"I was very impressed with Atlas. The team was prompt, hard working, and quick. I expected that digging holes for 5 piers would make quite a mess. However, they had it down to a science -- Plastic sheets to protect the ground and then cover the excavated dirt so it didn't blow around or get muddy when it rained. Noise was minimal - much less than I thought it would be. They were done in 3 days, and cleaned up so well, you could hardly tell that anything had been done."
"My husband and I had a wonderful experience with The Real Seal in July 2024. They fixed a bowing foundation and waterproofed the basement for future finishing. Their team was prompt, respectful, organized and thoroughly educated us on the drainage tile system, installation process and prevention. Thank you, Real Seal for being the flawless first step to our dream basement/family space!"
"We have lived in our house for 10 years. Right after we moved in there was water in the crawlspace and we hired Permaseal to do drain tile. We've had no water issues for 10 years. This year we finally decided to do something about the settling in the addition and again hired Permaseal to install piers around the foundation (interior and exterior). Hugo M. and his team did an outstanding job, working through some very cold days, installing everything as planned and at each moment stopping to show us the work and the progress. The work required going through the drain tile on the interior pier locations and the team reinstalled the drain tile system before pouring the final concrete. The work was really well done and everything was left clean and picked up, which is remarkable considering the scope of the work."
"We are totally satisfied with the professionalism, skill, work ethic and overall attention to detail provided by Hector Martinez and his extremely capable crew. This is a contractor you can trust. They completed the job timely once they had started. Prices are fair. Our emphasis was on the quality of the materials and workmanship rather than the cheapest contractor we could find, as value is important to us. We feel this concrete will endure for many years to come. We plan to hire Hector again for additional masonry projects."
"Basement waterproofing is expensive! I had no idea! However, Luis was great, he explained everything, took his time answering my many questions, responded whenever I contacted him, was polite and professional and his crew was too! I would hire them again and would recommend them. Our project is in Lake Zurich IL."
"Had several very large stone steps that were sinking. AQ had to remove steps reinforce base and reset steps. Did a great job, I’m very happy and have more work for them this spring."
"Used Everseal to install drain tile in our basement. Excellent standard of work and customer service. Great value for money. Very happy with the work performed."
"Rivera concrete did a good job, they were on time and professional and answered all my questions. Had to come back for a touch up and is now complete."
Yes, an outdoor fireplace should use fire bricks. Fire bricks are specially designed to withstand high levels of heat and thus won’t crack as easily as regular bricks when exposed to the intense heat inside a fireplace.
Yes, brick can breathe through limewash. Limewash is a breathable coating made from natural lime and water, allowing moisture to pass through while providing a protective layer. Unlike synthetic paints or sealants, which can trap moisture within the brick and lead to issues like mold, limewash allows the brick to maintain its natural breathability. This characteristic makes limewash an ideal choice for historic structures where preserving the integrity of the brick is essential.
Yes, brick houses are better insulated, because the bricks slow down the passage of air from the outside to the inside and vice-versa. This helps to stabilize the internal temperature of the home. When combined with proper residential insulation, brick houses are more efficient and better insulated than other types.
Costs depend on material type, labor, chimney requirements, and structural reinforcements.
Stone veneer siding is approximately four times less expensive than stone because it's made of concrete and aggregates instead of natural stone. But veneer looks like real stone, is easier to install, and acts as a great, durable siding option.
The Maple Park, IL homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
Discover the true stone patio cost to plan your budget. Learn about material, labor, and cost factors to estimate your project and make informed decisions.
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.
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.
Burnt clay bricks are the most popular option in modern construction, but there are others to consider as well. Here’s a look at seven common types of bricks.
