When it comes to major home improvement tasks that involve building new structures or tearing down walls, most homeowners would often hire a local masonry contractor to take on these kinds of jobs. For one thing, most home improvement tasks can be done by DIY junkies including painting walls, electrical and plumbing installation, but not masonry works.

Masonry jobs usually involve manual labor because masons tend to lift heavy building materials as part of their job. In order to build a brick patio design, a mason should be used to lifting heavy building materials and be prepared to bend, kneel, and stand for long periods of time in a day. Masons should also be able to work, get exposed to outdoor work and get dirty most of the time.

Basic job information about masonry workers

For starters, masonry workers and pool masonry contractors are responsible for laying masonry materials such as stone, concrete blocks, or bricks. These materials are bonded with mortar until they are able to create a structure. Masonry workers can build flooring, walls, and an entire structure that is customized by the building owner.

As mentioned, masonry workers should be physically able as the majority of their tasks involve lifting heavy building materials. Aside from that, they should also be able to withstand working under the heat of the sun and changing positions while working. Most masonry workers also work full-time, which basically provides a decent source of income for their respective households.

Those who want to work as a mason are required to undergo an apprentice program to know how the industry works. In terms of educational attainment, most applicants have at least a high school diploma to apply for the job. Masonry workers, including those who work in patio companies, usually earn more or less $44,000 in a year.

Aside from the heavy-lifting tasks, masonry workers also do the following as well:

• Responsible for reading blueprints and determining the right materials needed for the building project
• Measuring and cutting building materials according to the required building size
• Laying out forms or foundations as per building plan
• Aligning and cleaning up building or structure surfaces using the right building tools

Benefits of masonry structures

There are many things to learn about masonry. For one thing, it is said that more than 70 percent of buildings all over the world are made by masonry. Most masonry buildings built by professional patio builders and others way back are recyclable and eco-friendly. Plus, it requires little insulation materials than other building structures.

Other benefits of structures made from masonry are the following.

• Resistant against earthquakes, fire, and even mold and mildew
• Sound-resistant and tend to absorb heat less than other building systems
• Versatile, durable, and aesthetically-appealing
• Comes in different designs, colors, and finishes to choose from
• Masonry materials are usually made from eco-friendly ingredients
• Is and will always be an in-demand industry, one that simply cannot be replaced by machines and other kinds of technological advances

Essential masonry tools every mason should have

Masonry building has been around since ancient Egyptian times. Back then, they used limestone and crushed stones to build structures. Nowadays, masonry materials have evolved to be more durable and long-lasting yet provide the same level of quality for the structure itself. Among masonry tools used by patio contractors and other building professionals are the following.

• Cold chisel – a flat and wide head meant for chipping excess mortar, removing a brick from a wall, or slicing bricks in half
• Brick hammer – every masonry worker needs to have this tool, it is different from the ones used by carpenters
• Wire brush – meant for brushing off rock debris after a major masonry task
• Trowel – there are different types of trowels, the margin trowel, and a square or V-shaped trowel which are both used to spread mortar on stone or a flat surface

The future of masonry

As mentioned, masonry jobs are and will always be in-demand jobs. There should be skilled personnel to take on physical and manual labor when it comes to building structures. Job applicants should be physically-able to be considered in this kind of job. Plus, working in this industry can be rewarding, too. For your home improvement needs, just call the best patio companies in Long Island today!