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Avatar for Thrasher, Inc.
Thrasher, Inc.
4.1(
181
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Make sure you ask questions. After getting a clear understandable explanation of why and what they were doing, I felt I was getting my money's worth. They were a bit pricey. Workers were prompt, courteous and were careful of our property."
Basement Waterproofing Before and After
Concrete Repair Before and After
Thrasher Services
Thrasher Services
Thrasher Services

+12

Response time2 days
1075 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by84%of homeowners
Dave Navarro Construction
5.0(
2
)
Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Install+2 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

You can use a regular drill to make pilot holes for gutter brackets in the wooden fascia board around the top of your house, but it’s not the best tool for brick. Instead, you’ll need a heavy-duty power tool like a hammer drill with a carbide tip bit.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

The white stains you see on your bricks are likely efflorescence, which is salt and lime buildup. To remove efflorescence stains, simply brush them away with a stiff brush. For larger, more stubborn stains, scrub the stains with a water-detergent solution.

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.

The Exira, IA homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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