"The grind and repoint work completely changed the condition of our chimney. The deteriorated mortar was properly removed and rebuilt, leaving clean, solid joints and a uniform finish from top to bottom. The process was thorough and never rushed, and it was clear the focus was on long-term durability rather than a quick cosmetic fix. Everything was explained clearly, the site was left clean, and the chimney now feels secure and weather-ready going forward. Very happy with the outcome.Highly recommend!!"
"Needed a cleaning. Great price! The guys were friendly and so knowledgeable. They got the job done in good timing! I’m having them come back to repair and repoint bricks ! Definitely Recommend ! Thank you Handy Andy!"
"The project went well. Scott and crew were skilled and efficient. Scott was also very flexible incorporating our needs into the project. Love our new retaining wall and landscaping!"
"Mark and his "right hand," Liz are a pleasure to deal with, they're like friends. I've had Mark's skilled and friendly crew clean the boiler chimney and repair the chimney cap. Mark's crew is clearly knowledgeable and works with care and artistry. Both projects reasonably priced compared to other contractors. I highly recommend Eastern Chimney."
"I had a Groupon for 1000 sq. ft. of driveway sealing. I have about 2000 sq. ft. I bought the Groupon and called, and I was told it would be another $170, so I wanted to set the appointment. It actually took a year to get done, as he had too many Groupon customers and was giving scheduling preference to his existing client base. Once we had the appointment, they arrived on time, could not have been more pleasant, did a great job, and left the area spotless. "
If you want to make your home eco-friendly, enjoy low maintenance, and love the fact that its looks will take people’s breath away (and not because they were trying to blow your house down), then a modern brick home is right for you. You can hire a mason to get the building process started for your brick home.
But if you’re not fond of the color and don’t want to deal with the process of repointing or other repairs, consider going with vinyl or wood. These materials offer a lower cost. While they tend to require more maintenance, they don’t cost nearly the same as exterior brick house repair.
When it comes to how to paint a brick chimney, consider that standard paint can seal in moisture and cause serious chimney problems. Instead, use a vapor-permeable sealant. You’ll first scrub and sand the chimney; then, you can patch any gaps with caulk and apply the sealant. We recommend hiring a pro for this job since it entails working on the roof, which comes with a lot of necessary safety precautions.
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.
Stone houses used to be much more practical, but with the advent of stronger and cheaper materials like concrete, they aren’t seen as much anymore. There are some parts of the world where it makes sense to build with stone, and they are usually next to a stone quarry. Stone is, however, very weather-resistant, which is why many homes near the sea and on mountains are still built with local stone.
Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.
The Jackman, ME homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
