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Avatar for JSKAV, LLC

JSKAV, LLC

5.00(
10
)
Approved Pro

JSKAV, LLC

5.00(
10
)
Approved Pro
2024 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

At Crack Guys, we’re your go-to experts for professional concrete crack repair, proudly serving Eastern Iowa. Specializing in foundation and structural concrete solutions, we tackle cracks of all sizes with precision and care. Using advanced polyurethane or epoxy injection techniques, our skilled team seals cracks, stops leaks, and restores your concrete’s strength, ensuring a watertight, durable fix. From free quotes to flawless repairs, Crack Guys delivers reliable service, protecting your home or business with results that last. Trust us to mend it right—because when it comes to cracks, we’re the guys to call!

"Crack guys came to our house and did the job correctly and efficiently! 10/10 recommend!"

Killian P on July 2025

At Crack Guys, we’re your go-to experts for professional concrete crack repair, proudly serving Eastern Iowa. Specializing in foundation and structural concrete solutions, we tackle cracks of all sizes with precision and care. Using advanced polyurethane or epoxy injection techniques, our skilled team seals cracks, stops leaks, and restores your concrete’s strength, ensuring a watertight, durable fix. From free quotes to flawless repairs, Crack Guys delivers reliable service, protecting your home or business with results that last. Trust us to mend it right—because when it comes to cracks, we’re the guys to call!

"Crack guys came to our house and did the job correctly and efficiently! 10/10 recommend!"

Killian P on July 2025


Avatar for AccuLevel, Inc. - Rochelle

AccuLevel, Inc. - Rochelle

4.44(
167
)
Approved Pro

AccuLevel, Inc. - Rochelle

4.44(
167
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1996 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"The guys that showed up were actually quite nice. They looked at the project, one of the guys showed some concern (about what I don't know) He said he was going to make a phonecall, and when he came back from the truck he said that they couldn't do the job. He said I needed to contact the company --"

Mark H on October 2025

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"The guys that showed up were actually quite nice. They looked at the project, one of the guys showed some concern (about what I don't know) He said he was going to make a phonecall, and when he came back from the truck he said that they couldn't do the job. He said I needed to contact the company --"

Mark H on October 2025


Avatar for Mid America Basement Systems

Mid America Basement Systems

4.48(
42
)
Approved Pro

Mid America Basement Systems

4.48(
42
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1990 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

Got water in your basement? Dealing with a leaky foundation or a wet crawl space? At MidAmerica Basement Systems, we've got you covered. We offer effective solutions to dry out your wet basement, fix your crawl space, and restore the structural integrity of your home. We also specialize in installing seamless gutters to redirect water away from your foundation and provide expert concrete repair to fix cracked walkways, patios, and more. Call us today to find out how we can help! We look forward to earning your business.

"Great communication and timely work"

Robert S on October 2025

Got water in your basement? Dealing with a leaky foundation or a wet crawl space? At MidAmerica Basement Systems, we've got you covered. We offer effective solutions to dry out your wet basement, fix your crawl space, and restore the structural integrity of your home. We also specialize in installing seamless gutters to redirect water away from your foundation and provide expert concrete repair to fix cracked walkways, patios, and more. Call us today to find out how we can help! We look forward to earning your business.

"Great communication and timely work"

Robert S on October 2025


Avatar for Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing

Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing

4.81(
36
)

Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing

4.81(
36
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 97% of Angi customers
Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers

Absolutely Dry basement Waterproofing, Inc. Is a family owned, basement specialty company. We service Eastern Iowa, and Western IL. We provide waterproofing services, inside or outside. We also repair bowed, or cracked walls. Walls can be replaced as well if need be. Egress windows can also be installed. We provide free estimates/ consultations, and travel up to 2 hours away from the Quad City area. Call us today to discuss your home's needs. Reclaim your wet basement!

"Every employee was respectful and competent. From the guys who bid the job, to the ones who did the hard work, to the after completion details, each employee did their job well. I was appreciative of their awareness for the safety of my house when they left for supplies or for lunch."

carol s on September 2021

Absolutely Dry basement Waterproofing, Inc. Is a family owned, basement specialty company. We service Eastern Iowa, and Western IL. We provide waterproofing services, inside or outside. We also repair bowed, or cracked walls. Walls can be replaced as well if need be. Egress windows can also be installed. We provide free estimates/ consultations, and travel up to 2 hours away from the Quad City area. Call us today to discuss your home's needs. Reclaim your wet basement!

"Every employee was respectful and competent. From the guys who bid the job, to the ones who did the hard work, to the after completion details, each employee did their job well. I was appreciative of their awareness for the safety of my house when they left for supplies or for lunch."

carol s on September 2021


Avatar for MidAmerica Basement Systems

MidAmerica Basement Systems

4.55(
140
)

MidAmerica Basement Systems

4.55(
140
)
Customers say: Quality work
1989 years of experience

MidAmerica Basement Systems is your premier locally owned and operated company that specializes in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete leveling, and radon mitigation.

"Salesman that we were to replace dry wall. Later learned we were to have it removed. Attempts to reach supervisors and owners resulted in zero until time to do installation. Gave $1300+ down. Note: this went to the salesman, not to MABS. Then salesman stated $12,000 more if MABS removed the dry wall. Paid salesman and his friend to remove it but didn't do all of it! Sent certified letters to Cedar Rapids address after we got no verbal responses to phone calls. Later learned they receive no mail there, only in Davenport. Were to have GFI outlet placed at far end of basement. 3 electricians said not possible. Also discharge was to be underground to rear of yard which we thought meant to back! House sits on clay. Was to discharge under ground out 10 feet from house. Canceled installation and have found that other basement waterproofing companies do not require 2.5 feet of dry wall removed: only baseboard. Cost was same as MABS. Now we must pay to have drywall installed after the waterproofing is completed."

Barbara S on September 2020

MidAmerica Basement Systems is your premier locally owned and operated company that specializes in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete leveling, and radon mitigation.

"Salesman that we were to replace dry wall. Later learned we were to have it removed. Attempts to reach supervisors and owners resulted in zero until time to do installation. Gave $1300+ down. Note: this went to the salesman, not to MABS. Then salesman stated $12,000 more if MABS removed the dry wall. Paid salesman and his friend to remove it but didn't do all of it! Sent certified letters to Cedar Rapids address after we got no verbal responses to phone calls. Later learned they receive no mail there, only in Davenport. Were to have GFI outlet placed at far end of basement. 3 electricians said not possible. Also discharge was to be underground to rear of yard which we thought meant to back! House sits on clay. Was to discharge under ground out 10 feet from house. Canceled installation and have found that other basement waterproofing companies do not require 2.5 feet of dry wall removed: only baseboard. Cost was same as MABS. Now we must pay to have drywall installed after the waterproofing is completed."

Barbara S on September 2020


Avatar for FCA Flooring Specialists

FCA Flooring Specialists

4.57(
115
)

FCA Flooring Specialists

4.57(
115
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 90% of Angi customers
Recommended by 90% of HomeAdvisor customers

At our Naperville, IL Design Center you’ll have access to the most extensive collection of flooring and home solutions in the Illinois area. If you’re thinking about flooring and home furnishings including Kitchen and Bath cabinetry for your home, we invite you to stop in and speak with our experienced team of professionals. We’re happy to offer you free flooring design consultation, advice, and estimates on floors of all styles and patterns, all in an effort to help you choose the best flooring for your lifestyle and budget. Additional location: FCA of St Charles (630) 762-9335, FCA of Joliet (815) 436-7306, FCA of Kankakee (815) 933-4239, FCA of Merrillville (219) 947-1699. Also known as FCA Floor Covering Associates.

"We had new flooring put in our living room, dining room, hallway and kitchen and new carpeting on the stairs. Wonderful experience beginning with our first encounter with Annette. She was totally professional and very patient with helping us make the right decision, which wasn't an easy thing to do with us. She explained all the aspects of the difference choices in flooring several times to us which helped with our decision. She kept in touch with us throughout the installment to make sure things were going smoothly. The installers we had were polite and also very professional. Made sure things were put in the right way. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Everything looks wonderful!"

Frank B on October 2019

At our Naperville, IL Design Center you’ll have access to the most extensive collection of flooring and home solutions in the Illinois area. If you’re thinking about flooring and home furnishings including Kitchen and Bath cabinetry for your home, we invite you to stop in and speak with our experienced team of professionals. We’re happy to offer you free flooring design consultation, advice, and estimates on floors of all styles and patterns, all in an effort to help you choose the best flooring for your lifestyle and budget. Additional location: FCA of St Charles (630) 762-9335, FCA of Joliet (815) 436-7306, FCA of Kankakee (815) 933-4239, FCA of Merrillville (219) 947-1699. Also known as FCA Floor Covering Associates.

"We had new flooring put in our living room, dining room, hallway and kitchen and new carpeting on the stairs. Wonderful experience beginning with our first encounter with Annette. She was totally professional and very patient with helping us make the right decision, which wasn't an easy thing to do with us. She explained all the aspects of the difference choices in flooring several times to us which helped with our decision. She kept in touch with us throughout the installment to make sure things were going smoothly. The installers we had were polite and also very professional. Made sure things were put in the right way. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Everything looks wonderful!"

Frank B on October 2019


Safeguard Waterproofing - Ram Jack Illinois

4.51(
65
)

Safeguard Waterproofing - Ram Jack Illinois

4.51(
65
)
Customers say: Super punctual
1978 years of experience

Full waterproofing and foundation stabilization company that is family owned and operated since 1978. No contractors - we use only our trained employees. Fully licensed, bonded and insured. Dba: Ram Jack of Illinois. Additional fax: (630) 595-5377. Award winning. Uses licensed subcontractors for structural engineering.

"AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! Here is a list so you can read everything we’ve been through with this company. Spent over $11,000 in 2020 to have interior drain tile and a landing drain connected to a new sump pump Had water enter through the doorway by the drain 3 times since 2020, with the most water coming inside September of 2022 Called Safeguard in September 2022. Safeguard refused to even check the system, sent us a quote for $1,800 more work to “fix us up” without even checking anything on our property Had a 3rd party company out to inspect the drain that Safeguard refused to check. Discovered they breached our contract and connected the drain to village stormwater tiling without our consent or the consent of the village. Have never received as much as an apology. Instead, Safeguard blamed us saying the drain was clogged with leaves, and that is why we flooded. This was disproved by Roto-Rooter. Update as of 3/3/2023 AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! Here is a list so you can read everything we’ve been through with this company. Spent over $10,800 in 2020 to have interior drain tile and a landing drain connected to a new sump pump. Had water enter through the doorway by the drain 3 times since 2020, with the most water coming inside September of 2022. Called Safeguard in September 2022. Safeguard refused to even check the system, sent us a quote for $1,800 more work to “fix us up” without even checking anything on our property. Had a 3rd party company out to inspect the drain that Safeguard refused to check. Discovered they breached our contract and connected the drain to village stormwater tiling without our consent or the consent of the village. Have never received as much as an apology. Instead, Safeguard blamed us saying the drain was clogged with leaves, and that is why we flooded. This was disproved by Roto-Rooter. The company refused to fix anything and did not respond to requests until I submitted a formal complaint on the BBB website exposing the breach of contract Have spent months (5) trying to come to an agreement we are comfortable with in order to have them out to fix the work. They do say they will repair the work for free, BUT… They tried to get us to waive their liability should the village fine us for the stormwater connection. There will be NO WARRANTY of this free work. So, if the concrete starts breaking a few months after the fix, they’re not liable. They claim they did not connect the drain incorrectly, and they are doing this fix to appease us (even though I have my contact that clearly states what was to be done, and a signed letter from the president stating that they did in fact do something else). As a result, we asked for a simple 1 year work and materials warranty just to ease our fears about something breaking in the future. Their response- WE WILL NOT ALTER THIS CONTRACT. Bob, John and Karen have been nothing but awful to work with. They are argumentative at best. The amount of times sarcasm and ALL CAPS have been used in emails by Karen, as well as the amount of times my husband has been screamed at over the phone or in person by Bob and John are immeasurable. As soon as you write them a check and they finish the work, they’re done. Even if they blatantly breach your contract (like with us), or the work is faulty, I believe they will not fix or stand by anything. They claim they have one of the strongest warranties in the business- I assure you this is a lie. If they do work and it never breaks, consider yourself lucky, because if something goes wrong they will not help you in any way shape or form to solve the problem, in my opinion. Instead, they will blame you as the customer and ignore you until you become too loud to ignore. Do yourself a favor, spend a little bit more money and go somewhere else that actually backs up their work and treats their consumers well. This is not that place. RUN AWAY. The company refused to fix anything and did not respond to requests until I submitted a formal complaint on the BBB website exposing the breach of contract Have spent months (5) trying to come to an agreement we are comfortable with in order to have them out to fix the work They do say they will repair the work for free, BUT… They tried to get us to waive their liability should the village fine us for the stormwater connection There will be NO WARRANTY of this free work. So, if the concrete starts breaking a few months after the fix, they’re not liable They claim they did not connect the drain incorrectly, and they are doing this fix to appease us (even though I have my contact that clearly states what was to be done, and a signed letter from the president stating that they did in fact do something else) As a result, we asked for a simple 1 year work and materials warranty just to ease our fears about something breaking in the future. Their response- WE WILL NOT ALTER THIS CONTRACT Bob, John and Karen have been nothing but awful to work with. They are argumentative at best. The amount of times sarcasm and ALL CAPS have been used in emails by Karen, as well as the amount of times my husband has been screamed at over the phone or in person by Bob and John are immeasurable. As soon as you write them a check and they finish the work, they’re done. Even if they blatantly breach your contract (like with us), or the work is faulty, they will not fix or stand by anything. They claim they have one of the strongest warranties in the business- I assure you this is a lie. If they do work and it never breaks, consider yourself lucky, because if something goes wrong they will not help you in any way shape or form to solve the problem. Instead, they will blame you as the customer and ignore you until you become too loud to ignore. Do yourself a favor, spend a little bit more money and go somewhere else that actually backs up their work and treats their consumers well. This is not that place. RUN AWAY."

Shelley R on March 2023

Full waterproofing and foundation stabilization company that is family owned and operated since 1978. No contractors - we use only our trained employees. Fully licensed, bonded and insured. Dba: Ram Jack of Illinois. Additional fax: (630) 595-5377. Award winning. Uses licensed subcontractors for structural engineering.

"AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! Here is a list so you can read everything we’ve been through with this company. Spent over $11,000 in 2020 to have interior drain tile and a landing drain connected to a new sump pump Had water enter through the doorway by the drain 3 times since 2020, with the most water coming inside September of 2022 Called Safeguard in September 2022. Safeguard refused to even check the system, sent us a quote for $1,800 more work to “fix us up” without even checking anything on our property Had a 3rd party company out to inspect the drain that Safeguard refused to check. Discovered they breached our contract and connected the drain to village stormwater tiling without our consent or the consent of the village. Have never received as much as an apology. Instead, Safeguard blamed us saying the drain was clogged with leaves, and that is why we flooded. This was disproved by Roto-Rooter. Update as of 3/3/2023 AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! Here is a list so you can read everything we’ve been through with this company. Spent over $10,800 in 2020 to have interior drain tile and a landing drain connected to a new sump pump. Had water enter through the doorway by the drain 3 times since 2020, with the most water coming inside September of 2022. Called Safeguard in September 2022. Safeguard refused to even check the system, sent us a quote for $1,800 more work to “fix us up” without even checking anything on our property. Had a 3rd party company out to inspect the drain that Safeguard refused to check. Discovered they breached our contract and connected the drain to village stormwater tiling without our consent or the consent of the village. Have never received as much as an apology. Instead, Safeguard blamed us saying the drain was clogged with leaves, and that is why we flooded. This was disproved by Roto-Rooter. The company refused to fix anything and did not respond to requests until I submitted a formal complaint on the BBB website exposing the breach of contract Have spent months (5) trying to come to an agreement we are comfortable with in order to have them out to fix the work. They do say they will repair the work for free, BUT… They tried to get us to waive their liability should the village fine us for the stormwater connection. There will be NO WARRANTY of this free work. So, if the concrete starts breaking a few months after the fix, they’re not liable. They claim they did not connect the drain incorrectly, and they are doing this fix to appease us (even though I have my contact that clearly states what was to be done, and a signed letter from the president stating that they did in fact do something else). As a result, we asked for a simple 1 year work and materials warranty just to ease our fears about something breaking in the future. Their response- WE WILL NOT ALTER THIS CONTRACT. Bob, John and Karen have been nothing but awful to work with. They are argumentative at best. The amount of times sarcasm and ALL CAPS have been used in emails by Karen, as well as the amount of times my husband has been screamed at over the phone or in person by Bob and John are immeasurable. As soon as you write them a check and they finish the work, they’re done. Even if they blatantly breach your contract (like with us), or the work is faulty, I believe they will not fix or stand by anything. They claim they have one of the strongest warranties in the business- I assure you this is a lie. If they do work and it never breaks, consider yourself lucky, because if something goes wrong they will not help you in any way shape or form to solve the problem, in my opinion. Instead, they will blame you as the customer and ignore you until you become too loud to ignore. Do yourself a favor, spend a little bit more money and go somewhere else that actually backs up their work and treats their consumers well. This is not that place. RUN AWAY. The company refused to fix anything and did not respond to requests until I submitted a formal complaint on the BBB website exposing the breach of contract Have spent months (5) trying to come to an agreement we are comfortable with in order to have them out to fix the work They do say they will repair the work for free, BUT… They tried to get us to waive their liability should the village fine us for the stormwater connection There will be NO WARRANTY of this free work. So, if the concrete starts breaking a few months after the fix, they’re not liable They claim they did not connect the drain incorrectly, and they are doing this fix to appease us (even though I have my contact that clearly states what was to be done, and a signed letter from the president stating that they did in fact do something else) As a result, we asked for a simple 1 year work and materials warranty just to ease our fears about something breaking in the future. Their response- WE WILL NOT ALTER THIS CONTRACT Bob, John and Karen have been nothing but awful to work with. They are argumentative at best. The amount of times sarcasm and ALL CAPS have been used in emails by Karen, as well as the amount of times my husband has been screamed at over the phone or in person by Bob and John are immeasurable. As soon as you write them a check and they finish the work, they’re done. Even if they blatantly breach your contract (like with us), or the work is faulty, they will not fix or stand by anything. They claim they have one of the strongest warranties in the business- I assure you this is a lie. If they do work and it never breaks, consider yourself lucky, because if something goes wrong they will not help you in any way shape or form to solve the problem. Instead, they will blame you as the customer and ignore you until you become too loud to ignore. Do yourself a favor, spend a little bit more money and go somewhere else that actually backs up their work and treats their consumers well. This is not that place. RUN AWAY."

Shelley R on March 2023


Avatar for McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(
51
)

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(
51
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 96% of Angi customers
Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

Mcdonagh & sons plumbing & sewer takes great pride with 15 years of experience! We are honest, reliable, genuine and trustworthy! We are constantly referred by our customers because of our great service and dedication to meet their needs! We offer free estimates! "anything plumbing, anything sewer, any time". Ertain areas are to subject a service fee *prices may vary. Discounts can not be combined, unless noted. Award winning. Additional dba - mcdonagh & sons plumbing and sewer.

Mcdonagh & sons plumbing & sewer takes great pride with 15 years of experience! We are honest, reliable, genuine and trustworthy! We are constantly referred by our customers because of our great service and dedication to meet their needs! We offer free estimates! "anything plumbing, anything sewer, any time". Ertain areas are to subject a service fee *prices may vary. Discounts can not be combined, unless noted. Award winning. Additional dba - mcdonagh & sons plumbing and sewer.


Avatar for Benson Stone Co

Benson Stone Co

4.27(
22
)

Benson Stone Co

4.27(
22
)
Customers say: Quality work
1930 years of experience

Everything for a Beautiful Home - All In One Place! Visit our 70,000 sq/ft showroom filled with an incredible selection of: Furniture, Flooring, Fireplaces, Lighting, Kitchen & Bathroom Materials, custom Cabinetry, Granite & Quartz Countertops, Building and Landscaping Brick and Stone, Lighting, BBQ Grills, and much more. We've got high quality options to fit any budget in every department. With our expert interior designers and professional installers, Benson Stone the very best place to begin your home improvement or remodeling project!

"We dealt with linda on 4th floor in furniture. Was patient and knowledgeable. We had bought chairs in past with benson. Covid hampered delivery but we still received chairs from factory in reasonable time. Price was more than competition but customer service and quality prevailed. We are sitting (no pun intended) very comfortable in our new recliners. Please keep the flex steel line. We like so far. Warranty is cer reasonable."

Lisa R on June 2021

Everything for a Beautiful Home - All In One Place! Visit our 70,000 sq/ft showroom filled with an incredible selection of: Furniture, Flooring, Fireplaces, Lighting, Kitchen & Bathroom Materials, custom Cabinetry, Granite & Quartz Countertops, Building and Landscaping Brick and Stone, Lighting, BBQ Grills, and much more. We've got high quality options to fit any budget in every department. With our expert interior designers and professional installers, Benson Stone the very best place to begin your home improvement or remodeling project!

"We dealt with linda on 4th floor in furniture. Was patient and knowledgeable. We had bought chairs in past with benson. Covid hampered delivery but we still received chairs from factory in reasonable time. Price was more than competition but customer service and quality prevailed. We are sitting (no pun intended) very comfortable in our new recliners. Please keep the flex steel line. We like so far. Warranty is cer reasonable."

Lisa R on June 2021


EHM

4.50(
16
)

EHM

4.50(
16
)
Customers say: Quality work
1954 years of experience

EHM is a structural moving and elevating company that also specializes in foundation repair and replacement. We have been working in the Midwest since the Great Floods of 1993. We specialize in severely comprised foundation issues. We can elevate, level, pier or replace a wall or your entire foundation. We do not do mudjacking, waterproofing or minor crack repair.

"I did not get the service that we originally talked about I am very unhappy"

Donna S on August 2021

EHM is a structural moving and elevating company that also specializes in foundation repair and replacement. We have been working in the Midwest since the Great Floods of 1993. We specialize in severely comprised foundation issues. We can elevate, level, pier or replace a wall or your entire foundation. We do not do mudjacking, waterproofing or minor crack repair.

"I did not get the service that we originally talked about I am very unhappy"

Donna S on August 2021

Showing 1-10 of 44
Masonry questions, answered by experts

Fireclay is a type of clay but it is a type of clay that, because of its chemical composition, can be fired at a much higher temperature than other clays. This results in a denser and more heat-resistant final material. Because of the high percentage of a mineral called kaolin, fireclay sinks are smoother and more durable than other clay types.

While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.

Painting brick is porous, meaning it’s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.

Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.

Yes, it’s a good idea to use paint primer on your brick fireplace before painting it. Brick is highly absorbent, so your first few coats of paint will likely seep into the surface of your fireplace, allowing the natural color of the brick to seep through. To avoid this, you’ll want to use one or two coats of primer, followed by the topcoat. 

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.

Exterior brick stain can last between 10 and 20 years, on average. A number of factors can impact the longevity of the stain though, including your location and climate. Other factors like the condition of your brick, the quality of stain you choose, and the overall stain type can also alter how long your bricks look new.

The Hanover, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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