Do cracks in brick always mean foundation problems?

• <div><p>New constructions need time to “settle” and sometimes, small hairline cracks occur as a result. Larger horizontal or “stair step” cracks, however, are usually a sign of a deeper, more severe issue. It could indicate an issue with the soil beneath the home, a problem caused by an overgrown tree, or another problem.</p></div>

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Q: Do cracks in brick always mean foundation problems?

• <div><p>New constructions need time to &ldquo;settle&rdquo; and sometimes, small hairline cracks occur as a result. Larger horizontal or &ldquo;stair step&rdquo; cracks, however, are usually a sign of a deeper, more severe issue. It could indicate an issue with the soil beneath the home, a problem caused by an overgrown tree, or another problem.</p></div>

Q: Should I drill into the brick or the mortar joints?

• <div><p>You should generally drill into the mortar joints when installing shutters on brick. Mortar is softer, which makes drilling easier and puts less strain on your tools. It also lowers the risk of cracking a brick&mdash;something that&rsquo;s a lot harder to fix. Mortar holds fasteners well enough for standard shutters, and if you ever need to patch the holes later, it&rsquo;s a much simpler job than dealing with damaged brick. Just keep in mind that if your mortar joints are too thin or the hardware calls for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/best-anchors-for-brick.htm">brick anchoring</a>, you'll need to check the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations and adjust accordingly.</p></div>

Q: How long does chimney mortar last?

• <div><p>Chimney mortar typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on its quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance. Over time, exposure to moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles can cause mortar to deteriorate, leading to cracks and gaps. Regular inspections and timely repairs, such as <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tuckpointing-vs-repointing.htm">repointing or tuckpointing</a>, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut used or reclaimed bricks?

• <div><p>Yes, but used or reclaimed bricks can be more brittle, cracked, or uneven than new bricks, so they&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to roll or spray exterior paint on brick?

• <div><p>Spraying is much faster but may not penetrate the bricks beyond a surface layer. Rolling penetrates the bricks but doesn&rsquo;t work as well on the mortar. A combination of painting and rolling is your best bet. Using a brush to paint brick isn&rsquo;t advised because it is time-consuming and won&rsquo;t penetrate beyond the surface.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Stone And Gravel Service pros in West Peoria, IL

*The Angi rating for Stone And Gravel Service companies in West Peoria, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stone And Gravel Service needs.

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Last update on November 24, 2025

Reviewed in May 2017
prompt, cleaned up after himself, work to my satisfaction, will be hiring him for more stone/brick work around my house.
RC Masonry - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in December 2015
The cut is OK. Reliable service. Price is very reasonable at $45 per cut. It takes them about 1 hour to cut and trim our yard. Small beef is that they occasionally pull up landscaping stones and have to be reminded to put them back. They broke a storm drain cover, which is all of $8, but...
CGM (Commercial Grounds Maintenance)
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Reviewed in April 2014
Our deck needed resurfacing. The structure was sound, but the decking was old and warped with nails coming out. I originally contacted the contractor who recently refinished our basement. He promised to send a bid, but between other jobs and family illness, he kept delaying. We didn't hear from...
JME Construction Co.
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Reviewed in April 2012
I had been wanting the retaining wall for about 2 years, but the estimates I was receiving was a little scary (like $5,000). I contacted Jared with Aftermath Landscaping, he came over that day and gave me a very affordable estimate. I bought the large 17"W X 8"H blocks, gravel, and caps for...
Aftermath Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2010
Laurie came out to discuss options and do a rough measure for a quote. From there, it was a bit of a hassle getting her to respond to commmunication via email and phone. She seemed to lack some basic knowledge about her stones and the properties of the marble. After signing the contract, it...
Design Plus Granite
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The Road Doctor

4.81(

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The Road Doctor

4.81(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

17 local quotes requested

The Road Doctor does quality asphalt paving, sealcoating & crack filling on driveways, parking lots & roadways throughout Illinois, Indiana & Missouri. We have over 30 years industry experience offering quality dependable service at reasonable rates

"Good experience with owner and company. Highly recommend them."

Chris C on April 2024

"Good experience with owner and company. Highly recommend them."

Chris C on April 2024

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Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

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Asphalt Paving Installation

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The Road Doctor

The Road Doctor

Upchurch Trucking

Upchurch Trucking

Upchurch trucking

Upchurch trucking

Parkin Landscape Management

Parkin Landscape Management

KLT General Contractors LLC

KLT General Contractors LLC

Prime Finish General Contracting

Prime Finish General Contracting

EcoScapes Mowing & Landscaping

EcoScapes Mowing & Landscaping

Al Bragg Co

Al Bragg Co

Cbohmdesigns

Cbohmdesigns

Konie Repair & Construction LLC

Konie Repair & Construction LLC

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