Top-rated masons.

Get matched with top masons in Bear Lake, MI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your masonry work project in Bear Lake, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Masons in Bear Lake

Avatar for Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
4.5(
15
)
Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Bear Lake, 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 rate100%
81 neighbors recently requested a quote
...
Showing 1-10 of 63
Masonry questions, answered by experts

Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.

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.

Some older brick material is extremely hard, making it tough to create a hole. Rather than using a typical wood drill bit, always use a masonry drill bit when drilling into brick. For extremely hard brick, using a power drill with a hammer function may give you better results. The drill bit will heat up as it goes into the extremely hard brick, so you may need to stop after a few minutes and allow the bit to cool before starting to drill again.

If you’re attempting to mix and pour your own mortar, expect to pay between $5 to $10 for an 80-pound bag of mix. The cost to repair mortar, however, can range from $300 to $500 for a 20-square-foot wall. The larger the area and the more extensive the repair, the higher the cost.

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.

The Bear Lake, MI homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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