"Smoky Mountain Deck Builders was the middle of three estimates in cost. We found them to be very professional and thorough throughout the job. Jeremy, the foreman during the entire construction, ran a tight ship, maintained an orderly job site, and found and corrected all problems. I would give him the highest possible rating."
"They started the job quickly, worked diligently, and took just two days to build our new concrete patio from start to finish. Reasonable cost too. Very pleased with our new patio, and with G.C. Construction Company."
"Fanel American Pavers did an awesome job in paving my patio area. The area looks amazing and I would definitely call for future projects. They even cleaned around the area that didn’t required paving. After the job was complete they cleaned up the area and left everything nice and neat. Thanks Fanel American Pavers."
"Went great showes up when he says he will. Built a 40ft long x 6ft tall wall and turned out very well and sturdy. Would recommend to anyone that needs work."
"We were very pleased with the work performed by Thomas Waterproofing Company. The work was performed and completed in a timely manner, and the workers were knowledgeable and professional. I would most definitely recommend them to others."
"I’m so happy with the job that David Brakebill and his team did at our home. We had masonry work that need to be done in a very precise and detailed way. They did a great job finishing the project. It looks fantastic and I’m already looking to them to do another project for us, I would encourage anybody who needs trustworthy, communicative and reliable work done David Brakebill, and his team other ones for you. James"
"Medina performed leaf removal on my property. They did a good, thorough job. This was the first time I utilized their services and I was pleased with the results. Brothers Jose and Juan Medina offer numerous types of lawn and home care. I would certainly consider utilizing their services again for leaf removal or other types of work. I also thought their charge for this service was reasonable."
"They were prompt, worked hard, and explained everything. They have truly delivered us peace of mind. We never have had to worry about the state of our basement since we called them."
Not all cracks in brick indicate foundation problems. For instance, small hairline cracks can occur as a new construction settles. However, larger cracks are often a sign of a more severe issue. Indicators of a potential foundation problem include long horizontal cracks, "stair-step" cracks, vertical cracks that appear indoors, or any crack that widens at the top. Other signs of structural damage to look for are uneven floors and doors or windows that stick. These issues could be caused by problems with the soil beneath the home or an overgrown tree.
Some older brick material is extremely hard, making it tough to create a hole. Rather than using a typical wood drill bit, always use a masonry drill bit when drilling into brick. For extremely hard brick, using a power drill with a hammer function may give you better results. The drill bit will heat up as it goes into the extremely hard brick, so you may need to stop after a few minutes and allow the bit to cool before starting to drill again.
A chimney cleaning brick or log can help loosen creosote between professional chimney cleaning appointments. Although they can help keep your chimney cleaner, they are not a substitute for chimney sweeping and are not meant to be used regularly.
No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.
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.
The Greenback, TN 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.
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.
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.
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.
