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Avatar for American Foundation & Waterproofing
American Foundation & Waterproofing
4.0(
95
)
Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+3 more

Serving Afton, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I called American Foundation and Waterproofing regarding a significant, but localized, leak in a basement foundation wall. Michael arrived on time for the inspection appointment and performed a thorough inspection. He identified the cause of the leak and suggested several fixes that I could try myself. If the suggestions do not work, I will definitely hire this company. I believe they are honest, professional, and know what they are doing."
20ml Encapsulation Liner Installation
Crawl Space Supports + Steel Supplemental Beam
Free Inspection & Esitmate
20ml Encapsulation Liner Installation
Crawl Space Supports + Steel Supplemental Beam

+20

Response time2 days
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
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Masonry questions, answered by experts

It’s called cobblestone because it’s made of stones that are “cobbed” together. A cob is a term that refers to rounded lumps. Originally, cobblestone streets were made from pebbles and stones gathered from riverbeds that had been rounded over time by the passage of water. The term has nothing to do with a cobbler, which is the term for someone who makes and fixes shoes.

Brick spalling—which refers to the crumbly, flaky, or pitted appearance that can develop over time—is caused by a few different conditions. These include:

  • Climates with constant freeze-thaw cycles

  • Use of non-breathable sealants

  • High-pressure water cleaning

  • Improper installation

While you can’t do anything about the weather, you can preserve your bricks by cleaning them with soapy water and a good old-fashioned scrubbing. Pressure washers may be satisfying to use, but they can eventually wear away the surface of your bricks. If you don’t have advanced-level DIY skills in masonry, you can hire a reputable masonry contractor in your area for your project.

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.

To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

The Afton, TN homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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