"We have a cabin on the Northern Oregon coast which rests at the edge of a steep hill. Over the years, we noticed some settling with sloping floors, sticking doors, and a foundation crack. We called Ram Jack West after the local foundation expert in Clatsop County failed to follow up on a promised bid. We are grateful for that lapse because the folks at Ram Jack West were exceptional in the service they provided us, start-to-finish. From the office staff and estimator to the engineer and the team who set the pilings and raised the house in its low spots, we were kept apprised of each step. Communication was excellent. The engineering that goes into a project like this boggles my mind, but everyone we worked with was so confident and knowledgeable, any anxiety I had disappeared fast. We are so thrilled with the top-notch service Ram Jack West provided us and recommend them enthusiastically."
"Elias Contruction provided a detailed estimate after inspecting the roof and making some qualified recommendations. The project required a few change orders that were not clarified in writing. I would recommend hiring Elias if you get changes in writing. They cleaned up pretty well although they missed a few things due to finishing in the dark. Overall satisfied with the job and cost was 60% of other bids due to sheathing adjustment."
GRADELINE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and
\ncraftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide
\nour employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!
"Everything about NW Builders and Renovation exceeded our expectations! NW Builder was all we hoped for in a competent firm from the beginning of the proposal to the finish of the project. The old, fading siding on the front of our house was removed and rebuilt with stone. Our landscape was protected, and the project was left clean at the conclusion of each work day. They kept us up to date on the work that was being done each day. Highly recommend them."
"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it. Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "
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.
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’s life span (especially the exterior of a house).
Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.
Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.
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.
You can turn a red brick white through a process called whitewashing. Whitewash isn’t a stain but rather is made from water and white latex paint. Adding more water to the mix will make the solution look lighter when applied, and adding more paint will make it look more white.
The Condon, OR homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Door or window lintel replacement costs $400 on average, but there are ways you can save. On the other hand, complicated work will increase costs considerably.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
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.
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.
