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RC Masonry - Home Facebook
4.9(
19
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Customers say: Terrific value

"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!"
fill in windows
fill in windows
fill in windows
fill in windows
fill in windows

+22

Response time1 day
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
3.4(
701
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"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."
Chimney service
Crown and caps
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair

+33

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Barnwood and Bricks Tuckpointing and Custom Carpentry
Barnwood and Bricks Tuckpointing and Custom Carpentry
4.9(
8
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

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.

Response time2 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

Yes, but used or reclaimed bricks can be more brittle, cracked, or uneven than new bricks, so they’re harder to cut cleanly by hand. For that reason, you should take extra care when scoring and striking, and expect a higher chance of breakage. If a brick feels especially fragile, score deeper before attempting to split it.

A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.

Two types of masonry are veneer masonry and solid masonry. Veneer masonry is thin brick or stone material attached to the face of a building. With veneer masonry, the walls support the weight of the masonry products rather than the masonry being built on a concrete footing. Solid masonry is a wall or other brick or stone structure built on a concrete footing, and the masonry supports itself.

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.

You should clean your home’s brick once per year. This applies to exterior brick, but also to cleaning brick fireplaces. Create a homemade cleaning solution with equal parts vinegar and water. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the solution into the face of your brick and remove dirt, algae, and stains. Cleaning will protect brick from damage and boost your home’s curb appeal.

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.