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Avatar for Platinum Construction
Platinum Construction
5.0(
7
)
Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For BusinessBrick or Stone Siding: Install or Completely Replace+3 more

Serving Iowa, LA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Was totally satisfied with the job they did. I had 10 of my pillars bricked and they came out great. The team was on time and cleaned up as they went no mess left behind. That was a key point l noticed. Sometime contractors are bad about clean up, but this crew was outstanding. Would highly recommend Platinum Construction for any of your masonry/brick layer needs."
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Response time1 day
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

This is largely dependent on the size and hardness of the rock, but a range of tools might work, including hammers, chisels, rock hammers, sledge hammers, and more. You'll need a jackhammer for the very biggest rock-breaking jobs.

Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.

Yes, you can paint stone on the exterior of a house. It’s important to properly prep the stone by cleaning off dirt and debris. You’ll want to apply at least two coats of paint to get the most even and complete coverage. Any pinholes or missed spots, however small, can allow moisture to get into the masonry and potentially cause the paint to blister and peel from the stone.

For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.

The Iowa, LA homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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