Articles

by Michael Olding There are not to many types of masonry repairs that get more expensive than the repair of deteriorating brick paving.  It used to be that tradesmen knew how to build things that would last… for decades or maybe even a century or two. Today there are still a few of these old timers around that have the knowledge and the ability... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding It’s a sunny morning around and you’re up early.  You decide to grab your coffee and take a quick stroll around your homes exterior to look for signs of wear.  You find nothing and are pleased until you turn the last corner of your home and stop abruptly in disbelief! There before you in the beautiful brick masonry of your home... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding If you own a brick home and have a white powdery substance on some of your brick, block or stone then you have what is called in the trade, efflorescence. It is a problem?  Well it can be.  Is it serious?  Well it can be but not usually.  Can I fix the cause of this problem?  Yes you can but first let’s try to define what this... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding I’ll bet most people will never notice if they have mold in their masonry wall system of their home until it is too late. Why?  Well the effect is so gradual and occurs over such a long period of time, that most people will never notice the change occurring. However to the trained professional this problem is usually obvious and... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding I have developed a healthy respect for the amount of damage sun and water can do to building materials over a short period of time.  Even the great Pyramids constructed of solid, quarried stone have fallen prey to the constant barrage of wind, rain and ultra-violet light. So if you want to protect the masonry on your home or business... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding It has been said that if you got out into the rain without your hat on, your head will get wet!  Pretty simple idea isn’t it… but you know what?  As simple as it is, it is true. Like a hat for your head, a chimney crown is a hat for your chimney.  The purpose of the crown is to shed rain water from the top of the chimney and... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding Have you looked at your masonry chimney lately?  If so you have probably noticed some discoloration throughout the chimney brick or stone, particularly in the upper portion of the structure.  This is a sure sign of excessive water infiltration into the chimney shell and if not taken care of can lead to costly damage with premature... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding What is tuck pointing you ask? Good question.   If you have an older home or have had recent settlement in your homes foundation, you are probably a candidate for tuck pointing. Tuck pointing is the process of filling in missing, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints in masonry walls.  In this process the installer removes the damaged... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding Homeowners often update the appearance of their homes with a coat of fresh paint.  However if you are considering painting the ‘bricks’ on your home then there are a few things you should consider before you break out the spray guns and throw a party! [Read more of this review] var addthis_pub = 'MikeO'; var addthis_language... [Read more of this review]

by Michael Olding Repair Mortar… How to Mix It -  Are you ready to start your mortar and stucco repair projects around your home or business?  If so, let me show you how to minimize your problems when you begin to mix your repair mortar and how to ‘temper’ it (keep it workable) as you continue with your work.  [Read more of this review] var... [Read more of this review]