What is Masonry?

It’s the $64,000 question: what is masonry? 

It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The art of masonry dates back to the earliest moments of human civilization. Some of the world’s most significant architectural human-made structures were built with masonry, including the Egyptian Pyramids

If you don’t know what’s involved in masonry and how it can benefit your property, you’ve come to the right place. 

Learn everything you need to know about the topic in this masonry guide.  

What Is Masonry?

Masonry is a construction method that builds structures out of individual units. The most common masonry units consist of brick, concrete blocks, and stone. Other materials include natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone, and travertine.

These individual units are laid with cement mortar which bends them together to create a structure such as a wall or a walkway. Masonry construction tends to be more labor-intensive than other building methods due to the individual masonry units. However, masonry structures require little maintenance and offer excellent durability once completed. 

As we briefly mentioned earlier, masonry has a long and fascinating history. Some of the earliest instances of masonry work date back to at least 7500 BCE, when people used mud bricks formed from hand-molded mud and dried in the sun.

From there, masonry construction was used on various projects. From the aforementioned Egyptian Pyramids to the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Great Wall of China. Almost 6,000 years later, masonry work is still considered a popular building craft that benefits many property owners.  

Masonry Repair vs. Restoration

Masonry work can involve both repair and restoration. While many assume the processes are the same, they’re actually quite different. Understanding these differences will help you decide what masonry services you need for your property. 

Masonry Repair Process

More often than not, masonry is prone to cracks and chips. Masonry repair involves taking damaged sections of the structure and replacing them with new brick and mortar. This process is more common than restoration and is the best way to ensure your structure retains its beauty and structural integrity. 

Masonry Restoration Process

Masonry restoration is a much more involved process often done to older buildings that need to be replaced entirely. When hired to restore masonry, professional masonries will ensure that the new work reflects the appropriate period.

For example, Cape Cod-style homes built in the mid-1800s have a distinguished style. This style must be preserved to ensure authenticity. 

The Benefits of Masonry Work

Masonry is a popular construction method for many Cape Cod property owners that want to add a wow factor to their outdoor living spaces. Masonry blocks are a timeless material that continues to make its mark on commercial and residential properties. Let’s look at just some of the benefits of building with masonry blocks. 

Versatile and Aesthetically Pleasing

It goes without saying that masonry blocks are an unmatched architectural beauty. Masonry blocks are available in many colors, shapes, sizes, and textures to match your design preferences. Better yet, they require minimal maintenance while offering a beauty that lasts for years.  

Durable

It’s been some 4,500 years since the Giza Pyramids were built, and they’re still mostly intact. If that isn’t a testament to masonry work, then what is? You can feel confident about choosing masonry block construction as it offers durability and longevity. 

Superb Moisture Management

The design and construction of masonry structures mean they are less affected by problems associated with moisture infiltration. When the material does get wet, it will not lose its structural strength. Instead, it will absorb, store, and later release moisture. 

Fire-Resistant

Masonry work can successfully withstand fire, wind, floods, mold, pests, and any other extreme weather conditions. In fact, masonry blocks are ideal for helping contain fires and prevent structural loss. Some blocks are specifically tested for their fireproofing abilities. 

Environmentally Friendly

Masonry blocks and bricks are sustainable building materials that provide energy efficiency, a long-life cycle, and minimal waste during the manufacturing process. They also require less energy to manufacture. They’re great for keeping buildings warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. 

Masonry Residential and Commercial Services

Cape Cod is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant community, and beautiful scenery. It’s also famous for its gorgeous Cape Cod-style properties that make it one of the most interesting architectural designs in the world. But no house is complete without a beautiful outdoor living space.  

When it comes to masonry work, you must choose the right company for the job. Here are the major benefits of choosing Imperial Landscaping & Masonry: 

  • Top-notch customer service 
  • Fully-insured
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Professional and experienced 
  • High attention to detail
  • Work from existing plans or custom designs 
  • Use top quality products
  • Build long-lasting relationships with every customer

We believe your Cape Cod property should have the outdoor space of your dreams. That’s why our team is dedicated to creating a personal outdoor oasis that will make every summer the best holiday ever.

Masonry Explained, Hire a Mason Today

In this guide, we answered the question: what is masonry? 

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space, you might like to consider custom masonry services. At Imperial Landscaping & Masonry, we offer a wide range of masonry services, including steps, retaining walls, fire pits, patios, driveways, and more. We know some of the best masonry tips in the book, and we want to create outdoor spaces that reflect this. 

Using masonry materials in your landscaping will add depth to your yard. It will also protect you and your lawn from environmental elements such as fire, flood, and wind. 

Are you looking to make upgrades to your Cape Cod property? 

Get a free quote today.