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Precision Foundation Systems LLC
4.4(
31
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RepairBasement Drainage Channels - Install+3 more

Serving Athens, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Russ is one of the few contractors I've hired that over-delivered on what he promised. We hired his company to install carbon fiber straps on two of our basement walls that were starting to bow in a bit. We had quotes from several other companies, and we chose Precision Foundation Systems because their rates were competitive, he was incredibly knowledgeable about the process, and there was no BS nickle and diming going on like a lot of the other companies. He just quoted an all-in rate, then did a really beautiful job. They installed additional bracing where needed (and other companies did not include) and even added an additional strap at no addition charge--all to ensure he was completely resolving the issue and not leaving us with a potential problem in the future. He didn't mark up the permits at all either, which we appreciated. At the end of the day, it's all about the quality of the work, and I can't imagine anyone doing it better, cleaner, or more professionally. Thank you for exceeding our expectations Russ! I almost never get to say that to a contractor!"
Response time1 day
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by91%of homeowners
Avatar for Groundworks
Groundworks
4.6(
43
)
Concrete Foundation - RepairFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationBasement Drainage Channels - Install+2 more

Serving Athens, MI and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Foundation Systems of Michigan did a great job on my basement. Jalen, Dylan, and Sidick were professional, efficient, and friendly. They made expert suggestions for additional work they would make if it was their own home but were very understanding of my need to stay within my budget and completed the planned tasks perfectly. I would recommend this crew to anyone who needs work done."
Crawl Space
Crawl Space
Crawl Space
Crawl Space
Crawl Space

+16

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by78%of homeowners
Avatar for EverDry of Michiana
EverDry of Michiana
4.5(
374
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RepairFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace

Serving Athens, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"it's been 4 years since Everdry worked our foundation. We have not had a drop since they did the project. The only setback was the cost but we couldn't have ever sold our home unless this was done. The team was respectful and on time every day. We actually enjoyed them with the work ethics and placing our plants back around the foundation. Terri - Mattawan MI TSH"
Front of Customer House
Interior System
Exterior System
EZ Breathe
Basement Liner Job

+2

Response time2 days
120 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Golden Construction
Golden Construction
4.0(
22
)
Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Athens, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Golden Construction responded to an emergency and urgent construction need. An old 8+ foot (height) by 150+ feet (length) retaining wall collapsed from severe weather, which compromised a large area of yard holding an in-ground pool. Golden recognized the potential danger, responded immediately with a very competitive estimate, and began work within a couple of days. The owner maintained ongoing communication throughout the project which was completed quickly and professionally. The rebuild is far superior to original wall. Excellent work. Recommend unconditionally."
Patio
Patio
wall
wall
wall

+29

Response time5 hrs
Response rate95%
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
4.5(
14
)
Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Athens, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I was impressed with Chuck from Shamrock Chimney. He was realistic in his discussion and went thru various options from converting to a gas fireplace to wood inserts. He discussed the issues with the existing field stone face and converting to a two way fireplace. He certainly made me comfortable to consider Shamrock should the project move forward."
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair
Chimney Repair

+31

Response time1 day
Response rate95%
246 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

It is possible, albeit a lot slower, to break up a rock using water. You would do this by freezing and thawing the water. You could create some initial holes or cracks in the rock, then pour water into the cracks or holes and allow them to freeze (so it's best to do this in winter or in colder climates). Since water expands when it freezes, this puts pressure on the inside of the rock and causes it to crack. You could continue to pour more water in and let it freeze to continue to break up the rock.

Yes, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of bleach and a gallon of warm water to clean stubborn stains from brick. Do not use bleach without diluting it in water. Undiluted bleach may cause discoloration. You can use either Oxygen bleach such as OxiClean or chlorine bleach. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling bleach.

Yes, concrete is significantly stronger than masonry, especially if the concrete pour includes reinforcements, like steel rebar. Concrete is a uniform material that can withstand compression, sheer force, and tensile force as long as it’s reinforced. Masonry involves the use of mortar or grout to connect individual building materials, like brick, stone, or tile. Mortar and grout are also reasonably strong and resist compression well, but they don’t come close to the strength of poured concrete.

Brick spalling—which refers to the crumbly, flaky, or pitted appearance that can develop over time—is caused by a few different conditions. These include:

  • Climates with constant freeze-thaw cycles

  • Use of non-breathable sealants

  • High-pressure water cleaning

  • Improper installation

While you can’t do anything about the weather, you can preserve your bricks by cleaning them with soapy water and a good old-fashioned scrubbing. Pressure washers may be satisfying to use, but they can eventually wear away the surface of your bricks. If you don’t have advanced-level DIY skills in masonry, you can hire a reputable masonry contractor in your area for your project.

Most of the time, you don’t need to seal brickwork and can save that money for another area of home improvement. But if your brick is cracking or you live in an area with a lot of excess moisture (either in terms of rain or freezes), sealing can extend the lifetime of your home. But, make sure you use a breathable sealant, like siloxane, to allow the moisture to evaporate on its own.

The Athens, MI homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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