the schedule.
The thermal mass of a masonry wall minimizes temperature swings, which in turn saves on heating and cooling costs. In addition, a masonry wall provides acoustic insulation to keep spaces quiet and comfortable. Masonry is also eco-friendly as it uses recycled concrete and by-products of other manufacturing processes. These green attributes contribute to increased life cycle cost savings, lower carbon emissions and a more environmentally friendly footprint. Masonry is also a safer choice for commercial construction, as it resists fire damage and flame spread more than other materials. This can help prevent the loss of property and keep employees and occupants safe.
Insulation
Masonry construction often requires the use of interior insulation to meet energy codes. Unfortunately, insulating masonry walls with steel studs poses several challenges. Using traditional batt insulation between studs introduces thermal bridges and lowers the R-value of the wall assembly. In addition, the air gap between the studs and the masonry can cause moisture to flow into the interface, decreasing the durability of the masonry.
Installing rigid foam insulation behind masonry walls provides a more durable and effective solution for retrofitting existing buildings. This method eliminates the thermal bridges and allows for the full R-value of the masonry wall to be realized. Additionally, the foam insulation can be used to address vapor control issues and improve moisture performance.
Various types of foam insulation can be used in masonry cavity walls, but two rigid foams predominate: extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate (polyiso). Both offer superior thermal and moisture performance in a cost effective manner. Both products are non-toxic and free from hazardous chemicals that can contaminate indoor air.
In some cases, a combination of both XPS and polyiso can be used to achieve the R-value required for a specific project. The key to success with any masonry insulation is to ensure that the installation process is completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize shrinkage and air leakage.
In addition to providing superior thermal performance, the fire resistance of perlite loose-fill masonry insulation is also an important consideration for building owners and designers. Perlite develops a protective char when exposed to fire, and it is capable of achieving four hour fire ratings when used in concrete block walls. This is a significant improvement over the fire rating of many other insulation products, which typically melt when exposed to fire.
Durability
Masonry has been used for centuries to construct buildings due to its durability and strength. It can withstand the elements like high winds, rain, snow, and hail. Masonry also resists rot and mold better than wood structures. These factors make it ideal for use in commercial and industrial construction projects where the structure needs to be able to stand up to heavy loads and adverse weather conditions.
Masonry blocks are available in different materials like stone, brick and concrete. These materials provide architects and designers with unlimited design possibilities. They are incredibly versatile and are often less expensive than other building materials. However, they can be more expensive to ship and labor-intensive to install.
Structural masonry is the most popular type of masonry. It’s commonly found in residential structures, commercial buildings and industrial structures. It’s used for foundations and basement walls and can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. It’s also an excellent choice for building exteriors, due to its resistance to fire and moisture.
Concrete masonry is typically used in commercial and industrial buildings. It is durable and affordable, making it an ideal material for warehouses, factories, and retail spaces. Concrete masonry is also strong enough to be used in load bearing walls, although it’s less common than structural steel framing in newer construction.
Brick and stone are natural materials that can give a building a classic, timeless look. They are also very durable and require less maintenance than other types of materials. Masonry structures also offer energy-saving benefits that help reduce heating and cooling costs in homes. They have a high thermal mass, which helps minimize temperature swings and shift peak heating and cooling loads to off-peak hours.
Curb Appeal
Masonry is a beautiful way to add value to your home. It enhances the beauty of your exterior and makes a good impression on prospective buyers. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal can increase your property’s sales price and speed up the selling process. It also helps you stand out from your competitors. This is especially important in a buyer’s market.
Masonry can be used in many different types of construction projects, including residential and commercial buildings. It can be used for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, as well as foundations and other structural elements. It can also be incorporated into landscaping projects, such as sidewalks, patios, and walkways.
Modern masonry uses a variety of different materials, including stone, brick, and concrete block, to create impressive architectural structures. It can be incorporated into a wide variety of design styles, from contemporary to traditional. Many architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn, used masonry in their designs to show off the inherent structural and aesthetic qualities of the material.
Today, masonry is often seen in urban landscapes, where it adds a sense of history and tradition to the skyline. It is also being used in sustainable construction, with a focus on using recycled materials and energy-efficient construction methods. Many masons are also involved in restoration, preserving historical structures like Notre Dame’s vaulted ceilings.
Masonry is an environmentally friendly building material, as it requires less energy to manufacture than other materials and doesn’t deplete natural resources. It is also durable, so it will last longer than other types of materials. However, it is important to hire a licensed contractor and make sure they have insurance coverage. This will protect you and the contractor in case of an accident or damage to your property.
Value
Masonry adds value to homes in the form of curb appeal and durability. The versatility of brick and stone allows homeowners to build unique features that will set their home apart from others in the neighborhood. Unique mason stonework can include brick sidewalks or walkways, a custom retaining wall for a yard, patio or garden, a brick or stone chimney, a driveway covered with low stone walls, and much more. Brick and stone construction is also non-combustible, which improves fire safety in a home.
Concrete masonry offers significant energy savings through its inherent thermal mass. Its high density and specific heat slows down interior temperature swings, reduces heating and cooling loads, and shifts load periods to off-peak hours. In a single wythe application with proper insulation and finish materials, concrete masonry offers R-Values of up to 20 compared to 12 for a typical light frame building.
Whether used as the structural frame of a building or a strong backing for many types of veneer systems, masonry products and assemblies provide substantial savings in cost and time to market for projects of all sizes and scope. Its durability and resiliency enhance a project’s life cycle, increase its desirability for potential buyers and tenants, and add to the overall economic value of the property.
When determining the value of a masonry company, business appraisers use either the market or income approach to determine a fair valuation. This method involves comparing the company to similar businesses that have comparable earnings and assets. The most common multiple is an EBITDA multiple, which normalizes for differences in capital structure, taxation, and fixed assets. Another commonly used multiple is a discounted cash flow method, which uses future cash flows to calculate value.
