Building a home is one of the most important stages in your life, therefore deciding on which material to be used is crucial in obtaining your dream home. Preference plays a major role in this choice but many other factors should be taken into consideration also. Stone masonry is one of the many options available and it comes with both its advantages and disadvantages during construction. The stones used should be hard, tough, and durable and should be prepared according to the specified requirements. There are quite a number of types of stone masonry to choose from, for example, dry rubble masonry, coursed rubble masonry, and un-coursed rubble masonry. This article looks at some of the advantages and disadvantages of stone masonry.
As a result of using stones during construction, the final outcome of your building will be strong. Stone has an average compressive strength of about 104.9 MPa, proving to be a better option than most of the other materials when looking at this aspect. The compressive strength is simply the maximum load the stone will be able to bear without crushing or cracking. The strength of masonry will also be majorly dependent on the mortar strength.
Buildings are subjected to all types of weather throughout the year. This is therefore an important aspect to consider. Stone masonry has the capacity to resist any effect that could be caused by the elements of weather for example rain, hail, and snow just to name a few. In the case of rain, stone does not absorb water hence, there will be no future problems brought forth by dampness.
Stone masonry has a great advantage over other construction methods because the stone is able to withstand wear, pressure, and damage. Such instances that may cause wear or tear on normal occasions include, moving furniture that would scratch a wooden surface or leave dents on walls. Stone will not face such challenges. It is also resistant to bending, wrapping, splintering, denting, and even swelling all of which contribute to its durability. The strength and even weather resistance of the stone contribute towards this factor.
The aesthetic look that can be obtained from stone gives it an edge. Stones come in a variety of textures, sizes, and even colors. Therefore, there is an endless list of designs to choose from. Stone is also versatile such that it easily meshes well with different construction materials. It can give you a majestic look, not forgetting grandiose and imposing.
Due to its durability, the buildings constructed through stone masonry require very little maintenance as opposed to other methods such as brick masonry that will need plastering and color washing.
The stones used are heavy and produce thick walls. This is disadvantageous because it reduces the floor spacing. The handling of these stones can therefore be quite difficult.
The people employed in this construction technique need to be skilled because a lot of care is required. This is because there is little to no room for mistakes whereby alterations, repairs or even relocations cannot be made easily once made. Careful installation is also needed for the safety of the homeowners.
Due to the thickness and heavyweight of the stones, handling these aspects can be challenging and accidents can easily happen. More care is therefore needed for the safety of the people, the materials, and even the equipment being used.
The construction cost of stone masonry is a bit on the higher side because of the skilled labor required, the expensive equipment to be used and many other costs incurred.
Stones are mostly found in designated areas such as quarries and therefore, transportation of these stones to the sites is necessary. This is then more costly because of the weight of the stones.
The total construction period takes a lot of time. This is first because transportation of the stones is done slowly due to caution. There is then the construction that will take more time as compared to other methods of construction.
It can therefore be seen that stone masonry has its share of advantages for example strength and durability, but it also comes along with its disadvantages like the difficulty in handling. It comes down to your preference and if you are willing to overlook the disadvantages to enjoy the rewards of this type of construction.
Techniques for working with rock and stone are constantly evolving. Below, you’ll find a guide to some of the advantages of educating yourself on working with natural stone products.
Stabilizing Your Business by Expanding Your Repertoire: Advantages of Using Stone Building Materials
As a contractor, one of your biggest challenges is bound to be finding a steady flow of work. Building strong relationships with repeat customers can certainly help with that goal, but most clients have a limited number of construction projects. To make sure you always have work, you have to figure out how to branch out to new fields and guarantee that you never have to turn down a job due to a lack of expertise.
Expanding your knowledge, then, can be a central responsibility. The knowledge you need isn’t simply limited to business strategies and construction techniques but can also come from learning more about the materials themselves. Rock and stone may be as old as the planet itself, but techniques for working with them are constantly evolving.
Below, you’ll find a guide to some of the advantages of educating yourself on working with natural stone products.
Long-Lasting Results
It can be easy to satisfy a client immediately after the conclusion of a contracting job, but more challenging is making sure that that satisfaction is permanent. Ultimately, your reputation will be built on the back of your longevity. It’s important that former customers tell their friends and neighbors who did their work and offer glowing recommendations.
The best way to secure that kind of permanence is by working with natural stone. The geological history of the planet speaks for itself, so you can be confident that stone tile and other masonry pieces will be resilient and maintain their strength for years to come. Natural wear on stone can even be a huge benefit, as it may bring out colors and textures that can create a truly unique appearance.
Environmental Sustainability
As more and more people become environmentally conscious, it stands to reason that those interests will spill over into many arenas. The construction industry is not immune from environmental concerns, as some building products have been criticized for their environmental impact.
For instance, lumber usage can result in deforesting is not sustainably sourced, and the production of other materials may involve excessive energy consumption or an increase in emissions.
Stone products, on the other hand, come naturally from the earth and can generally be removed without creating excessive damage to the environment. Stone is also a fairly good insulating material, meaning that climate-controlled environments are less likely to leak. As a result, less energy will be expended—and clients could even save on energy bills.
By promoting conservation through multiple means, your choice of stone products can represent a bold stand in favor of an environmental ethic that prefers careful consumption.
Simpler Construction
Many people hesitate to commit to learning a new skill or trade because they’re intimidated by the knowledge they’ll have to amass before they can use it. With stone construction, however, the opposite is often true. If you already have a base of construction knowledge, you may find yourself with the exact background you need to make a very easy transition.
Many building materials require pretreating, specific upkeep, careful maintenance instructions, and a myriad of other specific bits of knowledge. Stone can stand strong and resilient without your stressing over almost any of those concerns.
As a contractor, you need to take steps that enable you to deliver the services your customers really want. One of these services is stone construction, so to be a truly versatile and knowledgeable contractor, you need to embrace natural stone materials.
To get these materials or learn more about them, talk to Bourget Bros. Building Materials. We have experience in many established projects and can provide you with the knowledge and support you need.