"Malecas and his crew are professional, prompt response, very easy to work with. I delayed my project one year and when contacting Malecas a year later, he treated me like it was the first time I asked him for the estimates. The crew completed the work earlier than what we expected. They cleaned up the space around the pavers, leveled our uneven backyard and neatly stacked our old bricks, when they don't need to do it. Work is superb, love our new patio - will definitely use them again for our next project!"
"We used quality 1st on two occasions in the past year to address water in the basement of our brownstone. They first addressed the problem from the crawlspace - installed a sump pump, water guard trench, and cleanspace wall system (they also added support to the ceiling, which is the floor of a kitchen above). Their approach was sound, the cost was fair, and we were very happy with their service and the work itself. They then returned to address water coming in from the main basement area - we worked together on a reasonable approach that included adding a 2nd sump pump, a water guard trench and cleanspace wall system only where needed. This required a lot of coordination and communication with our plumber as well - all went smoothly, work was performed and cleaned up professionally. So far, so good! I am in construction myself and I reviewed their approach with other professionals including an engineer, and I have a lot of confidence in their products, their pricing, and their work."
"Good experience and very professional. Highly recommend. I used this company several times for my 5+ apartment building. Bricks has great customer service."
"Iâ m so happy with All Point Construction ! They really helped provide me with clear direction on resolving my chimney and lining issues. Klestian gave me a fair consult and worked with me on pricing. Chris and Tony weâ re organized, prompt and did a nice job to get me up to code and certified. Thanks again for assisting so quickly."
"Eric and his helper arrived on time and were professional greetings me. what I noticed the most, they enjoyed their work and wanted to ensure I was happy with the concrete leveling job. They were respectful of my landscaping and cleaned up. Also, Have to give a shout out to Angie and Kyle for working with my schedule. So glad I chose Quality1st to level the stamped concrete around my pool."
"Dry Tech recently completed a major waterproofing project in my finished basement, addressing water seepage along roughly 60 linear feet of wall. The crew removed the lower section of drywall and most of the studs, then broke out about 18 inches of the cement floor to install stone and a perforated pipe before finishing everything with fresh cement. All materials were brought in and out through a small basement window, which was no small feat. The team worked hard and handled the entire process professionally. They installed plastic barriers to keep cement dust from spreading through the house, stayed organized, and kept the workspace as clean as possible. From my first meeting with the salesman to the final cleanup, every step was handled with care and competence. I highly recommend Dry Tech for anyone dealing with basement water issues."
"?I own a 200-year-old farmhouse with a stone foundation, and I was really worried about the integrity of the structure. After reading some bad reviews about other companies damaging stone foundations, I chose Basement Waterproofing Specialists. They are a 4th generation family owned company.I was so glad I did?they were professional, thorough, and really took the time to protect my home. My basement is finally dry, and I feel confident . I would highly recommend them in every way! Price? Professionalism? Quality? And a lifetime of the structure warranty that is transferable?? Thank you. Mark HB Homes LLC"
Shamrock Maintenance Corp is a professional chimney service company dedicated to helping homeowners maintain safe, efficient, and well-functioning chimneys. We specialize in chimney inspections, cleanings, repairs, and preventative maintenance, with a strong focus on fire safety and long-term home protection.\n\nOur team is known for providing honest recommendations, clear documentation, and straightforward communication so homeowners can make informed decisions without pressure. We work with both modern and older homes, including historic properties, using appropriate methods to protect the structure and integrity of each home.\n\nWe proudly serve our local communities by prioritizing safety, quality workmanship, and reliable service. At Shamrock Maintenance Corp, every home is treated with care, professionalism, and respect.
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.
Yes, you can paint stone on the exterior of a house. It’s important to properly prep the stone by cleaning off dirt and debris. You’ll want to apply at least two coats of paint to get the most even and complete coverage. Any pinholes or missed spots, however small, can allow moisture to get into the masonry and potentially cause the paint to blister and peel from the stone.
The best color to paint a brick fireplace comes down to personal taste. However, neutral colors—like white or gray—will open the space and create a bright modern look, making them popular options. However, choosing a bold color can turn your fireplace into a feature piece that will be the talk of all family gatherings.
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, it is normal to see some minor hairline cracks in brick or mortar over time, often due to natural foundation settling. However, not all cracks are harmless. You should be concerned and contact a masonry professional for an inspection if you notice cracks that are getting wider or longer, or if new ones keep appearing. Other serious warning signs that can indicate significant structural or foundation damage include large vertical cracks (especially those that widen as they go up), stair-step cracks, L-shaped cracks, and deep horizontal cracks. Factors like temperature changes, moisture, and structural loading can also cause cracks to form or worsen.
The Greenwich, NJ homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out the average brick or stone fireplace repair cost in Philadelphia, PA. Learn what you can expect to pay local pros to fix your masonry and stay safe.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Philadelphia, PA.
Find out the average brick or stone fireplace installation cost in Philadelphia, PA. Learn what to expect to pay for local masonry and fireplace installers.
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.
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.
