Can I use a regular drill for making pilot holes in brick?

• <div><p>You can use a regular drill to make pilot holes for gutter brackets in the wooden fascia board around the top of your house, but it’s not the best tool for brick. Instead, you’ll need a heavy-duty power tool like a hammer drill with a carbide tip bit.</p></div>

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Q: What is the downside of painting brick?

• <div><p>While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.</p><p>Painting brick is porous, meaning it&rsquo;s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.</p><p>Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you&rsquo;ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it&rsquo;s hard to go back without some serious power washing&mdash;another added cost.</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>

Q: How long do brick and brick veneer siding last?

• <div><p>Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.</p></div>

Q: How often does brick need to be repointed and how long does it last?

• <div><p>Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.</p></div>

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"Sinan Sugurgeci was the inspector who did the inspection. I was very impressed with his knowledge and presentation of services to be done. He is the main reason why I decided to hire Innovative Basement Authority to perform the necessary work"

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"Excellent service! Pro was nice, easy to work with, professional! Never would have known he was here, he cleaned the working area so well! I would definitely recommend Blackburn Basement!!"

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ANDERSON YARD WORKS LLC

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In business since 2017

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We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

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In business since 1989

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

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Rapid Foundation Repair Inc.

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

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"Very good quality work, very professional, and they perform the work that the customer needs"

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Enhanced Basements Foundation Repair LLC

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

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Enhanced Basements foundation repair offers reliable and affordable foundation repair solutions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing high-quality services to address various foundation issues. We take pride in our work and strive to ensure the safety and stability of your property.

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Mike and Martin's Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

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We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of general contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time8 hrs

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

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"The business saw and noticed the damage gutted out half the bathroom and replaced the damaged floor and then replaced the tub and shower. They blended all new work done perfectly into anything that wasnt replaced."

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Underground Specialists, LLC

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

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We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Alex prides himself on the cleanliness, speed and precision of the work that he provides. For several years now he has enjoyed working with one happy customer after the next and he looks forward to helping you next! Give Alex a call today.

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

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Masonry questions, answered by experts

While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.

Painting brick is porous, meaning it’s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.

Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.

Yes, brick houses are better insulated, 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.

You can use a regular drill to make pilot holes for gutter brackets in the wooden fascia board around the top of your house, but it’s not the best tool for brick. Instead, you’ll need a heavy-duty power tool like a hammer drill with a carbide tip bit.

Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.

Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.

The Timber Lake, SD homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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