Masonry is one of the oldest trades in the construction industry, with masons playing a significant role in the construction of some of the oldest known surviving structures, from the Maltese temples to the Egyptian pyramids to one of the greatest sights in the world — the Great Wall of China.
Speaking of ancient masonry structures, stone remains to be one of the most widely used materials in the construction of masonry structures today. The following points will explain why stone masonry has stood the test of time.
Stone is a sustainable choice for masonry structures.
As building owners and masonry contractors alike continue to favor the use of materials that reduce environmental impact and boost the energy efficiency of masonry structures, stone has proved to be the go-to material in many ways.
Stone is a natural construction material that does not require additional materials or resources to produce. It is also available locally, meaning it can be extracted and used within their specific locations. This reduces harmful greenhouse emissions associated with the transportation of masonry supplies.
What's more, the durability of stone minimizes the demand for virgin masonry materials, as existing masonry structures can last for decades and even centuries without requiring a complete rebuild. When stone structures reach the end of their lifespan, some stones can be salvaged for reuse while others can be crushed to be used as gravel for paving applications.
Stone offers unique, timeless beauty.
Stone ages beautifully. Many people argue that it looks better with age. The best part is that no two stones look exactly the same, as they're not subjected to the same natural process. If you want to give your masonry structure a natural look that never goes out of style, look no further than stone.
Stone enhances the thermal performance of buildings.
In the sweaty summer weather, stone can help keep the interior of your structure cool and breezy. During the winter months, it can absorb and retain heat, keeping you warm and comfortable.
This can reduce the need for extra insulation for buildings located in areas with moderate temperatures.
From walls and floors to patios and fireplaces, masonry has a variety of applications in the building and construction industry. Plus, masons work with different types of construction materials, including stone. If you want to get the most out of your project resources, hire a masonry contractor that specializes in the type of structure you want to build and the material you intend to build with.