Stone Masonry 

Rich in beauty and prestige, stone masonry has literally built our world. The greater Philadelphia area features many stone types and styles that require expert care. Our understanding of the unique building systems that incorporate stone masonry provides the foundation for our expertise in repairing and maintaining your masonry structures. Our team focuses on techniques to restore and maintain residential building structures in an effort to preserve their beauty, value and functionality.

A clean, polished patio can provide a great area of extra space for your home, especially in the warmer months as an outdoor party area to host guests or for personal relaxation.  We invite you to consider the many benefits of maintaining your stone patio:

• The visual effect of a fully restored patio is dramatic and can be enjoyed immediately by family and friends upon completion of the restoration process.
• The financial benefits of restoring a patio are significant, as this type of repair can easily increase curb appeal and home value.
• Stone is a very durable material, and if properly maintained, this type of patio can last a lifetime.

A retaining wall is usually installed to perform a specific function, including water management, soil retention, or increasing the level surface area on sloped piece of land. In some cases, the retaining wall exists to serve multiple functions. Regardless of the retaining wall's purpose, regular maintenance should be performed on your retaining wall to prevent any major issues from developing overtime. Clearing weep-holes to allow for proper drainage and checking for cracks in the mortar annually help to prevent minor issues from developing any further. Stone retaining walls are rich in history and have a timeless look that add aesthetic and functional value to any property.

If repairing a stone wall is not an option, but you are looking for the exposed stone aesthetic, there are many fantastic veneer options on the market to match your style and budget. Stone veneers truly give homeowners the ability to personalize their space without constructing structural masonry walls. Please contact a representative by email at info@disciplemasonry.com if you are interested in browsing our options for veneer installation.

In our Northeastern climate, the chimney on your home usually plays an integral part in venting exhaust from your heating system. Exterior stone chimney repairs are very common, because the chimney, above the roofline, is exposed to all elements, from all angles, all year long; without a proper maintenance plan, this type of exposure tends to increase the frequency of repair. When our team assesses and repairs a masonry chimney, we focus on safety, functionality, and appearance. There are many different styles of stone chimney used in our area, with Wissahickon Schist and Sand Stone being the two most common. Regardless of the type of stone used, our team has expertise with completing all styles of exterior stone chimney repair project. From minor cracking to full chimney rebuilds, you can depend on us to restore your chimney the right way, the first time!

As they protect you from the elements and support the roof over your head, the exterior stone walls on your home serve an important, often thankless role. Many times, exterior masonry walls do not receive immediate attention because they are made of incredibly durable materials; although this is true, there comes a time when repairs should be made to preserve the integrity of the structure as a whole. Maintaining exterior masonry walls will save you money and protect your home for years to come.

The primary purpose of a steel lintel is to support the load of the masonry structure located above that lintel. They are most commonly placed above windows and doorways, but can be used in many scenarios that require additional support of masonry. A Lintel, usually made of steel, runs horizontally to cover the full span of the exposed portion of the structure. This steel beam acts as a shelf that is capable of holding the weight of all masonry above it. If exposed to water, the steel lintel can rust  and begin to deteriorate if proper water management methods are not put in place during installation. Deterioration of the lintel weakens its strength, commonly causing step cracks to form in the masonry above it. In some cases, a lintel must be replaced due to prolonged exposure to the elements wearing away at the steel overtime. To avoid the aesthetic and structural issues that accompany lintel deterioration, it is best to take preemptive preventative measures to protect the internal supports within your masonry walls. At Disciple Masonry, we are prepared to determine the condition of the lintels on your home and ensure that proper installation practices are used when making repairs or installing new.

At Disciple Masonry, we understand the longevity of your entryway depends on the knowledge of the installer/maker and the quality of materials. The entrance to your home experiences foot traffic every day, multiple times a day, most days of the year; significantly more than most other exterior areas of your property. When restoring a walkway or front landing, our team focuses on creating a safe, durable, and attractive entrance that will withstand the test of time. Stone is a strong material, capable of weathering the changing seasons and adding value to the appearance of your home.