Get matched with top masons in Howes, SD

Q: What is the best color to paint a brick fireplace?

• <div><p>The best color to paint a brick fireplace comes down to personal taste. However, neutral colors&mdash;like white or gray&mdash;will open the space and create a bright modern look, making them popular options. However, choosing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/overcoming-fear-color-home-decor.htm">bold color</a> can turn your fireplace into a feature piece that will be the talk of all family gatherings. </p></div>

Q: Is it worth sealing brickwork?

• <div><p>Most of the time, you don&rsquo;t need to seal brickwork and can save that money for another area of home improvement. But if your brick is cracking or you live in an area with a lot of excess moisture (either in terms of rain or freezes), sealing can extend the lifetime of your home. But, make sure you use a breathable sealant, like siloxane, to allow the moisture to evaporate on its own.</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: Can you do German schmear on stone?

• <div><p>Yes, you can do German schmear on stone. You can account for the more textured and rough surface of stone by using a large paintbrush instead of a putty knife. A brush allows you to drag mortar across the stone to get it into all the cracks and crevices. However, a brush will cover more of the surface, so you may need a wet sponge to scrub excess mortar and expose more of your stone.</p></div>

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>

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Blackburn Foundation Repair, LLC

4.6(

)

Concrete Foundation - RaiseFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Blackburn came out to repair my garage foundation. They were quick, efficient, and left the area in great condition."

Response time1 day

101 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had been dealing with an uneven garage floor for several years and consulted multiple companies, but most either quoted very high prices or couldn’t handle the job properly. TJ and his assistant, Miky, from Walking 4 LLC, carefully assessed the situation, explained everything clearly, and offered several options with pros and cons. Their honest recommendations helped us make a confident decision. We chose to redo part of the garage floor to level it. TJ provided a clear plan, and the pricing was very reasonable. The work was completed with excellent craftsmanship and a professional finish. The results were impressive—so much so that my neighbor hired TJ on the spot. He also went the extra mile by replacing and adjusting the garage door seals to ensure a proper fit. I highly recommend Walking 4 LLC for concrete work. Their professionalism, honesty, and quality are outstanding."

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Dowden Creative Construction, LLC

4.9(

)

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Crew started on time, work was completed on time. Quality of work was there but Had an increase in cost due to mis-figure of how much fill was needed."

+15

Response time2 days

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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DakotaGreens Landscape and Design

4.8(

)

Brick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were a young crew but worked very well together. Pleasant to be around."

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

Brick, Stone or Block Wall - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Credit card accepted

Double H Masonry has become a staple of professionalism and quality work in Rapid City, SD for 17 years. With decades of experience, there is no job too large or small for our team. Call today to schedule an estimate!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Basement Drainage Channels - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"great guy, gets his work done. Quality work!"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"These fellas put in a shop floor a one car garage floor. And an older existing garage floor. Can t say a bad thing at all. They worked hard long hours. Weekends. Our floors look amazing!!!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Owl Creek Enterprizes, LLC

3.0(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBrick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - Install+14 more

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Their work was very good, so good that I kept adding more work for them to do. They were kind and courteous and strived to achieve the best possible work. Their work ethic and price were exceptionaly honest and fair. If I have more work in the future I will definitely hire them again."

+27

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

"His very cost conscience, extremely professional, and did a great work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 27

Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

Most of the time, you don’t need to seal brickwork and can save that money for another area of home improvement. But if your brick is cracking or you live in an area with a lot of excess moisture (either in terms of rain or freezes), sealing can extend the lifetime of your home. But, make sure you use a breathable sealant, like siloxane, to allow the moisture to evaporate on its own.

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—which happens after about five days—you’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.

Yes, you can do German schmear on stone. You can account for the more textured and rough surface of stone by using a large paintbrush instead of a putty knife. A brush allows you to drag mortar across the stone to get it into all the cracks and crevices. However, a brush will cover more of the surface, so you may need a wet sponge to scrub excess mortar and expose more of your stone.

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 repointing or tuckpointing, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.

The Howes, SD homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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

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What Is Masonry? Definition, Contractor Credentials, and More
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