Get matched with top masons in Whately, MA

Q: Is brick spalling normal?

• <div><p>Spalling brick is not uncommon, but it does indicate a serious issue. It can be caused by water damage, an intense freeze-thaw cycle, or something else. Painted bricks can be susceptible to spalling, as the paint doesn&rsquo;t allow the porous material of the brick to breathe, which can trap moisture. Spalling should always be addressed immediately before more serious structural damage occurs.</p></div>

Q: Can you repoint over old mortar?

• <div><p>You will repoint over a fraction of the old mortar, but you should scrape away 1/2 to 1 inch of mortar from the joints before repointing. Otherwise, the repointing is only masking the weakened mortar instead of actually replacing it, which could put your chimney at risk of bigger, more expensive damages later on.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting?

• <div><p>Yes, it is essential to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting. Brick is a porous and highly absorbent material, so without a primer, paint can seep into the surface, resulting in uneven coverage and allowing the natural brick color to show through. To avoid this, apply one or two coats of a masonry primer. The primer will seal the brick and provide a smooth, uniform layer for the paint to adhere to. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the topcoat of paint.</p></div>

Q: Does limewash brick get dusty?

• <div><p>Yes, limewash on brick can accumulate dust over time. Its porous nature can attract dust particles, especially in environments with high levels of dust or dirt. Additionally, if the limewash surface is left unsealed, it may be more prone to collecting dust. Additionally, incorrectly applied limewash will generate dust. Causes include applying it too thickly instead of thin layers and not allowing enough drying time between layers. Regular maintenance, such as gentle cleaning or dusting, can help mitigate dusty issues. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to soak the brick before cutting it?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;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&rsquo;s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in Whately, MA

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in Whately, MA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Masonry Work companies in Whately, MA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

Last update on April 25, 2024

Reviewed in April 2024
You will find him to be Highly skilled at his craft. Aldp it must be noted that he is Punctual, well organized, and efficient. The work exhibits a Concientious selection of materials. There is an Obvous ,knowledgeable attention to the details of masonry / brickwork. I am Happy to give my most...
AN Masonry
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Reviewed in November 2023
Newstone Masonry & Waterproofing recently repaired our chimney, and the transformation is stunning. Their skillful craftsmanship is evident in every brick.
Newstone Masonry & Waterproofing
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Reviewed in October 2023
I had great experience with Valley Excavating. They delivered sand for a landscaping project They were prompt, efficient, and delivered the sand exactly where I needed it. The quality of the sand was excellent as well. And their pricing was very fair. Overall, I'm very satisfied with their...
Valley Excavating
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Reviewed in September 2022
Easy communication and quality workmanship. Will definitely continue contracting Bob for other foundation work that needs to be done.
Rueter Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in September 2021
They stand by their work and their word. After the project was finished, I was told to call if there were any problems. They built the deck when it was very wet with rain and one of the boards ended up having a split in it. I sent photos and someone called right away. They came out a few days...
DNS Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
We couldn't be happier with our stone walkway and steps. Ross was collaborative and communicative throughout all phases of the project, from sketching out designs to choosing materials to actually doing the work. His craftsmanship is excellent. His attention to detail is remarkable. He was...
Natural Stone Creations
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Reviewed in November 2020
Nick is a superb mason. He is attentive to details, the work was excellent and the cost of repairing a section of brick foundation was reasonable. It was a pleasure to work with him and I would hire him again without reservation.
Benoit Masonry, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2019
Absolutely terrific! I can't say enough about these guys. Not only did they do a great job, the owner went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. I hired them do install a French drain and sump pump. I had a lot of water and needed masonry work done on the old foundation walls. The owner...
Advanced Basement Waterproofing
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Reviewed in April 2018
Arnold's did a fantastic job rebuilding my retaining wall that had bowed and collapsed in some places. They were a pleasure to work with and very skilled masons. I'm positive my wall looks better now than when it was built 50 years ago. They we punctual, and very competitively...
Arnold's Masonry and Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2014
I used them previously for a chimney cap on my prior home and found them prompt, reliable, professional and reasonably priced, so, when my new home needed masonry work, I called again and had the same result (although the work proved to be more extensive than I anticipated--our chimney needed a...
WESTERN MASS MASONS
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Find Masons in Whately

Republic Masonry

5.0(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Henry from Republic Masonry was excellent we hired him for the remainder of the winter season He was very respectful and even cleared the slush off the front walkway at no charge so we could safely get our mail 5 stars"

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Pro Mass Foundation & Masonry, Corp.

4.9(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fast, reliable, and quality work. They took care of our roof issue with no hassle. Super happy with the results!"

+53

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by5%of homeowners

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New England Foundation Crack Repair, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"New England Foundation Crack Repair responded very quickly to my call. Will came out to look at the project and explained thoroughly what needed to be done. On the day of the scheduled work, Tony and Ian arrived to take on the project. Both of these gentlemen were knowledgeable, competent and courteous professionals. Upon completion of their work, the outside grass and stone area looked like it had been undisturbed and the interior basement area was spotless. Tony and Ian are a definite asset to this company and I would highly recommend New England Foundation Crack Repair."

Response time5 hrs

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Valley Excavating provided great service all around. They responded quickly to provide an estimate and asses our needs. We are pleased with the overall cost and work completed. I would confidently recommend them to friends, family and Neighbors!"

Cutting Complete Trash Pickup about to Begin

+38

Response time3 days

29 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Key Waterproofing Construction

4.6(

227

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Masonry work was above our expectations. Rick recommended a solution better than those of two competitive bidders, and Wendel's crew was in place and working 36 hours after the hire--which was remarkable. Good price, too. The work dovetailed, in structure and scheduling, with the work of our staircase carpenters. Overall very positive, but I would suggest better postwork cleanup including a more complete removal of unused materials (e.g. a giant sheet of plywood left behind)."

Response time12 hrs

61 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Rolando Landscaping & Construction

4.2(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Credit card accepted

"Amazing and efficient work. Looking forward to my next project with them."

+11

Response time2 days

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Advanced Seamless Gutters

4.4(

210

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did excellent work my the foundation of my house. We are very happy with their work."

+63

Response time1 day

110 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Giovanni completed the annual inspection in a 1/2 hour with a positive report."

+16

Response time2 days

133 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Fogarty's Home Services

5.0(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Great job on basement insulation."

We now are a National Radon Defense authorized dealer!

Our staff at a recent trade event in Hartford, CT

Before and After, Total Basement Finishing

Response time10 hrs

Response rate100%

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Dukes Waste Management & More

4.3(

)

Serving Whately, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"PROJECT DONE IN 2 DAYS. Done the way I wanted, No complaints."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 72

Masonry questions, answered by experts

Spalling brick is not uncommon, but it does indicate a serious issue. It can be caused by water damage, an intense freeze-thaw cycle, or something else. Painted bricks can be susceptible to spalling, as the paint doesn’t allow the porous material of the brick to breathe, which can trap moisture. Spalling should always be addressed immediately before more serious structural damage occurs.

You will repoint over a fraction of the old mortar, but you should scrape away 1/2 to 1 inch of mortar from the joints before repointing. Otherwise, the repointing is only masking the weakened mortar instead of actually replacing it, which could put your chimney at risk of bigger, more expensive damages later on.

Yes, it is essential to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting. Brick is a porous and highly absorbent material, so without a primer, paint can seep into the surface, resulting in uneven coverage and allowing the natural brick color to show through. To avoid this, apply one or two coats of a masonry primer. The primer will seal the brick and provide a smooth, uniform layer for the paint to adhere to. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the topcoat of paint.

Yes, limewash on brick can accumulate dust over time. Its porous nature can attract dust particles, especially in environments with high levels of dust or dirt. Additionally, if the limewash surface is left unsealed, it may be more prone to collecting dust. Additionally, incorrectly applied limewash will generate dust. Causes include applying it too thickly instead of thin layers and not allowing enough drying time between layers. Regular maintenance, such as gentle cleaning or dusting, can help mitigate dusty issues.

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.

The Whately, MA homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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