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Avatar for American Waterworks
American Waterworks
4.5(
171
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"This job was completed efficiently and professionally. A design specialist came to test and measure every detail for the project. The crew arrived with everything needed for the job. They worked very hard to install Waterguard in the concrete floors inside around the foundation to the sump pump basket. They also installed Geo-lock anchors to support a block wall that was bowed. This company has 36 years in business and provides excellent results and professional customer relations. Call Amer. Wtrwrks for a free estimate. You will not be disappointed. A wise investment of $11,270."
Another Sinking Floor
Dirt Crawlspace in Elk Mound, WI
Concrete stoop had sunk over 6 inches
Foundation Failure Signs
Increased Efficiency of Crawlspace in Elk Mound

+156

Response time4 hrs
645 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by91%of homeowners
Avatar for Pajic Tuckpointing
Pajic Tuckpointing
2.3(
25
)
Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Very Professional and explained all work before it took place. Cleaned up every night and did not disturb our daily business flow. There was extensive work to be done on this old building and it was done very well. I will be hiring them again if the need is there."
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing

+25

9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 21
Masonry questions, answered by experts

A well-made brick wall can last up to 100 years if maintained properly, which includes regularly repairing the mortar every 30 to 50 years. If your brick wall is under 30 years old and is already showing signs of repair, it may be due to poor brickwork and installation. Extreme weather conditions can also accelerate a brick wall’s life span (especially the exterior of a house).

Rock salt and ice melts contain sodium chloride, aka salt, and are corrosive to metal and concrete. If used frequently over time, it can cause corrosion, discoloration, chipping, and cracking to patios, walkways, and driveways. You can try a rock salt alternative or hire a professional snow removal company instead. 

You will repoint over a fraction of the old mortar, but you should scrape away 1/2 to 1 inch of mortar from the joints before repointing. Otherwise, the repointing is only masking the weakened mortar instead of actually replacing it, which could put your chimney at risk of bigger, more expensive damages later on.

Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.

Brick spalling—which refers to the crumbly, flaky, or pitted appearance that can develop over time—is caused by a few different conditions. These include:

  • Climates with constant freeze-thaw cycles

  • Use of non-breathable sealants

  • High-pressure water cleaning

  • Improper installation

While you can’t do anything about the weather, you can preserve your bricks by cleaning them with soapy water and a good old-fashioned scrubbing. Pressure washers may be satisfying to use, but they can eventually wear away the surface of your bricks. If you don’t have advanced-level DIY skills in masonry, you can hire a reputable masonry contractor in your area for your project.

The Calmar, IA homeowners’ guide to masonry services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.