Get matched with top masons in Lafayette, TN

Q: What kind of drill bit do I need for brick?

• <div><p>Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don&rsquo;t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they&rsquo;re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to soak the brick before cutting it?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it&rsquo;s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.</p></div>

Q: Are masonry fireboxes better than prefabricated ones?

• <div><p>Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.</p><p>Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between clay and fireclay?

• <div><p>Fireclay is a type of clay but it is a type of clay that, because of its chemical composition, can be fired at a much higher temperature than other clays. This results in a denser and more heat-resistant final material. Because of the high percentage of a mineral called kaolin, fireclay sinks are smoother and more durable than other clay types.</p></div>

Q: What causes black stains on bricks?

• <div><p>In some cases, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/black-stains-brick.htm">black stains on brick</a> are caused by organic substances like algae and mold. However, it's more likely that the black spots you're noticing on your bricks come from carbon from vehicle exhaust or soot. Black stains can usually be removed by scrubbing the brick with a brush and masonry cleaner or power washing. </p></div>

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Find Masons in Lafayette

Brick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointing+2 more

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He's exceptionally well versed in pre WWII masonry. Super timely and punctual."

+31

Response time7 hrs

111 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"If you have any need for masonry work, please give Diego a call! He and his team did a great job on my patio for a very reasonable price. They are the type of folks you want to do business with."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade! We will always do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Call us anytime!

Response time10 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Frontier Foundation and Crawl Space Repair

4.6(

214

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+3 more

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Frontier Foundation & Crawl Space Repair is a basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space repair contractor. Do you have doors and windows that are sticking or don't shut properly? Do you see cracks in your drywall? Wet basement, damp musty smells or foundation cracks? Does your crawl space have insulation falling down, bugs, critters or odors? High radon levels? Are your energy bills high? Free estimates. We put the customer first and give WOW service!\n\nWe are greater Central Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky's authorized Basement Systems and Supportworks dealer, and we're proud to have served our great communities for over 20 years!\n

+14

Response time2 days

200 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Frontier Foundation & Crawl Space Repair

4.3(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationBasement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - Repair+3 more

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Warranties offered

All things Basementy! Basement Waterproofing, Basement Repair, Crawl Space Waterproofing, Crawl Space Repair, Foundation & Structural Repairs, Concrete Leveling, and Radon Mitigation. We can help improve your home and are committed to providing WOW customer service! We service Tennessee, Southwestern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama.

+51

Response time6 hrs

Response rate100%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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AccuLevel, Inc. - Missouri

4.0(

215

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with over 20 years of experience. Our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- the most valuable investment you'll ever make.\n

+28

Response time7 hrs

294 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - RaiseFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Groundworks is the North America's leading and fastest-growing foundation repair and water management solutions provider. Groundworks is a vertically integrated company with its own manufacturing operations and a world-class software solution, allowing us to serve our customers more effectively. From the first phone call to the annual maintenance offered, our customers have peace of mind knowing we're there with one mission to repair, protect and improve their home. For state licenses visit Groundworks.com/licensing

+16

150 neighbors recently requested a quote

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Customers say: Terrific value

With over 19yrs of professional experience, EL Zorro Concrete is family owned and operated! We are here to serve you and all of your concrete needs and we're never satisfied unless you are! We service the Middle TN area and offer free estimates and 10% off if you mention you heard of us through Angi. Contact us today, we look forward to serving you!

+19

Response time3 days

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists

4.3(

130

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists (AFS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, AFS is here to restore your basement, foundation, or crawl space.\nFor state licenses visit Groundworks.com/licensing\n

+16

98 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Olshan Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Co. of Memphis LP

3.7(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Lafayette, TN and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1933

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Established in 1933, Olshan Foundation Repair is a trusted foundation repair and water management company serving homeowners and businesses across Memphis.\n \nOur services in Memphis include foundation repair, concrete leveling, drainage solutions, crawl space repair, crawl space encapsulation, and under slab plumbing.\n \nWe offer free evaluations performed by Certified Structural Technicians. Every evaluation includes a detailed repair plan and pricing for you to review — no pushy sales tactics, just honest information.\n \nWith over 90 years of experience, Olshan is one of the most recognized names in foundation repair. All repairs are backed by warranty. We are A+ BBB Rated with hundreds of verified reviews from homeowners just like you.

+43

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Showing 1-10 of 168

Masonry questions, answered by experts

Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.

No, you don’t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it’s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.

Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.

Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.

Fireclay is a type of clay but it is a type of clay that, because of its chemical composition, can be fired at a much higher temperature than other clays. This results in a denser and more heat-resistant final material. Because of the high percentage of a mineral called kaolin, fireclay sinks are smoother and more durable than other clay types.

In some cases, black stains on brick are caused by organic substances like algae and mold. However, it's more likely that the black spots you're noticing on your bricks come from carbon from vehicle exhaust or soot. Black stains can usually be removed by scrubbing the brick with a brush and masonry cleaner or power washing.

The Lafayette, TN homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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