Sandblasting commercial buildings: when, where, why?
Over time, commercial buildings build up a patina and a layer of dirt and grime that can look unsightly to visitors. Some buildings are coated in paint that may not have originally been there, and that paint eventually needs to be removed. Whether you’re a new builder owner or a long-time owner, you might be…
Read MoreTools of the trade – concrete restoration
What does it take to restore your concrete? If your concrete is spalling or cracking, or if you’ve been having issues with structural integrity, it’s time to give it some TLC. To do that, though, you need the right tools for the job. Here are a few common tools used in concrete restoration. Pressure washer…
Read MoreThe importance of joint sealing
If you’ve been inside a commercial building recently, you’ve probably been inside a structure made of water-resistant concrete. Water-resistant concrete structures are extremely common, but they also have an extremely common fail point: the joints. A poorly installed joint system in a water-resistant concrete structure is an immediate fail point. When water begins to leak…
Read MoreWhat is concrete restoration?
Concrete lasts forever, right? After all, there are still concrete buildings and aqueducts from ancient Rome that are with us today. But concrete doesn’t really last forever. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, but it does require maintenance and care if you’re going to keep it structurally sound and looking good. What if that maintenance has…
Read MoreParking lots vs. parking garages
Where is everyone going to park? Countless business owners have wondered this when looking at a new location. Apartment complexes, shopping centers, downtown buildings… everything in a modern city requires parking, and if you don’t have it, you’re probably hurting your business. So if you’re considering parking, should you go for a parking lot or…
Read MoreEIFS over brick: Should you do it?
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) is commonly used in new construction. But when it comes to retrofits, you might hesitate. Is it possible to install EIFS over the outside of a brick building or a brick veneer? What exactly is EIFS? When you’re debating EIFS for a building, it’s important to understand exactly what…
Read MoreThe fundamentals of masonry restoration
You may have heard the term “masonry restoration” before. But what is masonry restoration? And why is it so important? Making old things new Masonry restoration is something of a catchall term. Many people use it interchangeably with tuckpointing or repointing, which is the process of replacing old and worn-out joints with newer mortar. But…
Read MoreDoes concrete absorb water?
That nice new slab of concrete looks pretty good right now, doesn’t it? But fast forward a few years and it might not. Depending on the environment in which it’s installed, the ratio of ingredients in the mix, the time allowed for it to dry when poured, and many other factors, that concrete can chip,…
Read MoreCan concrete rot?
While concrete rot does occur, the specifics as to what is actually happening vary. Concrete rot in many cases is diagnosed as the steel reinforcement, or rebar, corroding and expanding inside the concrete itself. A professional inspection is the best way to figure out what is happening and how to fix it, but here are…
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