The most basic definition of masonry is, essentially, just “stonework.” That’s certainly a very general description, isn’t it? In truth, masonry involves building structures with everything from stone to bricks to concrete. At Flawless Masonry, we have years of experience helping Long Island homeowners develop and construct everything from outdoor kitchens to stunning concrete driveways.

Masonry is probably the most reliable way to add beauty and grandeur to your home. In addition, there are countless projects to pursue that will give your home a flawless upgrade. However, with any construction, there are certain limitations that are inevitable. Therefore, in this post we’ll break down the pros and cons of masonry construction. This way, you can have a better understanding moving forward of which projects are best for you.

 

The Pros of Masonry Construction

Below are some of the general benefits, which apply to all types of masonry construction. This is, essentially, construction involving all materials like bricks, concrete, stone, etc.

  • Masonry is completely non-combustible. Basically, this significantly improves fire protection for your home and family. Also, this is why fireplaces are usually made of masonry.
  • Generally, masonry has a much greater resistance to rotting, weathering, pests, and natural disasters.
  • Masonry provides grand, elegant looks to any home or building.
  • It’s inherently more durable and can tolerate large amounts of compressive weight loads.
  • Buildings made with masonry have much longer lifespans than other buildings.

 

The Cons of Masonry Construction

  • Masonry construction requires very heavy materials. Therefore, regular-size vehicles can’t transport them.
  • A masonry structure’s stability depends on their foundation. If any settling occurs, this is a severe issue. Therefore, they require quick repair to prevent excessive moisture and damage.
  • No homeowner should ever attempt masonry repairs on their own. There are several reasons for this. However, trust us: you should always consult a professional in these situations.

 

Brick Masonry

Pros

Brick masonry doesn’t necessarily demand the most expert labor. Basically, this is because masonry units are uniform in size and shape. Bricks are also light, easy to handle, and less costly than stones and concrete blocks. Brick walls are slimmer, and they can adhere with different kinds of mortar, depending on the building requirements. Bricks can easily make openings for doors or windows. As a result, costs go down, because the joints are thinner.

Cons

Bricks have a low resistance against tension. This makes them more susceptible to earthquake damage. (Not really much of a problem here on Long Island, truthfully.) If you compare them to materials like stone or concrete, they’re technically less durable. Also, there are much less sizes and colors to choose from.

 

Stone Masonry

Pros

Out of all masonry materials, stone is the most durable and weather resistant. This is because of its natural fortitude and durability. Stone is best for buildings with high foot traffic, since it’s completely unable to bend. One of the primary advantages of stone is its visual appeal, with a wide variety of colors, sizes and textures. Finally, because of its durability, its requires very little maintenance or repairs.

Cons

Because they’re so thick and heavy, stone walls limit floor space. Stone masonry is time-consuming and requires expert handling. Stone masonry construction must be done carefully and precisely. If not done properly, the structure won’t be safe enough for the occupants.

 

Conclusion – Flawless Masonry

At Flawless Masonry, we’re always here to help and guide you towards a flawless home upgrade and adding value to your home. Whether you’re looking for brick, stone or concrete, our team will assist you in executing the design plan of your dreams.