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Avatar for Olshan Foundation Repair
Olshan Foundation Repair
5.0(
3
)
Concrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Isola, MS and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1933

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Established in 1933, Olshan Foundation Repair is a trusted foundation repair and water management company serving homeowners and businesses across Jackson.\n \nOur services in Jackson include foundation repair, concrete leveling, drainage solutions, crawl space repair, crawl space encapsulation, and under slab plumbing.\n \nWe offer free evaluations performed by Certified Structural Technicians. Every evaluation includes a detailed repair plan and pricing for you to review — no pushy sales tactics, just honest information.\n \nWith over 90 years of experience, Olshan is one of the most recognized names in foundation repair. All repairs are backed by warranty. We are A+ BBB Rated with hundreds of verified reviews from homeowners just like you.

Cable Lock Close-Up
Pier and Beam Repair
Crew Quality Check
Foundation Leveling
Two-Man Crew at Work

+43

Response time6 days
Response rate100%
Recommended by50%of homeowners
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

Masonry uses units like bricks, cement blocks, and stone with mortar between them. Mortar is generally made of sand and a type of cement. Examples of masonry include the brick or stone on a house, chimney, or freestanding wall. Concrete is a mixture of water, sand, stone aggregate, and other materials, and is poured into forms or moldings. Types of concrete applications include driveways, garage and basement floors, and poured concrete walls in basements and crawl spaces.

To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.

When painting brick, each application method has pros and cons. Spraying is much faster but may not penetrate the porous surface of the bricks. Rolling is effective for getting paint into the bricks but doesn't work as well on the mortar. Brushing is very time-consuming and also won't penetrate beyond the surface. For the best results, a combination of spraying and rolling is often recommended. If you use a roller, choose a thick option (at least a half-inch) and ensure the paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage.

Unless you’ve worked in the masonry industry before, it is in your best interest if you hire a pro for any masonry needs. Masonry-related jobs require a high skill level and can be extremely time-consuming. If anything goes wrong, a licensed and insured masonry contractor would be able to take care of the subsequent repairs, giving you additional peace of mind.

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.

The Isola, MS homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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