Throughout history, we have used stone as a base for our shelter or house. Construction is a human activity as old as the Stone Age, when humans primarily used stones for hunting. We build homes to control our environment, such as creating protection from harsh weather (read more). As time passes by, we slowly learn some construction skills that involve the use of binding materials.

One example of the binding material is the use of “mortar,” which is mostly used to bind bricks, stones, marbles, and structural clay tiles. The process of attaching the mortar and the bricks and other materials is called “masonry,” which is a construction technique. Masonry constructions are generally durable, and using different types of materials as building blocks makes them flexible in most cases.

You may have heard the story of the three little pigs, in which the three brothers built different types of houses using various materials to hide from the wolf. The third brother used brick walls and ended up protecting himself from the wolf because of their durability. The story is an excellent example of how the constructions created through masonry can withstand the weather.

Masonry is a viable option for you if you are planning to renovate your house. You can search for a professional online if you want to use the construction technique but don’t know how. Yes, it’s convenient and much safer to use websites to find a pro mason near you, especially when there is still a pandemic. Don’t worry, though. The contractors would surely follow safety protocols when renovating your house!

Now that looking for a mason is out of the way, let’s go over to the main question. What types of home renovations do masonry contractors do? Well, below is a list of home renovations they could do for you! Do note that they also have different costs depending on what type of masonry work you are requesting.

Home Renovations Masonry Contractors Do

1. Walls

This is the most famous construction work when it comes to masonry. It has different types to go along with it. Are you planning to build a gate? Or maybe an exterior wall of your house? A wall is a viable option for homeowners such as you.

Walls are always being requested from contractors; there are many experts out there that could work with it efficiently. The materials they use would depend on you, and so does the pattern. Talk to the contractors about the walls you want, as they have other uses.

Load-Bearing Walls

This type is designed to withstand heavy loads, primarily used for the house’s foundation, and durable enough to carry heavy materials from the roof down. Its contrast is the non-bearing-load-bearing wall that is only used as a partition from room to room in the house’s interior.

Composite Walls

Composite walls use different kinds of materials, like bricks, concrete, hollow blocks, marble, and granite. It combines other materials to make a wall. This option is usually a much more cost-effective type and is recommended for those who want a few styles aside from murals.

Hollow Walls

This type of wall is primarily used to prevent moisture from coming inside the house. The walls are hollow on the inside, which helps control temperature by regulating the heat or cold in the open area, ultimately preventing extreme temperature fluctuations.

Reinforced Walls

Reinforced walls, as obvious as it becomes, are designed to strengthen other walls. A reinforced wall can be either load-bearing or non-load-bearing. This type helps withstand lateral forces from above, preventing cracks and possible breaks. This type would greatly help in keeping your house as durable as possible.

2. Driveway

Masonry contractors could renovate the driveway for your car towards your garage. Typically, asphalt or concrete is used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the driveway’s appearance, making it more decorative and visually appealing. You can repair your driveway with the contractors as well when there are cracks or other problems.

3. Chimney

You can also hire contractors to renovate your house by adding a chimney. Masonry chimneys made of brick or clay tiles are decorative and useful. You can also use different materials too, like a cinder block, concrete block, or even stones.

4. Walkways

Are you looking for a more decorative look for your backyard? Well, luckily for you, you can request a masonry contractor for it! You can negotiate the design, materials, pattern, and area of your walkway! Oh, but that is not limited to your backyard. You could also request that they construct a walkway in your front yard as well!

5. Flooring

One excellent example of flooring is a brick floor; it is a viable option for places like the kitchen. Masonry contractors have the ability to renovate your house’s floors, and their options extend beyond just using bricks. You can also use more decorative materials like slate tiles for your floor.

6. Masonry Stove

Do you like baking bread? Making pizzas or other foods involves the use of a stove? Contractors could help build one for you! If you prefer a medieval style, it will give your kitchen a slightly rustic appearance. Bricks are mainly used for the stove, but other materials can be used, like the chimney!

Additionally, Here Are Some Advantages Of Masonry Construction:

• A variety of using materials such as stones and bricks can expand the thermal mass of a structure.
• The construction helps in preventing fires because the materials are generally non-combustible, which is a huge plus!
• The structures are generally sturdy, which helps protect your home from debris projectiles caused by hurricanes. It could also protect your home from harsh weather like floods.

And Here Are Some Disadvantages:

• The materials used are usually heavy, and it requires the structure to have a strong foundation to withstand it.
• When exposed to extreme weather for a long time, the materials would undergo degradation and require repairs to prevent further damage.

It is generally weak against twisting forces.