"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. Ed Wise at E-Tex Foundation Repair in Gladewater, Tx (903-331-3278) said the procedure would take a total of three days, told me everything that needed to be done, and kept in touch. He called the day before to tell me they were coming out the next morning. He and the crew were very friendly, and worked quickly, efficiently, and professionally. After digging out four pier holes, they laid cement and left it to dry through the next day. He called the next day and let me know when they were coming out on the third morning. They arrived on time and jacked the slab to re-level and shimmed with solid concrete blocks and plate steel shims. Ground areas that had been lost were filled in with dirt and well-packed, and concrete pieces and dirt stabilized my driveway. Everything was cleaned up from the work area, and I was extremely happy with the results. I would recommend this company of very friendly, very competent people to everyone I know. With the work guaranteed (with a transferable warranty) for 30 years, I have nothing but the best to say about the people and the services rendered. Excellent communication from Mr. Wise beginning with my first email to the company for a bid through the completion of the job! "
"Mr. Hernandez and his crew did good work on our 5-strand barbed wire fence. I can recommend him highly, and I will likely be hiring them again in the future."
While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.
Painting brick is porous, meaning it’s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.
Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.
If you’re attempting to mix and pour your own mortar, expect to pay between $5 to $10 for an 80-pound bag of mix. The cost to repair mortar, however, can range from $300 to $500 for a 20-square-foot wall. The larger the area and the more extensive the repair, the higher the cost.
Solid brick structures can last a century or more, potentially 100 to 150 years with proper maintenance like tuckpointing. Without major repairs, classic red bricks may last 20 to 40 years. Brick veneer siding is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. To maintain brick veneer, you should scrub it annually with a special detergent and a soft-bristled broom. It's also important to inspect the bricks and mortar regularly and hire a masonry contractor for any necessary repairs, such as fixing worn mortar or bowing bricks.
Staining or painting brick isn’t something to do on a whim. Make sure you really want to live with stained brick, because once you apply the stain, it’s permanent. Sure, it will fade over time, but you can’t restore the brick to its natural tones after applying a stain or paint.
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.
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.