Why brick paving is costly to repair

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 to build things that ‘will last’ but for the most part, complicated and knowledgeable installations are a thing of the past. Read more

Brick repair – 4 brick crack problems

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 is a huge crack! How did it get there?  What do you do?  You wonder.  Whom do you call? Read more

Efflorescence causes the (white powder)

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 substance is and then offer some solutions on how to prevent its’ occurrence. Read more

Black mold on your masonry

by Michael Olding

Brick sealers choosing wisely

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 and shield yourself from the expensive damage these natural forces can cause, read these tips.  They will help you to decide if sealing your masonry is a prudent choice. Read more

A hat for your chimney

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 to keep it from entering into the chimney shell; keeping it dry.  Let’s take a look at the different types of masonry crowns used widely today… ok? Read more

Chimney stains – solutions?

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 deterioration. Read more

Mortar Repair – The art of tuck pointing

by Michael Olding

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 mortar if necessary, then installs fresh pointing mortar into the open mortar joint by ‘tucking’ or pushing it into the damaged joint with a ‘tuck pointer’ or a ‘pointing tool’.  Read more

Hidden cost of painted brick

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

Mixing Repair Mortars

by Michael Olding

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