Summing it up: Should I own a brick house?

• <div><p>If you want to make your home eco-friendly, enjoy low maintenance, and love the fact that its looks will take people’s breath away (and not because they were trying to blow your house down), then a modern brick home is right for you. You can hire a mason to get the building process started for your brick home.</p><p>But if you’re not fond of the color and don’t want to deal with the process of repointing or other repairs, consider going with vinyl or wood. These materials offer a lower cost. While they tend to require more maintenance, they don’t cost nearly the same as exterior brick house repair.</p></div>

What does a mason do?

• <div><p>A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:</p><ul><li><p>Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings</p></li><li><p>Freestanding stone or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-wall-cost.htm">brick walls</a></p></li><li><p>Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces</p></li><li><p>Cement block basement or crawl space walls</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top masons in Timber Lake, SD

Q: Does the brick need to be cleaned before staining?

• <div><p>Yes, brick should be clean before staining to ensure the best results. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and other substances on the brick can prevent the stain from properly adhering to it. Thoroughly cleaning the brick allows the stain to penetrate and bond to the surface more effectively. Cleaning typically involves using a pressure washer or a stiff brush with mild detergent. However, stubborn residue may require a specialized masonry cleaner. </p></div>

Q: What is the best way to clean brick?

• <div><p>For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.</p></div>

Q: Is brick staining cheaper than painting?

• <div><p>Initially, brick staining is not cheaper than painting. However, while it has a higher up-front cost, it may be more cost-effective in the long run. Brick stain can last for 20 years or longer, compared to paint, which usually starts to peel away in three to five years.</p></div>

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2005

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Warranties offered

"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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Blackburn Foundation Repair, LLC

4.6(

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"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!!"

Response time1 day

91 neighbors recently requested a quote

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ANDERSON YARD WORKS LLC

New to Angi

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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

3.7(

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Serving Timber Lake, 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

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Rapid Foundation Repair Inc.

3.0(

)

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Enhanced Basements Foundation Repair LLC

New to Angi

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

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

4.0(

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Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

Free estimates

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

Response rate88%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

"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."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Underground Specialists, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

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.

Response time12 hrs

Serving Timber Lake, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

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Emergency services offered

Design and build all phases of construction

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Masonry questions, answered by experts

If you want to make your home eco-friendly, enjoy low maintenance, and love the fact that its looks will take people’s breath away (and not because they were trying to blow your house down), then a modern brick home is right for you. You can hire a mason to get the building process started for your brick home.

But if you’re not fond of the color and don’t want to deal with the process of repointing or other repairs, consider going with vinyl or wood. These materials offer a lower cost. While they tend to require more maintenance, they don’t cost nearly the same as exterior brick house repair.

A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:

Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings
Freestanding stone or brick walls
Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces
Cement block basement or crawl space walls

Yes, brick should be clean before staining to ensure the best results. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and other substances on the brick can prevent the stain from properly adhering to it. Thoroughly cleaning the brick allows the stain to penetrate and bond to the surface more effectively. Cleaning typically involves using a pressure washer or a stiff brush with mild detergent. However, stubborn residue may require a specialized masonry cleaner.

For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

Initially, brick staining is not cheaper than painting. However, while it has a higher up-front cost, it may be more cost-effective in the long run. Brick stain can last for 20 years or longer, compared to paint, which usually starts to peel away in three to five years.

The Timber Lake, 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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