Top-rated masons.

Get matched with top masons in Shenandoah, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your masonry work project in Shenandoah, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Masons in Shenandoah

Avatar for Groundworks
Groundworks
5.0(
66
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Shenandoah, IA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We noticed some cracking on our outside walls and separation on our front steps. We realized that this is a common problem in Colorado due to the poor composition of the soil. So we recently secured the foundation of our home with Groundworks. First, let me point out that stabilizing the foundation of your home can be a daunting undertaking. It is also one of the most responsible ways to perserve the equity in your property. Groundworks has a reputation for excellence in preparation, execution, and problem-solving in foundation work. But we had never had to address this level of home renovation and the extensive landscaping in our yard complicated the scope of our project. While we were concerned about our project's complexity, we were extremely relieved at the high level of knowledge, competence, communication, customer service, and professionalism awarded to us by the Groundworks foundation team. Our foreman Clem, and his team (Luis, Noah, Ran, and Rokk) literally went above and way beyond our expectations to explain next steps, listen to us, problem-solve, and execute a solution to every concern we raised. Clem was a constant and reassuring presence on-site, informing us continually throughout the process to ensure our level of confidence and understanding. As he put it, "I am here to take care of you." He meant that, and he certainly did. We can enthusiastically state that working with, and completing our foundation project with Groundworks was a GREAT experience!"
Protect Your Basement
Correct Your Wet Basement
Protect Your Basement
Waterproof Your Basement
Protect Your Concrete Before & After

+16

197 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by72%of homeowners
Avatar for Thrasher, Inc.
Thrasher, Inc.
4.1(
182
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Shenandoah, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Thrasher did a great job. The foreman was knowledgeable and he explained what was going to be done. We were allowed to watch the process. They leveled the front step and the sidewalk by drilling holes in the concrete and pumping foam under them until everything was level. They caulked everything when they were done and cleaned up the area. The entrance to our home looks so much better. It was well worth the money."
Basement Waterproofing Before and After
Concrete Repair Before and After
Thrasher Services
Thrasher Services
Thrasher Services

+12

Response time2 days
932 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by83%of homeowners
Avatar for Pajic Tuckpointing
Pajic Tuckpointing
2.3(
25
)
Brick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Shenandoah, 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."
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing
tuckpointing

+25

17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Olshan Foundation Repair
Olshan Foundation Repair
3.9(
67
)
Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise+3 more

Serving Shenandoah, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1933

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"They did an excellent job on repairing the foundation and it stopped the leak. The sidewalk they tried to lift with foam did not do so well. To their credit, they are coming back to make it right and they are going to replace the sidewalk. They even went above and beyond and because of that, we would definitely recommend them."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+25

Response rate100%
Recommended by74%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 26
Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

When painting brick, each application method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Spraying is significantly faster but may not penetrate deeply beyond the surface layer. Rolling is effective for working paint into the brick's texture but can be less effective on mortar joints. If you opt for a roller, choose a thick nap of at least a half-inch to ensure paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage. Using a brush is generally not recommended as it is very time-consuming and provides poor surface penetration. Ultimately, a combination of spraying followed by back-rolling is often the best strategy for a durable and even finish.

You may not need a hammer drill if you’re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often.

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.

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 Shenandoah, IA homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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