Get matched with top masons in Olean, NY

Q: How long does chimney mortar last?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tuckpointing-vs-repointing.htm">repointing or tuckpointing</a>, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.</p></div>

Q: What are the alternatives to a stone house?

• <div><p>Brick is the closest choice when seeking to capture the timeless look of stone with a more practical and budget-friendly option. When comparing <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/stone-vs-brick-siding.htm">stone versus brick siding</a>, the price range of <b>$200,000 to $400,000</b> for average brick home construction is dramatically lower compared to the cost of building a stone home. If you'd like to keep the stone aesthetic without the cost, stone veneer and manufactured stone are both less expensive than real stone. </p></div>

Q: Does an outdoor fireplace need fire bricks?

• <div><p>Yes, an outdoor fireplace should use fire bricks. Fire bricks are specially designed to withstand high levels of heat and thus won&rsquo;t crack as easily as regular bricks when exposed to the intense heat inside a fireplace. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between mortar and thinset?

• <div><p>Mortar and thinset both serve the same purpose&mdash;<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-tile-adhesive.htm">tile adhesion</a>&mdash;but have different compositions and use-cases. Thinset is heatproof and presents a wide range of possibilities due to the added polymers. Mortar is typically used for bonding stones and brick. Thinset is rarely used outside, while mortar is rarely used inside. </p></div>

Q: Are brick houses better insulated?

• <div><p><b>Yes, brick houses are better insulated</b>, because the bricks slow down the passage of air from the outside to the inside and vice-versa. This helps to stabilize the internal temperature of the home. When combined with proper residential insulation, brick houses are more efficient and better insulated than other types.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in Olean, NY

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in Olean, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Masonry Work companies in Olean, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

Last update on January 17, 2026

Reviewed in October 2025
Ray and team did an awesome job painting our house and garage. Ray worked meticulously to make sure our siding looked as good as possible before the paint went on and was there to explain anything, give updates, and make a change. Fast, reliable, and professional!
Rays Painting
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Reviewed in June 2025
Ryan was very prompt with communicating about the projects I needed to have done. He did a great and thorough job. I would recommend him!
NMA Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
They did a great job. No one would ever know the garage side of the overhead door needed repair. They matched the siding and it looks like new
CLA GENERAL CONTRACTOR LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Prompt and professional. Would recommend to anyone
Louie's Renovations & Handyman Services
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Reviewed in October 2024
Ian helped me with an apartment I was remodeling. He worked hard, had excellent attention-to-detail, showed up on time, completed the work in a timely manner, helped me with issues I had outside of the original contract and was reasonably priced! I highly recommend him and his team!
Dynamic Drywall & Finishing
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Reviewed in February 2024
Excellent customer service and will listen to what you want and make sure you get what you want. Very knowledgeable about the process specific to our environment and the specific needs required for the proper installation based on the frost line issues that can cause post heaving and how to...
TLC Fence
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Reviewed in August 2023
Timely,easy to work with, polite, friendly. Did a great job
Angelo's Southern Tier Spray Foam
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Reviewed in July 2023
Job well done for must just mixed a couple small stumps not that big of a deal I was able to get them I would hire them again
4 Sons Stump Grinding
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Reviewed in May 2023
This was an excellent repair experience in an area where it's often difficult to get work done. Thank you, CRM Electro-Mechanical!
CRM Electro-Mechanical LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
The guys were very polite and professional and couldn't even tell they had been there except for the great job they did trimming the trees.
L&H Tree Service, Excavation & Construction
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