"The owner of the business keeps his word and bids a fair price. He answers your questions. I had two other bids and RC Masonry was the lowest but that wasn't why I chose them. The owner actually took the time to meet me and answered my questions. One tuck pointing business said they would get back with me and they never did. I'm glad I found RC Masonry on HomeAdvisor!"
"We couldnâ t find anyone local to install a chimney, so went with Shamrock, who had a crew working locally, although they were based 2 hrs away. They came sooner than expected, did the job beautifully, and have been easy to contact with any questions we had. Very pleased with the whole project."
"We dealt with years of basement water intrusion and serious foundation problems. After receiving only one extremely expensive estimate, We learned about B-Dry through their home appraiser. B-Dry provided an estimate that was roughly half the cost of the competing company and completed the work quickly and professionally. The crew was punctual, respectful of the home, and handled an unexpected gas-line issue by arranging for a licensed plumber to make the necessary adjustment. The work was completed in less than two weeks, and subsequent heavy rains produced no water intrusion. The foundation walls were also restored to a solid condition. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with B-Dry's quality of work, professionalism, efficiency, communication, and value, ranking the company among the best contractors they have dealt with."
"Great, professional technician patched cracks that had seeped for quite some time. No seepage in over 2 years since the work was done. Well worth the investment. "
Barnwood and Bricks Tuckpointing and Custom Carpentry is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
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.
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.
Modern brick homes have a brick facade over standard framing and sheathing, so the brick offers minimal added structural stability. A home with traditional brick construction is more durable than a stick-built home, as the double-layer brick walls and rebar resist higher lateral wind loads and support heavier loads up top, as well.
Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It’s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it’s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it’s more affordable and easier to work with, it’s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.
Yes, it is usually possible to repair a damaged brick mailbox. A professional brick mason or masonry contractor can perform the repairs. They can assess the damage, provide an estimate, and help you determine if the repair is worthwhile based on the mailbox's value and the extent of the damage. The repair process may involve sourcing replacement bricks and mortar. Damaged bricks can be cut out and replaced, or the mortar joints can be cut out and retucked. It's important to note that the new mortar may differ in color from the original. If the mailbox insert itself is damaged, it can typically be cut out and replaced as well. If your brick mailbox has been completely destroyed, you should check with your local building code enforcement office before rebuilding, as some areas do not allow brick mailboxes due to the potential hazard they pose to drivers.
The Astoria, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.
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.
