Masonry, Sustainability, and Energy Efficiency in Des Moines
Masonry is durable, but it’s also energy smart. In a place like Des Moines, where the weather swings hard from freezing winters to humid summers, choosing the right materials for your home or property can make a real difference in comfort, cost, and longevity.
Here’s how brick, stone, and proper masonry techniques can help you save energy and stay comfortable year-round.
1. Masonry Holds and Regulates Heat
Brick and stone have high thermal mass, which means they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly over time. In winter, that means your home stays warmer longer after the heat turns off. In summer, properly built masonry can help prevent rapid temperature swings.
Homes in neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Merle Hay, and Highland Park, especially those with older brick construction, often benefit naturally from this. But proper maintenance and modern upgrades like sealing or insulation can maximize that energy-saving effect.
2. Masonry Reduces Drafts and Air Loss
Cracked brick, crumbling mortar, or gaps around windows and doors aren’t just cosmetic problems—they let air leak out and water seep in. That forces your HVAC system to work harder and your energy bills to climb.
Services like tuckpointing, chimney repair, and lintel replacement are structural, but maybe even more importantly they’re energy upgrades. By sealing up the envelope of your home, you’re reducing air loss, improving efficiency, and making every heating or cooling dollar count.
3. Sealing Brickwork Helps with Moisture and Insulation
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of both efficiency and durability. Water in the walls causes damage, mold, and heat loss. Sealing your exterior brick and stone helps keep moisture out, reduce interior humidity, and extend the lifespan of your masonry.
At Des Moines Brickwork Brigade, we use breathable sealers that protect the surface while allowing the wall to expel internal moisture; ideal for Iowa’s freeze-thaw climate.
4. Masonry is a Low-Carbon, Long-Term Material
If you care about long-term sustainability, masonry is a better choice than synthetic siding or cheap exterior materials. Brick and stone require less frequent replacement, contain no off-gassing chemicals, and often come from local sources—reducing the material’s carbon footprint.
A well-built masonry wall can last a century or more. That means less waste, fewer renovations, and fewer materials going to landfills.
5. Hardscaping That Works with Your Home
Energy efficiency doesn’t stop at your walls. Masonry patios, firepits, and retaining walls can also affect how your home retains or deflects heat. A south-facing patio made with light-colored pavers, for instance, reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption into your home. A well-built retaining wall can redirect water runoff and protect your foundation from damage.
These aren’t just aesthetic upgrades—they’re functional ones, too.
Build Smart, Live Efficient
Whether you’re maintaining a historic home in Sherman Hill or building a new one in East Village, smart masonry work pays off. At Des Moines Brickwork Brigade, we combine practical construction with long-term performance.
Need help with insulation-related repairs, brick sealing, or structural restoration? We’re ready when you are.
Reach out today for a quote—no pressure, just solid work that makes your home stronger, safer, and more efficient.
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