"Mike and Kellie worked with us quickly as my original concrete guy stopped answering communications. They came quickly and completed the job without any issues and it looks GREAT. I highly recommend this company. This is an update for the job that was completed months ago. The project was replacement of some of the sections of a concrete pool surround and off the bat we knew matching the pebbled concrete would be difficult. It is now about 6 weeks and it is almost exactly the same as the original and I have other contractors out for other projects and all remarked at how professional and great the job was. I give the highest recommendation."
"I called JES Foundation Company for a free inspection of my crawl space. I was concerned about a crack in my foundation wall. JES inspector Richard Sheman Showed up to inspect my foundation. He sent a text with the time of his arrival. He was pleasant and on time. He went into my crawlspace and inspected the crack in the wall and stated I had nothing to worry about. He was very knowledgeable about the foundation and itâ  s structure. He explain to me how I could fix the superficial settling crack and save a bunch of money. I appreciate the honesty of the business and I would recommend it to anyone who had the same concerns, and for any of their other services. Ron P Home owner."
"I COULD NOT BE MORE SATISFIED WITH ALWAYS CONCRETE SERVICES. WE WANTED OUR OLD CONCRETE AROUND OUR POOL AND ALL THE WAY TO OUR SUNROOM DOOR TAKEN UP AND PUT BACK DOWN WITH CONCRETE STEPS ADDED. JAMES & HIS CREW KNEW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO, THE LOOK WE WERE GOING FOR & OF COURSE THE PRICE WAS AMAZING. YOU CAN TELL JAMES HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR 35 YEARS. HES POLITE, SMART, HAS A EXCELLENT WORK CREW AND THEY ALL KNOW WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT TOGETHER. THANKS SO MUCH ALWAYS WATERPROOFING AND CONCRETE SERVICES. YOU BETTER BELIEVE YOU WILL BE GETTING MORE WORK FROM MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY CONTRACTOR & I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT OUR NEXT PROJECT IS WE WILL BE WORKING ON TOGETHER AGAIN!!! THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!!!"
"Our basement walls are made of field stone and had lost a lot of the mortar. Lon explained our options and we chose to have the walls repairs, sealed with a vapor seal and concrete applied. The workers kept the route clean and made sure it was neat at the end of each day. The work was meticulous! The three person crew was polite and they did a great job!"
Universal Windows Direct was founded in April of 2002 by William Barr and Michael Strmac. It was their mission to create a home improvement company that offers high quality home improvement goods at the best possible value. What began as two guys in a 350 square foot office quickly grew to become one of the nation's leading remodeling companies. Today, Universal Windows Direct represents thousands of customers and has a rapidly growing network of locations nationwide, all of which are actively involved in the communities they serve.
"Rob and his crew arrived to my house on time and completed the hole project in one day and had everything cleaned up and spotless when they Left for the evening. Thank you again to Rob and his crew for completing the job and one day."
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.
On average, a quality exterior brick stain can last between 10 and 20 years, and sometimes even longer. While it will look its best for a minimum of three to five years, its total lifespan depends on several factors. These include the quality and type of stain used, the condition of the brick, and the thoroughness of the surface preparation, such as proper cleaning. Following the manufacturer's application instructions and applying a sealant as a final step is also crucial. The stain's longevity can be affected by your location, climate, and the brick's exposure to harsh weather, high traffic, and other elements. Over time, the stain may begin to fade or look dingy due to weathering, erosion, dirt, and debris. Compared to paint, brick stain generally has a longer lifespan.
No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.
Yes, as long as the cut is clean and the brick remains structurally sound, you can reuse it. Reusing brick is especially common for landscaping, edging, and small masonry repairs. Just make sure to file down any sharp edges before handling or installing it.
Brick stain doesn’t peel or chip and is much more durable than painting. That’s because the staining is absorbed into the brick instead of lingering on the surface as paint does. The color retains even under extreme weather conditions. Therefore, brick stain will save you a lot of time and cost on maintenance in the long run.
The Oxford, MD homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
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.
When it comes to masonry versus concrete, it can be easy to confuse the two. Use this guide to learn about the differences in appearance, strength, and more.
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.
