Stonemasonry 101

The art of stonemasonry existed since man discovered tools. This paved the possibility of buildings to be more appealing than ever. Stonework NJ are used in both residential and commercial establishments. The good thing about this material is that it can withstand the harshness of the weather, and will not easily be destroyed by human efforts. If you are planning to put up a structure and you want it to be both appealing and long-lasting, you may want to check out the different stones you can put on your walls. 

Types of Stones

Construction experts continue to use different types of natural stones. This allows people to choose what they want, according to the over-all design of their properties. Here are the types of stones that most people use:

Igneous stones – These are known to be the most durable stones. One good example of this is the granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma, which is a molten rock that is abundant on earth. It is one of the hardest materials and it is usually installed for flooring and kitchen countertops. However, there are also special sculptures that are made from granite.

Igneous stones, though there are known to be hard materials, have several ranges. There are types that are made from soft rocks like the scoria and the pumice. The harder variations are the tuff and the basalt. 

Metamorphic stones – Metamorphic stones are also durable but they differ from igneous rocks when it comes to molding it to different shapes. These stones are more flexible that they can come in different colors and sizes. Most artists opt to work with these stones and they are mostly seen during the Renaissance time. One of the most popular metamorphic structures is from the 6th century BC when the Greeks made a sculpture named Antenor. 

The most popular variation of the metamorphic stone is the slate. It is known for its hardness but it has a fine grain that provides a distinct elegance. It has sharp details and so it is commonly installed in rooftops. 

Sedimentary stones – These are famous among architects as it gives off a distinct style. Examples of sedimentary stone creations are from the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Durham Cathedral. The most common types of sedimentary stones are the limestones and the sandstones. Although these materials are now used only for structural design, there are still preferred for the timelessness and elegance. 

These are the types of stones that most construction experts use. In case you need to choose from the variety of stones, it is best to seek the experts. The experts have gone through extensive training and experience so that they can identify the right stone for a specific structure. 

In fact, the stonework NJ training can last for years. Some have undergone apprenticeship before they work alone. This combines personal experience as well as learning from the experienced professionals. So, if you ever need to have stones put on your structures, never second-guess. Better yet, never think about the aesthetic appeal more than the properties. Talk to the experts before making decisions.

Chimney Repair and some Preventive Measures

Chimneys had been with homes mostly in temperate and other colder countries. These days, some chimneys are hardly used anymore, replaced with more convenient appliances and devices especially in urban areas. Those who still prefer the traditional ways are sometimes stuck with problem they seldom encounter: chimney repair Northern NJ.

This usually happens to people who inhabit traditionally-built homes with the beautiful chimney sticking out of the roofs. The chimney had been part of many traditions but is usually forgotten until something happens.

Problems / Maintenance

Since the chimney is mostly out of mind from the everyday cares of the inhabitants of the house, nobody thought that it does need its own maintenance to prevent deterioration, and thus cut down on repairs. The chimney’s main function is to draw smoke and other gases up and away from the fire and out of your house. If these stay, they can cause illness and can actually be fatal.

Cleaning the chimney is one of the important things to prevent deterioration and the inevitable repairs. Winter months are the best cleaning months. Debris (leaves, rodents, birds’ nests, etc.) must be cleared and removed. Check your chimney caps and replace broken ones at once. They keep water out, and save deterioration of the masonry.

More maintenance

Clean your fireplace with each use to prevent dust and ashes from clogging the chimney. In cleaning, be sure to also remove those in the chimney walls. Soot is another substance that can fill up and clog up your chimney’s circulation.

Once clogging happens, the whole chimney deteriorates. Chimney repair is the next thing to do, whether one likes it or not. The other deposit that needs to be cleaned is creosote, composed of built up wood oils and stick to the chimney walls. In big quantities, they sometimes ignite and become a fire hazard.

Some more preventive measures

First, check your chimney from the outside (and inside) for cracks, gaps or signs that they might develop. At the first instance of discovery, have it repaired at once. For best results and for your safety (do not try to do it yourself, unless it’s your line of work), have a professional company do the job. Try to follow their follow-up recommendations and advice.

Try to keep the fire hot in your fireplace. This helps in doing away some of the creosote buildup in your chimney. Keep many carbon monoxide detectors in the house. They can help in indicating any ventilation problems in your chimney and/or fireplace.

Have your chimney cleaned professionally at least once a year. With or without any indication of any problem, get a professional to check out your chimney for present and future problems that can happen. It pays to check on the problems early because repair costs vary, and increases with the gravity of the problem.

If your chimney is thoroughly damaged or deteriorating and you don't use your fireplace much, you could get rid of it altogether. One that is deteriorating is a health hazard. Chimney removal is often much cheaper than extensive chimney repair Northern NJ.