"Chris Peplinski came out and gave us a fair and honest estimate on fixing our foundation. Alex and crew arrived and installed helical piers to shore up our foundation and you couldn’t tell they were even here. Everything from the first call to the install was top notch! Highly Recommend!"
"They did a rock wall down our driveway and stone landscaping in our front yard. I cannot believe the great job. Great workers and so easy to work with."
"This is a great company to use in making a 141 year old basement waterproof. I look foreward to having a waterproo basemant. Craig was pleasant and went the extra mile to make the experience great."
"Good communication, professional, courteous and clean up was thorough.
We waited a few months before doing a rating to experience a few heavy rains. We are extremely happy with having a dry usable basement. We usually don't do ratings but All Ways Dry exceeded our expectations!"
"I had several quotes for a fairly extensive leak in my poured basement wall resulting from poor workmanship during the original construction. Several contractors told me the foundation would have to be dug up to do a proper repair. I was hoping for another solution so I called this company. They came out to look and I was immediately impressed with their professionalism and candor. The first rep did not try to pressure sell me and even expressed skepticism that they could fix the problem. He called in other resources from the company to inspect it and offer their assessments. After careful examination and consultation with each other they determined that sealing the wall from the inside was feasible. I waited until now to write this review so I could be honest about how it turned out. Well, it hasn't leaked a drop! I would recommend this company to anybody. They earned my trust and they saved me a lot of money and grief."
"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."
"They were very professional from the day one when I met Tom Cox and through the completed installlation of my "WaterGuard" system. I look forward to seeing how the system works."
"We had a very good experience, from start to finish. Very professional. good communications, workers also were very personable, very courteous, and respectful of your property."
Northern Ground Services has become a staple of professionalism and quality work in Michigan for years. With decades of experience, there is no job too large or small. Call today to schedule an appointment!
A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.
Brick can increase the value of your home depending on the type of masonry materials used. Homes generally have a higher resale value when they have brick siding, and brick is also easier to maintain (and lasts longer) than other types of siding, which can motivate buyers to make an offer.
Just keep in mind, however, that although brick can up the asking price when you sell your house, the cost to brick a house is also more expensive than other typical siding costs—so you’ll invest more in the project.
You should clean your home’s brick once per year. This applies to exterior brick, but also to cleaning brick fireplaces. Create a homemade cleaning solution with equal parts vinegar and water. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the solution into the face of your brick and remove dirt, algae, and stains. Cleaning will protect brick from damage and boost your home’s curb appeal.
According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.
Chimney mortar typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on its quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance. Over time, exposure to moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles can cause mortar to deteriorate, leading to cracks and gaps. Regular inspections and timely repairs, such as repointing or tuckpointing, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.
The Auburn, MI 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.
