If you have a masonry issue, there are many reasons to call a masonry contractor. While it may be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, it’s important to know that professional masonry contractors have the experience needed to get results quickly and efficiently.
Masonry professionals typically offer services like brick restoration, brick repair, crack repair, and more. Here are some of the most common reasons people call us for help.
Masonry Restoration
Masonry restoration is the process of repairing and restoring masonry structures. Masonry structures are made from bricks, stones, or concrete blocks. Some examples of masonry structures include:
- Chimneys
- Fireplaces
- Walls (interior or exterior)
- Patios
Masons can restore your old chimney to its former glory by repairing cracks in the mortar joints and repointing them with a new mortar mix that matches the color of your existing bricks. They can also install new stone facings if you want to give your fireplace a new look without tearing down the entire thing and starting from scratch again.
Masonry Repair
Masonry repair is the process of restoring masonry to its original condition. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on what type of damage has occurred.
Masonry contractors use their expertise in masonry construction and knowledge about how materials react under stress to create a solution that will restore your home or business structure to its former glory.
Masons are skilled at fixing cracks or holes in brickwork, laying new bricks over damaged ones, repairing cracks in mortar joints between stones (also known as pointing), replacing broken windowsills and sills that have been eaten away by termites or water damage-the list goes on!
Masonry contractors also know how different types of stone age over time; they know what kind of maintenance each type needs so you don’t have unexpected surprises during future renovations or remodeling projects.
Crack Repair
Cracks in a masonry surface can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Inadequate support for the structure’s weight. This is often the case with older homes that have not been updated to meet modern building codes or newer structures that were not built according to code.
- Poorly installed mortar joints. Masonry contractors know how to install mortar joints so they are strong and durable, but sometimes homeowners or other builders do not understand how important it is for them to be done correctly.
- Movement of the foundation due to shifting soil conditions or earthquakes may cause cracks in walls and ceilings above ground level.
Tuckpointing & Repointing
Tuckpointing and repointing are two of the most common reasons to call a masonry contractor. Tuckpointing is the process of removing old mortar and replacing it with new mortar, while repointing involves simply replacing the existing mortar in your masonry joints.
Both tuckpointing and repointing can help you repair damaged mortar joints, but they also improve the appearance of your building by making it look more uniform and cohesive overall.
Cracked and Leaking Brick Walls
Cracked and leaking brick walls are a common problem in homes. They may be caused by one or more of the following issues:
- The foundation is shifting, which causes the wall to crack
- Water seepage into the wall cavity increases pressure on the mortar between bricks, causing it to fracture
- The top layer of mortar has become too hard and brittle due to age or exposure to sun and rain
If you have an issue with masonry, you should call a masonry contractor.
Masonry is a broad category of building materials, including brick, stone, and mortar. Masonry contractors are experts in masonry and can help you with many issues involving these types of materials. For example:
- Brick walls are common in older homes; they may need repointing or rebuilding if they’re damaged.
- Brickwork often requires repair or replacement due to age and weather damage (e.g., cracks).
- Mortar joints between bricks can be loose or crumble over time due to freeze-thaw cycles or lack of maintenance.
Masons can replace these joints between bricks as needed with new mortar that matches the original color and texture exactly so it doesn’t stand out from restorations done previously by other contractors around your home’s exterior.
If you’re having issues with masonry in your home or business, you should call a masonry contractor. Masonry contractors can help you identify the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.