"Oliver and his partner were more than excellent. He was honest with his assessment and gave me a quote right away (not the cheapest, but it had the most value based on his experience/knowledge - HIS BID WAS VERY FAIR!!!). We talked with 4 vendors before deciding on New Age Masonry and couldn't be happier with our decision to hire them. We have been burned in the past with other contractors, so I am always on edge when dealing with them, but Oliver gives me a new reason to relax on that a bit. Please give him an opportunity, even if he isn't the lowest bid, because you will not be disappointed in his work. Very, very satisfied customer."
"Hired Atlas to do outside foundation waterproofing. They also moved my sump pump discharge and connected a gutter downspout to it. Work was done quickly and efficiently. And at the end of the job, they left my exterior cleaner than it was when they started! I’m totally impressed. I’ve used them before to fix a foundation crack. I will use them again if I need any more basement waterproofing. And I recommend them without reservation!"
"Professional Concrete is fantastic. Hector was incredibly responsive and his team was really capable. They were really flexible; I had to coordinate with another contractor replacing part of the fencing near where Professional Concrete was working. They were really accommodating and focused on doing both jobs (what they were doing and the fence company) correctly. I will definitely be hiring them again for a patio next spring."
"The job was done right and the customer service and technicians were amazing. Definitely recommend them to anyone who needs work on their foundation.."
"Very professional from start to finish. We have an older home that has partial cinder block foundation. They were able to seal the problem areas and with recent heavy rainfalls, all dry! They sent me a video prior to the job to show us exactly how the process worked. Very happy and satisfied would definitely recommend Real Seal!"
"IPR Masonry ( Ismael ) replaced our concrete entrance and small sidewalk to the driveway. He did it right and well and was very considerate of both us and our property. I would certainly recommend him to others."
"Initially I was looking to get some masonry fixed. Rob came by and pointed out the chimney was in very bad shape. There were cracks in the crown and deteriorated mortar. He provided a quote and a thorough explanation of what work would be done, and followed up with pictures once complete. He was accommodating with my scheduling. He was very easy to work with and it turned out great! Thank you!"
"Anthony and his team were very professional. They did a perfect job, gave us an estimate of the work that should be done to maintain the chimney and the masonry. Work was done in about 45 minutes and they cleaned the area of operation. Anthony took the time to explain what has to be done and why, as well as what would happen if we don't do the recommended work. Overall I can recommend this company."
"My existing window well had pulled back from the homes foundation over the past 20 years, allowing water and sediment to enter the well. Sediment would plug the drain causing water to build up and create an aquarium in the window well. You pass waterproofing installed a new window well and securely fastened it to the cement foundation. They carefully removed the previous window well and took care not to brutalize the surrounding landscape. Completely satisfied with their work"
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.
The exact cost of bricks depends on the type and size of the bricks you use for your project. Generally, standard clay bricks cost between $350 and $850 for a thousand bricks, or an average of $550. Brick veneer costs around the same for materials but is easier to install than solid bricks, so you’ll save on labor by choosing this option.
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.
No, using a power sander on brick is not recommended because the force of the sander can destroy brick's fragile outer layer. Even using sandpaper on brick is discouraged because of the damage its abrasiveness can cause.
Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.
The Elburn, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
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.
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.
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.
