Get matched with top masons in Exira, IA

Q: Can you use adhesive strips to hang lights on brick?

• <div><p>You can use adhesive strips to hang lights on brick&mdash;just make sure you get outdoor mounting tape and not just any old double-sided tape for your project.</p></div>

Q: What does a mason do?

• <div><p>A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:</p><ul><li><p>Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings</p></li><li><p>Freestanding stone or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-wall-cost.htm">brick walls</a></p></li><li><p>Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces</p></li><li><p>Cement block basement or crawl space walls</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Do I need to soak the brick before cutting it?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it&rsquo;s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.</p></div>

Q: Why did we stop using cobblestone?

• <div><p>Cobblestone fell out of favor with the advent of motor vehicles. Asphalt and concrete are both much smoother surfaces allowing for a smoother ride. Asphalt is also much cheaper, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">especially for driveways</a>. However, we didn&rsquo;t stop using cobblestone altogether, and you can still see it as a decorative option in both homes, in parks, and in pedestrianized areas of cities. </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>

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Nedi Masonry Repair, LLC

4.3(

)

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Nedi Masonry did an excellent job! They were prompt, courteous, and worked very hard until the job was completed! We would also highly recommend their workmanship!"

Response time2 days

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Foundation Recovery Systems

4.6(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Great job on leveling foundation. But no one came back to fix our yard. They was supposed to come back and reseed the yard that was tore up. No one called or cane vack"

+16

376 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by59%of homeowners

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."

+12

Response time2 days

952 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"We had a brick building from the 1910s where the bricks were deteriorating. In addition, another building next to ours was demolished and this created another dimension of repair on one side. When they arrived they worked quickly and provided great work with a very professional approach. We can't say enough good things to express our satisfaction."

+25

22 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise+3 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1978

Credit card accepted

"Great! They arrived early in the day, got the window installed in one day."

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Thrasher Foundation Repair – Des Moines

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise+3 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"It was fine. They showed up on time, got the job done and it added value to my house."

+11

Response time12 hrs

Recommended by76%of homeowners

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JEV Masonry Restoration

New to Angi

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

Fourth generation restoration mason with 37 years experience specializing in brick, stone, block, tuckpointing and caulking\n\nBrick facade repairs\nChimney repair \nTuckpointing

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

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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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

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

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Foundation Drainage - Install or ReplaceFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationRetaining Wall - Install

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

"Very good to work with. Great job done!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 17

Masonry questions, answered by experts

You can use adhesive strips to hang lights on brick—just make sure you get outdoor mounting tape and not just any old double-sided tape for your project.

A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:

Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings
Freestanding stone or brick walls
Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces
Cement block basement or crawl space walls

No, you don’t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it’s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.

Cobblestone fell out of favor with the advent of motor vehicles. Asphalt and concrete are both much smoother surfaces allowing for a smoother ride. Asphalt is also much cheaper, especially for driveways. However, we didn’t stop using cobblestone altogether, and you can still see it as a decorative option in both homes, in parks, and in pedestrianized areas of cities.

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.

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.

See all articles

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What Is Masonry? Definition, Contractor Credentials, and More
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