Stone masonry in Calgary is the creation of sculptures, structures, and buildings using stones of irregular shapes and sizes. Stone is known for its timeless appeal, ease of maintenance and durability. Some of the oldest monuments such as the Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Parthenoen are built of stone.

There are two broad categories of stone masonry:
 

• Rubble masonry, and
• Ashlar masonry

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​Rubble masonry or rubblework utilizes undressed or crudely dressed rough stones. Because stones of irregular sizes are used in rubble masonry, it has wider joints than ashlar masonry.

​Dry rubble masonry is the most basic type of rubble masonry. In this type of masonry, no mortar is used. Stones are laid in a specific pattern to avoid large joints, especially large vertical joints.

​Random rubble masonry utilizes undressed stones or hammer-dressed stones. Stones are carefully selected and placed in a specific pattern to distribute the pressure evenly over a wide area and avoid long vertical joints. The end result is an organized, yet rustic look. 

​This type of masonry uses hammer or chisel dressed stones. Square rubble masonry can either be coursed or uncoursed. In uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in rows with defined horizontal joints, whereas, in uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in a random pattern with no defined vertical or horizontal joints.

​Ashlar masonry utilizes finely dressed stones of the same size, shape and texture laid in place with cement or lime mortar. Pre-Cut and dressed stones have specific dimensions and height, which means stone contractors in Wetaskiwin have more control over the location and size of horizontal and vertical joints.

In rough tooled ashlar masonry, stones are first chisel dressed so they are smooth on the bed. Their faces of stones are rougned with a chisel or hammer to achieve a rustic look, while ensuring uniformity in size and shape. 

​Utilizes stones that are precisely cut to a specific shape and size. In fine tooled masonry, the mortar joints can be as thin as 1/8th of an inch. This type of masonry is expensive as it involves cutting stones precisely which requires specialized skill and focus.

​This type of masonry utilizes stones that are finely shaped into uniform blocks. The faces of stones are dressed to have a more uniform texture. A small bevel is added around the face of every stone. 

​Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned Red Deer stucco contractor. Our pros have years of experience performing different types of masonry work. To learn more, call 403-588-5306.

​Stucco cracks are caused by seismic movement, improper or damaged setting, shoddy workmanship and seasonal changes. Cracking usually occurs around doors, windows and sharp edges. Stucco damage is a serious problem. If left unaddressed, stucco cracks and blisters can cause wall damage, shortening the service life of your exterior finish.

​You will need a caulk gun, a putty knife, tin snips, a stiff paint brush, a trowel, a wire bristled brush, a hammer or chisel, acrylic exterior caulk, lath nails or roofing nails and stucco repair mix.

It’s not uncommon for hairline cracks to occur in stucco over time. Fortunately, minor stucco cracks are easy to fix. You can repair a hairline crack by filling it with paint. If that doesn’t work, follow these steps to repair your stucco:

• Gently brush away any dirt and dust around cracks with the stiff paint brush.
• Fill cracks with the acrylic exterior caulk. Use a sanded acrylic exterior caulk to fill cracks up to 1/4inch wide. Smooth out the caulk.
• Once the caulk has dried, paint the repaired area to match the original color of the wall.
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Follow these steps to fix large stucco cracks-¼ inch or wider:

• Clean the area by scraping out loose debris from cracks using your putty knife.
• Fill all cracks with the premixed stucco patching material.
• Use the wire bristled brush to add texture to patches.
• Once the patching material dries, paint over patches. 
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​If your paint has blistered or the stucco itself is bubbling, reach out to a stucco company in Calgary for help.Blisters in stucco could indicate a moisture problem. Repairing stucco blisters may mask the symptoms of the problem, but the underlying problem will still exist.

Why wait for stucco cracks to appear and then fix them when you can prevent them in the first place? Follow these tips to keep your stucco in top shape all year round:
 

• Stucco maintenance prevents stucco cracks and other problems and keeps your stucco looking great all year round.  Create a preventive maintenance plan and stick to it. Inspect your siding at least once a year for cracks and holes. The sooner you fix any cracks the better.
• Trim back vegetation around your stucco. Stucco is porous, which means it can absorb moisture from soil. Make sure your stucco is not touching the ground or it can absorb moisture from the soil around your home. Moisture can damage your stucco as well as your walls.
• Seal your stucco to protect it from to the elements. 
  
  

​Do-All Stucco & Stone is one of the most trusted stucco contractors in Calgary, and Alberta. Whether you want to maintain your stucco or replace it, we have got you covered. To consult one of our pros, call 403-588-5306.