Get matched with top masons in Phenix, VA

Q: What do I look for when buying a brick house?

• <div><p>There are many things to look for when buying a brick house. Here are some of the key things you should pay close attention to.</p><ul><li><p><b>Lintels:</b> Look for cracks, holes, displacement, or corrosion</p></li><li><p><b>Mortar:</b> Check to see if the mortar is old and crumbling, in need of repointing, or new. Also check to see if the mortar has a professional finish.</p></li><li><p><b>Walls:</b> Check along each side of the house. If a wall is bowing outward, this indicates a severe issue such as foundation damage or that the walls are ready to fall.</p></li><li><p><b>Cracks:</b> If there are stair step cracks in the brickwork, this indicates an unstable foundation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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: 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>

Q: Is it better to limewash or whitewash brick?

• <div><p>The choice between <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/limewash-vs-whitewash.htm">limewash vs. whitewash</a> brick depends on aesthetic preference and the desired outcome. Whitewashing creates a softer, more opaque finish, suitable for a rustic or shabby-chic look. Since the solution is paint-based, you can use it on painted brick, unlike limewash. Limewashing offers a more natural, textured appearance, allowing the brick's texture to shine while providing a breathable, protective coating. Conversely, whitewashing is also more forgiving when it comes to application, while limewashing requires more skill but offers a more traditional and durable finish.</p></div>

Q: How long do bricks last?

• <div><p>Most classic red bricks can last 20 to 40 years without major repairs or renovations. If brick is maintained, it can easily last 100 to 150 years. When weighing <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-vs-brick-veneer.htm">brick vs. brick veneer</a>, homeowners are often surprised to learn that even thin veneers can be expected to last 50 to 100 years. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your masonry work project in Phenix, VA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in Phenix, VA

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in Phenix, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Masonry Work companies in Phenix, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

Last update on January 22, 2026

Reviewed in November 2024
Very well very professional and complete, very friendly.
Rogers Heating And Cooling
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Daniel And Chris Knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. They made sure that both systems were working well. Updated us on things that needed to be done In the future. I would have them returned to my house.
Mills Heating and Air Conditioning Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2024
I had a leaky washer, called them up and was able to have them make my schedule preference work, very convenient. My washer is an old boy and he is working better than after since.
Straight Up Appliance Repair
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2024
Mr. Underwood walked me through every step of what to expect and answered every concern I had after installing complete unit. I am very pleased.
Premier HVAC Services, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
I had a dripping shower valve issue which had been going on for quite some time. It was pouring hot water straight down the drain. To complicate matters was there was no access point for the water controls. Bethany at Strategic sent Antori out to diagnose what he needed, relayed that info to...
Strategic Heating & Air, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
Michael was very professional and easy to work with. He did a great job and would definitely recommend.
Campbell County Pressure Washing LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2022
Excellent paint job and experience!! They were very professional!!
Best Enterprises 1 LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
Punctual, professional and pleasant to work with, S&A did a superb job in repairing a water-damaged interior wall, resulting in a room that looked brand new! We also hired them for some external wood repair and painting. Again, the workmanship was outstanding. Working with them was like a...
S & A Home Improvement
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2021
Pete and Wayne did a fantastic job. They were able to fix my foundation without any damage inside my home. They were very nice, here every day they were suppose to work even though it was in the mid 90's. They were very professional and explained everything as they were working. I would...
JES Foundation Repair
Request a quote