"Two neighbors mentioned them, & after reading the booklet they brought explaining how their procedure is superior to other options (going down to bedrock with galvanized steel pipes) I was sold. I was kept well informed as the project went along. I know they were careful when they dug & jack hammered."
"The service went well. They did a pretty good job. They were reliable, and they make sure everything was good after the plan. The price was fair. I was very satisfied and happy with the service."
"Fernando, his son Frankie, and Jeb Kraft (substituting for a vacationing crew member) were excellent. Their experience, work ethic, and attitude were outstanding. Every issue that arose as they repaired work another company did several years ago was solved by Fernando. He always provided several options and we selected the best one for the situation. Because Fernando hand-dug the needed holes and trenches he had no problem when he encountered the main electric line several feet from where 811 had marked it."
"Mr. Wise and crew showed up and worked hard to get the job done. Everyone had such good manners when addressing me and everyone was very kind. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs any type of foundation repairs done!"
Yes, it is essential to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting. Brick is a porous and highly absorbent material, so without a primer, paint can seep into the surface, resulting in uneven coverage and allowing the natural brick color to show through. To avoid this, apply one or two coats of a masonry primer. The primer will seal the brick and provide a smooth, uniform layer for the paint to adhere to. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the topcoat of paint.
Clean regularly, check for cracks, and inspect the chimney annually for safety.
Yes, but used or reclaimed bricks can be more brittle, cracked, or uneven than new bricks, so they’re harder to cut cleanly by hand. For that reason, you should take extra care when scoring and striking, and expect a higher chance of breakage. If a brick feels especially fragile, score deeper before attempting to split it.
Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It’s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it’s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it’s more affordable and easier to work with, it’s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.
You should generally drill into the mortar joints when installing shutters on brick. Mortar is softer, which makes drilling easier and puts less strain on your tools. It also lowers the risk of cracking a brick—something that’s a lot harder to fix. Mortar holds fasteners well enough for standard shutters, and if you ever need to patch the holes later, it’s a much simpler job than dealing with damaged brick. Just keep in mind that if your mortar joints are too thin or the hardware calls for brick anchoring, you'll need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust accordingly.
The Hebbronville, TX 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.
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.
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.
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.
