"It went beyond great. This family business is amazing, very experienced, and they are great to work with. The quality and professionalism in their work is more like art than a job. It is tough work but they bond together to get the project done on time, on budget and wonderful clean up. I can’t recommend them highly enough. I have gotten many compliments from neighbors and friends about the new paver driveway."
"Working with Alpha Foundations was an exceptionally positive experience from start to finish. The project manager, Joshua, came out to look at our cracking concrete patio, diagnosed the issue, and had a cost-effective solution for us. He also provided all the information we needed to get a quick approval from our HOA. The team that did the work, Tory & Blake, were on time, efficient, and highly skilled. Not only did they stabilize the concrete patio using their foam injection process, they spent a lot of time caulking and smoothing all the cracks (literally on their hands & knees) doing a meticulous job. The process worked so well, it actually lifted one section and eliminated a 1" difference in height so no more trip hazard either. This company clearly invests in a high quality product and skilled professionals. We are very glad we found them."
"Excellent response and quality workmanship in both the cutting and removal of concrete and the repair of the cut after. I would most certainly recommend this company to others who require concrete work."
"Excellent in every way. Professional, does beautiful work, competitive pricing, can't say enough about them. One of the best companies we have dealt with in 40 years of living in Florida."
"I am very happy with their performance, they were on time with everything, and flexible, when extra work had to be done on the primary entrance as per permit inspector, also when asked to do entrance driveway on new culvert. I am going to hire them again for driveway graveling, I would recommend highly."
"Corey did a great job on my lawn and landscaping! He worked with me on the price, he was prompt, communicative, and quick! He knows what he's doing, and he was personable and great to work with! I highly recommend!!"
"BZS Concrete provided a prompt, accurate quote. Mauricio and his team performed the work efficiently and professionally. They were polite, respectful and knowledgeable. Thank you!"
The best tool for drilling into brick or mortar is a rotary hammer drill which is a large hammer drill with low rotation speed and high torque. Regular drills with a hammer function are also excellent tools for drilling into brick when the diameter of the hole is 1/2 inch or less. It might be possible to drill into brick with a standard drill if you’re only drilling a very small hole, but note that masonry work will put a lot of wear on a standard drill, and the tool may not be strong enough to get through brick.
Brick can increase the value of your home depending on the type of masonry materials used. Homes generally have a higher resale value when they have brick siding, and brick is also easier to maintain (and lasts longer) than other types of siding, which can motivate buyers to make an offer.
Just keep in mind, however, that although brick can up the asking price when you sell your house, the cost to brick a house is also more expensive than other typical siding costs—so you’ll invest more in the project.
A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.
Mortar is a mixture of sand and cement that binds materials, such as bricks, stones, and concrete blocks, together. Think of it as the glue that fills in the gaps between bricks and stones, then seals them in place to prevent damage or deterioration. Mortar also helps spread the load across a wall or structure, keeping cracks and shifting at bay.
You can purchase from many brick manufacturers and distributors via their websites, where you can also get estimates based on the quantity you need. You’ll find bricks at your local home improvement stores as well, though they won’t have as much of a variety to choose from. As for antique bricks, secondary selling websites like eBay can be a great resource.
The Homosassa, FL 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.