Q: What causes black stains on bricks?

• <div><p>In some cases, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/black-stains-brick.htm">black stains on brick</a> are caused by organic substances like algae and mold. However, it's more likely that the black spots you're noticing on your bricks come from carbon from vehicle exhaust or soot. Black stains can usually be removed by scrubbing the brick with a brush and masonry cleaner or power washing. </p></div>

Q: How is natural stone formed?

• <div><p>Natural stone is formed in deep layers of the Earth through natural processes over thousands of years. The solid composition formations become massive rock beds, or quarries, from which miners extract them.</p></div>

Q: Can you remove limewash from brick?

• <div><p>Limewash can be removed from brick, but the method of removal will depend on how long the limewash has been on the brick. If the limewash has fully dried&mdash;which happens after about five days&mdash;you&rsquo;ll need to use a diluted muriatic acid mixture to remove it. If there are multiple coats of limewash, you may need to apply the acid mixture several times to fully remove it from the brick.</p></div>

Q: How long does a brick wall last?

• <div><p>A well-made brick wall can last up to 100 years if maintained properly, which includes regularly repairing the mortar every 30 to 50 years. If your brick wall is under 30 years old and is already showing signs of repair, it may be due to poor brickwork and installation. Extreme weather conditions can also accelerate a brick wall&rsquo;s life span (especially the exterior of a house). </p></div>

Q: Can you German smear over painted brick?

• <div><p>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&mdash;so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.</p></div>

Groundworks

Groundworks

Customers say: Super punctual

32 local quotes requested

13 years of experience

Since 2012, Groundworks has specialized in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Pittsburgh. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, Groundworks is here to restore your basement, foundation, or crawl space. PA158514 (PA)

"We had our basement waterproofed by Baker's. It's been bone-dry since. We did have one piece of equipment fail within a month of the installation, but it was a third party dehumidifier that was just a dud I guess, no fault of Baker's. I texted the project manager about it on a Sunday. I expected a response the following week. He got back to me within the hour. The equipment was removed and replaced within a couple days. Everything great since. I would highly recommend Baker's, but specifically our project manager Nathan Goddard and the head guy on site Daylan. Can't remember his last name, but he's got a long beard and did a great job. Thanks to both of them and the rest of the guys."

David L on March 2025

Since 2012, Groundworks has specialized in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Pittsburgh. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, Groundworks is here to restore your basement, foundation, or crawl space. PA158514 (PA)

"We had our basement waterproofed by Baker's. It's been bone-dry since. We did have one piece of equipment fail within a month of the installation, but it was a third party dehumidifier that was just a dud I guess, no fault of Baker's. I texted the project manager about it on a Sunday. I expected a response the following week. He got back to me within the hour. The equipment was removed and replaced within a couple days. Everything great since. I would highly recommend Baker's, but specifically our project manager Nathan Goddard and the head guy on site Daylan. Can't remember his last name, but he's got a long beard and did a great job. Thanks to both of them and the rest of the guys."

David L on March 2025

Highlander Waterproofing, Inc

Highlander Waterproofing, Inc

Customers say: Quick response

44 local quotes requested

14 years of experience

At Highlander Waterproofing , we are experts specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Is water invading your home? If so, you are not alone. Millions of homeowners struggle with water-related issues every single year across the country. Luckily, Highlander Waterproofing is here to help! We offer custom waterproofing solutions and foundation repair that you can trust. With more than 25 years of experience, we have mastered repairs and installations. Highlander Waterproofing is family owned and operated and has a 100% commitment to our customer's satisfaction. Much like the foundation repair work we specialize in, building on a strong foundation is the key to success,which is why we have built our business on hard work, endless energy, knowledge and integrity. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection. Twenty-four hour emergency services and a lifetime, transferable warranty are available!

"Completed the project quickly, haven't had any flooding, and now i can get in and out of the crawl space without getting stuck!"

Alicia C on August 2024

At Highlander Waterproofing , we are experts specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Is water invading your home? If so, you are not alone. Millions of homeowners struggle with water-related issues every single year across the country. Luckily, Highlander Waterproofing is here to help! We offer custom waterproofing solutions and foundation repair that you can trust. With more than 25 years of experience, we have mastered repairs and installations. Highlander Waterproofing is family owned and operated and has a 100% commitment to our customer's satisfaction. Much like the foundation repair work we specialize in, building on a strong foundation is the key to success,which is why we have built our business on hard work, endless energy, knowledge and integrity. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection. Twenty-four hour emergency services and a lifetime, transferable warranty are available!

"Completed the project quickly, haven't had any flooding, and now i can get in and out of the crawl space without getting stuck!"

Alicia C on August 2024

Highlander Waterproofing, Inc.

Highlander Waterproofing, Inc.

14 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

At Highlander Waterproofing , we are experts specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Is water invading your home? If so, you are not alone. Millions of homeowners struggle with water-related issues every single year across the country. Luckily, Highlander Waterproofing is here to help! We offer custom waterproofing solutions and foundation repair that you can trust. With more than 25 years of experience, we have mastered repairs and installations. Highlander Waterproofing is family owned and operated and has a 100% commitment to our customer's satisfaction. Much like the foundation repair work we specialize in, building on a strong foundation is the key to success,which is why we have built our business on hard work, endless energy, knowledge and integrity. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection. Twenty-four hour emergency services and a lifetime, transferable warranty are available!

Acculevel, Inc. - Ohio

Acculevel, Inc. - Ohio

Customers say: Quality work

128 local quotes requested

29 years of experience

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"done a good job stayed late to finish"

Carl C on October 2023

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.

"done a good job stayed late to finish"

Carl C on October 2023

Betts Structural Engineering LLC

Betts Structural Engineering LLC

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

178 local quotes requested

Construction company and consulting engineering firm for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and retail clients.

"Had Betts Structural Engineering come and look at the foundation of a house we were in contract on. Josh came out and was professional and informative. He informed us the foundation was failing and explained what needed to be done. He throughly explained everything and told us how we could do it ourselves for much cheaper than a contractor could do it. In the end he saved us from a long and expensive process if we proceeded with the house."

Joyce L on January 2023

Construction company and consulting engineering firm for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and retail clients.

"Had Betts Structural Engineering come and look at the foundation of a house we were in contract on. Josh came out and was professional and informative. He informed us the foundation was failing and explained what needed to be done. He throughly explained everything and told us how we could do it ourselves for much cheaper than a contractor could do it. In the end he saved us from a long and expensive process if we proceeded with the house."

Joyce L on January 2023

A Touch of Morden

5.00(

1

)

A Touch of Morden

5.00(

1

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

A Touch Of Modern is a general contractor company, that specializes in coordinating and managing all the materials, activities, and personnel involved in all of my construction projects on a day to day basis. With over twenty years of experience in the business we believe in delivering a quality and a product that is superior to our competitors by going above and beyond to satisfy the customer's needs.

"it went well!! he was very responsive & the job was done fast and extremely neat, i would 100% work with them again ! , 5 stars thank you"

Simone S on February 2023

A Touch Of Modern is a general contractor company, that specializes in coordinating and managing all the materials, activities, and personnel involved in all of my construction projects on a day to day basis. With over twenty years of experience in the business we believe in delivering a quality and a product that is superior to our competitors by going above and beyond to satisfy the customer's needs.

"it went well!! he was very responsive & the job was done fast and extremely neat, i would 100% work with them again ! , 5 stars thank you"

Simone S on February 2023

mikron masonry & restoration

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mikron masonry & restoration

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all types of masonry, brick, block, stone, chimney repair and rebuild. we are experts on chimney repair. new home construction. retaining walls, and concrete work & repair.

All Service Home Maintenance

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All Service Home Maintenance

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Emergency services offered

Full Service Electrical and Home Maintenance solutions for residential, commercial, and office. With 25 yrs experience as an Electrician, and 5 yrs experience in multiple other trades, we can offer a solution for almost any project including electrical, new wiring, old work, conduit installation, service & troubleshooting, windows, doors, plumbing, hvac, siding, roofing, drywall, woodwork, concrete, brick & block work. Assembling furniture, organization solutions, floating shelves, etc. No job is to big or to small. With 10 yrs experience in the multi media AV Industry, building and wiring 53' multi media trailers, We also offer modifications, customization, and remodeling of RV's, and campers. Our name says it all, one call for All Services, and solutions. We provide services for one of the Ohio Valley's largest real estate and property management company's. Quality work with reasonable pricing.