What do I look for when buying a brick house?

• <div><p>There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.</p><ul><li><p><b>Lintels:</b> Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion</p></li><li><p><b>Mortar:</b> Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.</p></li><li><p><b>Walls:</b> Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.</p></li><li><p><b>Cracks:</b> If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What kind of drill bit do I need for brick?

• <div><p>Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don&rsquo;t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they&rsquo;re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to clean brick?

• <div><p>For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.</p></div>

Q: How long do brick houses last?

• <div><p><b>Brick houses can last at least 100 years</b> with minimal maintenance. With regular care and attention, including mortar repointing, brick houses can last 500 years or more.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

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National Property Inspections

4.7(

)

Concrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt courteous service. Explained important points during the inspection and provided a report that evening.
"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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AZ Fab and Restoration

4.5(

)

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Install+2 more

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It went exactly as planned. Adan Montoya was very communicative, helpful and patient throughout the project. He is friendly, fair, conscientious and hard working."

+10

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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A-PAC Pressure Grouting, Inc.

4.0(

)

Concrete Foundation - Raise

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"A -PAC was not too eager to do the job. They never called back after I discussed my chimney problem with Bob. Another company did the repair and did a wonderful job using 4 helical piers stabilizing and jacking the chimney up to it's original position. I would strongly recommend that you include this company in your list of foundation contractors."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Whittier Consultants LLC

5.0(

)

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For BusinessBrick or Stone Siding: Install or Completely Replace+4 more

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

"Fred and John are consummate professionals!
Timely bid response and follow-up.
Excellent communications throughout the entire project and solid work ethic with impeccable integrity.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Clark's Handyman

New to Angi

Concrete Foundation - InstallConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+1 more

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Concrete\nCarpentry\nLandscaping\nLawns\nDecks\nDrywall\nTrim work\nWelder\n\nPainting\n

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Garcias Constructors LLC

New to Angi

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Here at Garcias Constructors we work hard every day to meet and exceed any Excavation,Grading,Asphalt prep, Drainage/Pipe, Gravel, Pads, projects you need done. Any type of Concrete.

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Desert State Dirtwork

New to Angi

Foundation Drainage - Install or Replace

Serving Tsaile, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

We do quality and exactly how the customer wants it.

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Masonry questions, answered by experts

Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.

For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.

Lintels: Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion
Mortar: Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.
Walls: Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.
Cracks: If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.

Brick houses can last at least 100 years with minimal maintenance. With regular care and attention, including mortar repointing, brick houses can last 500 years or more.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

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