Masonry cleaning, maintenance and restoration services are vital to most commercial buildings because masonry as a building material dates back to ancient times when Egyptians developed elaborate stonemasonry techniques to construct the pyramids. Today, architects and builders value masonry for its scale, texture, color, and pattern as well, as its non-aesthetics benefits like controlling sound, insulating against temperature fluctuations, and resisting fire.
Keeping masonry in good condition takes the proper tools and techniques. Presto Restoration is unique in that we wholly address masonry issues, providing restoration, cleaning, and protection services for entire buildings.
What is Masonry?
Masonry is the art and craft of building structures from individual units typically bound together by mortar. The term can also refer to the units themselves. The most familiar type of masonry is brick, though it also refers to other types of stone. “Dry masonry” doesn’t use mortar.
Often associated with historic buildings, masonry is still used for all types of commercial structures, including:
- Office buildings
- Bridges
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Travel accommodations
- Multi-unit housing
- Parking structures
- Retail shopping centers
- Schools
By the start of the 20th century, masonry was being applied over wood-stud construction. Cavity walls that were super-resistant to moisture were often built of two vertical masonry layers with a layer of insulating material in between. Many building codes required the use of masonry in firewalls.
Presto has decades of experience in masonry cleaning, maintenance, and restoration services. Our technicians are trained to identify problem areas and recommend restoration and maintenance plans that help you:
- Avoid costly repairs and reconstruction.
- Decrease liability.
- Maintain your building’s value.
Our advanced masonry restoration and protection solutions are designed to extend the life of your masonry building, parking garage, or other structure.
Masonry Restoration Services
Masonry restoration and masonry repair are two separate processes that differ in significant ways.
- Masonry repair fixes cracks and chips within existing masonry. Sometimes entire sections of masonry are repaired; other times, the work is done through caulking. As it tends to crumble and wear out long before the masonry does, mortar often needs to be entirely replaced, requiring complete restoration.
- Masonry restoration is designed to preserve a structure’s style and appearance. It requires a thorough understanding of different building methods, as how a masonry structure was built 150 years ago varies greatly from one that’s 50 years old. Restoration can be as simple as cleaning and sealing or as complex as tearing down and rebuilding.
Masonry Cleaning Services
Depending on the desired results, different products and processes are used during masonry cleaning services. For instance, pressure washing is often used without using chemical cleaners. Stains and discolorations require the proper cleaner. Some loosen oils and grease, while others remove mold and algae and acids remove rust and efflorescence. If the wrong products and techniques are used, the results are less than satisfying.
Presto uses a variety of techniques and cleaning agents.
High-Pressure Washing
Many of our clients are surprised at how new their masonry structure looks once we pressure wash it. When called for, we use chemicals during the pressure washing process to completely remove efflorescence and other types of mineral staining.
Low-Pressure Washing
For more sensitive materials, including coated surfaces, we use a combination of low-pressure washing and chemicals.
Masonry Sealing Services
When water penetrates masonry’s facade, it weakens the structure. Efflorescence is a clear indication water has gotten behind a stone wall. Proper restoration techniques remove unsightly efflorescence and repair the areas that are allowing the water to enter the structure. Following restoration services, it’s crucial to seal the masonry surface to prevent future water intrusion. You should almost always use a sealer after the masonry cleaning process, as it closes the material’s pores and prevents water penetration.
Sealing also helps prevent:
- The need for frequent pressure washing.
- Staining from adjacent materials leaching minerals.
- Organic and non-organic oil and stain penetration.
- Mold and mildew.
- Damage to steel components.
Presto was the first masonry restoration company ever to create an exclusive product line to specifically combat the problems associated with masonry staining and discoloration.
Caulking control joints helps maintain your masonry structure’s integrity and prevents water, air, and insects from entering the building. We provide exceptional masonry caulking services that keep your commercial structure weather and waterproof.
Masonry Maintenance
The most common masonry maintenance involves tuck pointing and repointing to renew masonry’s waterproof capabilities. As masonry deteriorates from exposure to external elements, the damage is most apparent at the mortar joints. Repointing removes and replaces failed mortar and improves the building’s aesthetics.
Learn More About Presto Masonry Restoration & Protection Services
If you own a commercial masonry building, periodic restoration is critical to prolonging its life. For more than 25 years, Presto’s skilled technicians have provided industry-leading masonry cleaning, maintenance, and restoration services across the country. They’d love to do the same for you. Give us a call at 1-800-785-9927 or request a quote.
