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TRUSTED BY COLUMBIA, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon142
    Verified masonry services reviews

Find Masons in Columbia

Avatar for Vargas Masonry Tuckpointing and Roofing LLC
Vargas Masonry Tuckpointing and Roofing LLC
4.7(
22
)
Brick or Stone Siding: Install or Completely ReplaceBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone Siding: Repair or Partially Replace+3 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Adrian of Vargas Masonry and Roofing stopped by to provide an estimate for tuckpointing and chimney work on our historic Centennial Home. Adrian and Marie were prompt with a very competitive estimate which we accepted. They were both very receptive to addressing any questions or concerns we had prior to, during and for the final walkthrough. The crew performing the work very professional, very considerate to our property and provided us continuous updates as to the work being performed. The work performed consisted of tuckpointing two sides of the house along with chimney work and placing a cap on the two chimneys. As stated in a previous review, Vargas was honest, on time, and competitively priced! I'll continue to use Vargas Masonry and Roofing for the future work that I need on the interior brickwork and interior limestone foundation of our historic home."
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+37

Response time4 days
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for High and Dry Foundation Repair
High and Dry Foundation Repair
4.7(
37
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"High and Dry came to my house the day I contacted them The engineer took measurements of what I had thought was a sinking foundation He assured me the foundation was not sinking and told me they were happy to put my worries to rest. I tried to pay for a service call and the engineer declined to be paid for the call I an completely impressed by High and Dry s honesty and excellent service JE Inman"
Piering Project
Piering Project
Piering Project
Crack Repair
Carbon Fiber Straps

+1

46 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by82%of homeowners
Avatar for Kimberlin Construction Co Inc
Kimberlin Construction Co Inc
4.6(
44
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationBasement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - Repair+3 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We had a bathroom renovation on the first floor completed by Kimberlin Construction. We were quite happy with the process of working with the owner, Gary, and his team from start to finish. They were reliable, professional and friendly. Gary was honest and fair in pricing. The work required making sure our heated floors did not get damaged, and Gary and his team were creative in developing a solution to protect our floors. The team was efficient in completing high-quality work."
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Kitchen remodel

+17

Response time7 hrs
Response rate100%
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.

Masonry work tends to be more expensive because the materials can be costly, such as natural stone and brick. Masonry is also very labor intensive, typically making up 50% or more of the final project cost. In addition, quality masonry work requires years of training and experience, as with any skilled trade.

Stone can last anywhere from 15 to 100 years before it needs to be restored. You should clean your stone flooring or countertops regularly using cleaners designed for stone surfaces. Stay on top of vacuuming to prevent scratches from deteriorating stone faster, deep clean your stone surfaces using a pH-neutral cleaning solution at least once a year, and reseal the stone every one to five years, depending on foot traffic or usage.

Yes, you can limewash surfaces other than brick. Plaster, stone, stucco, and concrete can all also be limewashed. Any porous surface that will absorb the wash is a good candidate for limewash, although it won’t help much with waterproofing. If you choose to limewash over paint, you’ll need to prep before applying it to avoid a powdery, chalky finish. Shiny surfaces like metal or glass can’t absorb limewash, so it’s not suited for these.

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.

The Columbia, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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