Common Challenges in Masonry Work and How to Overcome Them

September 6, 2023

Masonry can be an excellent career choice. After all, brick and stone are timeless materials that never go out of style. But masonry work comes with some unique challenges. Whether you’re a novice mason or have been doing this work for years, here are some common masonry problems you might face and how to ensure you are always putting forth your best work.

Masonry Challenges

Problems you might see during your masonry career include:

Efflorescence

This whitish deposit tends to appear when the weather is cool and wet, dissolving the natural salts in the material. It’s generally caused by a thin topcoat, inadequate drainage, micro-fissures, or the addition of too much water to the base material.

Bulging wall

If a wall appears to be bulging, it’s usually due to either water infiltration or mortar deterioration. This can eventually cause the entire wall to collapse.

Deteriorated mortar

Low-quality mortar can deteriorate quickly, but even strong mortar is subject to the ravages of time.

Cracking

Individual bricks may become damaged, or a crack could run through an entire wall. Either way, you’ll need to determine the cause. It may be something like extreme temperature variations, or it might signal that the entire building has shifted due to a foundation problem.

Preventing Masonry Problems

It would be impossible to prevent all damage to a masonry structure. These buildings exist in the real world, where the elements can and will take a toll. But you can ward off many problems by always doing your best work.

Ensure consistent mortar mixtures

Never take shortcuts when mixing your mortar. Always check the consistency and discard any batch that seems “off.”

Handle different materials effectively

Masons work with brick, stone, and even concrete. Learn how to install each type of material properly, and ensure you always utilize the best practices.

Manage weather-related obstacles

Know the location where you are doing your work, and take active steps to mitigate the risks. For example, you’ll need to follow different guidelines in an earthquake-prone area than in one with frequent hurricanes. Learn the codes and other regulations for your location and utilize them in every job.

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At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting professionals in the skilled trades with contractors who need their services throughout the Great Lakes region. If you’re a skilled trade worker looking for your next position, check out our available jobs today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!