"We had a the best experience hiring Basement Systems. The work was done impeccably and professionally. Everyone on the crew was great. We love our dry clean basement!!"
"We could not be happier with the stamped concrete walkway Mike and his team did for our new home construction. It was done in a week, with center plank pattern and a darker stamped stone border on a gently curving footpath. Highly recommend Mike for stamped concrete work."
"I am very pleased with the experience that BQ Basements gave . TJ and Byran explained what was being done, polite , efficient ,and went the extra mile to help me out ."
"Excellent work on French Drain! After a hiccup with stone laying, the issue was corrected and we are very happy with the finished product. Steve is the best! And thank you to Boni and Pedro as well. Great customer service!!"
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We have many years of experience to give you confidence that we are your number one choice for concrete. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details. We look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!
"?I own a 200-year-old farmhouse with a stone foundation, and I was really worried about the integrity of the structure. After reading some bad reviews about other companies damaging stone foundations, I chose Basement Waterproofing Specialists. They are a 4th generation family owned company.I was so glad I did?they were professional, thorough, and really took the time to protect my home. My basement is finally dry, and I feel confident . I would highly recommend them in every way! Price? Professionalism? Quality? And a lifetime of the structure warranty that is transferable?? Thank you. Mark HB Homes LLC"
Yes, you can technically use a pressure washer to remove paint from brick, but it comes with a significant risk of damaging the brick surface. A high-power pressure washer can be fast but may leave the brick looking unsightly. The recommended method is to first apply a chemical paint stripper, following the product's instructions, and then use a stiff metal bristle brush or a pressure washer on a low-pressure setting to remove the loosened paint. Due to the risk of damage, it is often best to hire a professional who can use low-stress methods.
Discoloration ondifferent types of brick can range from harmless to red flag. For example, efflorescence that is caused by a buildup of water-soluble white salt is considered harmless. However, green or greenish-yellow stains are caused by salts that are harmful to brick. Staining can also be caused by rust, corrosion, lime run, soot, algae, or moss.
Yes, you can limewash surfaces other than brick. Plaster, stone, stucco, and concrete can all also be limewashed. Any porous surface that will absorb the wash is a good candidate for limewash, although it won’t help much with waterproofing. If you choose to limewash over paint, you’ll need to prep before applying it to avoid a powdery, chalky finish. Shiny surfaces like metal or glass can’t absorb limewash, so it’s not suited for these.
While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.
Painting brick is porous, meaning it’s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.
Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.
Most of the time, you don’t need to seal brickwork and can save that money for another area of home improvement. But if your brick is cracking or you live in an area with a lot of excess moisture (either in terms of rain or freezes), sealing can extend the lifetime of your home. But, make sure you use a breathable sealant, like siloxane, to allow the moisture to evaporate on its own.
The Harrington, DE homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Door or window lintel replacement costs $400 on average, but there are ways you can save. On the other hand, complicated work will increase costs considerably.
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
Discover the wide variety of masonry materials for your next home upgrade project. Our guide covers the different types of materials to choose from and more.
When it comes to masonry versus concrete, it can be easy to confuse the two. Use this guide to learn about the differences in appearance, strength, and more.