Tag Archives: masonry Northern Virginia

The Problem with Ignoring your Chimney Issues

chimney on roof in front of wispy clouds

What’s the problem?

What is the problem with ignoring your chimney issues? It will be much cheaper and much less hassle to correct minor problems than one very large and disruptive issue. Chimney REPAIRS are significantly cheaper than fixing and replacing a chimney that has fallen onto or off a roof. Chimney repairs can cost in the hundreds to possibly the low thousands. A complete chimney replacement can cost around $10,000 sometimes. That $10,000 replacement does not include repairing the roof if your chimney falls onto it.

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There are many fairly common chimney issues like leaning and titling, pulling away from siding, cracks in the bricks or masonry, fireplace leakage, and chimney settlement. We can help with all of these issues, but it is very important that they are brought to our attention as soon as possible to avoid any major problems. We can also help to address and correct the underlying issue of why the chimney is having issues to begin with. The longer a homeowner waits to make repairs on a chimney, it is more likely that the cost of repairs will continue to increase.

Although it is summer now, winter will be here before we know it, bringing Santa Claus. Santa needs a nice problem-free chimney if he is going to deliver presents. Santa does not want to get hurt because of a neglected chimney, so make sure to get regular inspections and give us a call if an issue arises that needs repairing.

Do I Need A Masonry Expert?

To put it simply, yes. Because masonry consists of building structures from individual units (stone, brick, concrete block, etc.), the process of binding these materials can get complicated. Constructing walls, buildings, steps, and other structures is a one-of-a-kind art. In addition, bigger jobs require heavy equipment, specialized tools, and a specific set of skills that takes years of experience. A masonry expert understands what it takes.

Expertise

Committing to a masonry project-both big and small- can be overwhelming. There are a lot of moving parts to manage. Oftentimes, there are several layers to masonry work, and the masonry expert understands that every step is crucial. Hiring a masonry contractor ensures that every part of the job is managed accordingly. From the vehicles to the equipment, to scheduling and planning, your contractor takes charge which means less worry for the homeowner. Ultimately, you are paying for the expertise and experience of the contractor.

Efficient Work

Contacting a masonry expert means avoiding unnecessary damage. At times, there are smaller masonry repairs that may seem simple to repair on your own, but without the proper knowledge, these simple repairs end up leading to more severe problems. Then immediate repair is needed. By hiring a professional, you will be spared unnecessary expenses and unnecessary time. Also, a competent contractor will finish the job in a timely manner and give you the results you deserve.

Licenses & Insurance

One of the best advantages of reaching out to your Virginia Masonry Expert is compliance control. A legitimate contractor will assume liability and potential damages. In other words, they will hold proper licenses and be insured as a company. This means they are responsible for everything that happens. This gives the customer a worry-free experience as he or she will be handing over compliance obligations to the expert.

Contact Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry Today For All Of Your Foundation Needs In Virginia. We Service Most Of Virginia Proper.

5 Benefits of Brick Re-Pointing

Showcasing the benefits of brick re-pointing. Brick stairs that have been repointed and are now in good condition.

What are the benefits of brick re-pointing? Perhaps, you are not familiar with the term repointing. Simply put, it is the process of repairing the mortar or joints between bricks when they become cracked or crumbly. Although this might seem like a simple task, having a clear understanding of the type of brick and type of mortar to use is essential to prevent future damage. In fact, hiring a masonry company that is unknowledgeable in various brick damage and the numerous industry mortars could make or break masonry repair of any kind.

After hiring a knowledgeable and professional masonry company, the next step is understanding what services you need. This leads us to the top benefits of brick re-pointing.

#1 Restores Beauty

There is no doubt that brick re-pointing restores the beauty of the original structure. Oftentimes, repairing brick means increasing the aesthetic appeal of the property. This process will restore your brick siding or wall to look as new as the day it was first constructed. Clearly, visual appeal is important to most homeowners and business owners, alike.

#2 Structural Integrity

The structural integrity of a building is vital to its value and its longevity. Because of various weather patterns, the mortar between bricks becomes compromised. Ultimately, the seal that protects your property can fail. When this happens, water can begin to seep into the bricks, potentially leading to damp issues. This is when a professional repointer is necessary. Masonry experts can really make a difference in the life span of the bricks and the structure itself. Repointing helps the mortar keep your wall standing long after the repair is completed.

#3 Increases Property Value

Without a doubt, the property value of your home or business will increase after the re-pointing process. In fact, the value of a property is significantly impacted by the amount of maintenance that potential home buyers consider is needed. Many homeowners will opt to buy a property that has already been repaired opposed to having to hire it out after they have already moved into their new home or business. Ultimately, striving to maintain your property value so that you can make up your investment down the road when it comes time to sell your property is a smart choice.

#4 Prevents Regular Maintenance

Another one of the benefits of brick re-pointing is its ability to prevent maintenance. Many homeowners make the common mistake of repairing brickwork as they go-repairing small areas one at a time. However, this approach can diminish wall strength and lead to uneven points in the brickwork. Re-pointing the entire area of brick may take more time initially, but it will save a lot of restoration time in the future. In fact, minimizing regular maintenance is a huge advantage to this process.

Need More Benefits?

Simply put, the benefits of brick re-pointing are plentiful. Whether you want to increase the value of your home or business, avoid consistent maintenance, or add to the structural integrity of the brick, Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry wants to help. If you are unsure whether or not your brick work needs repair, feel free to contact us for a free estimate. You can also call our office at 804-674-0273.

Spalling Brick Due to Weather

Spalling Brick 101

Spalling brick due to weather is inevitable after years of being exposed to the elements. Considering the weather patterns in Virginia– freeze and thaw cycles, along with extreme heat during the summer months- these elements can cause several issues with the brick on the exterior of your home or business. Extreme heat can cause bricks to crumble and crack which can potentially lead to an undesirable situation. However, deterioration due to freezing conditions seems to be the biggest culprit. This liquid water at or near the wall surface will not evaporate but it will freeze. Consequently, freezing water will damage the brick since water expands during the freezing process.

Since spalling brick due to weather is very common, it is important to have it inspected by an expert in brick and masonry. At Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry, we have over 30 years of experience in brick and masonry. In fact, we began the business to deliver Virginians with a full range of services that range from re-pointing and chimney repair to paving and foundation repair. Our objective is to get your home back to safety and provide the aesthetic exterior appeal you prefer. Our professional team produces quality workmanship for all brick and masonry issues.

Prevention of Spalling Brick Due to Weather

Firstly, it is important to prevent spalling brick due to weather if possible. Luckily, there are some steps that can help deter and possibly remove its effects. For example, finding the source of moisture is essential. If the moisture problem is not solved then fixing spalling bricks is only a temporary fix. For instance, if a window or chimney is leaking water directly onto a brick, call a professional to stop the leak before it permeates the area indefinitely. Ultimately, protecting the area of brick from too much moisture is necessary to avoid crumbling brick.

Finally, after the moisture issue is resolved, it is necessary to capture every specific area of brickwork that was affected. Leaving behind any spalling bricks means there is potential for areas to get saturated with moisture once again. Unfortunately, this could lead to ongoing crumbling and cracking even after repairs occurred.

Repair

Once the brick is permanently damaged, it will require a masonry and bricklaying expert to replace these damages. After these dismantled bricks are taken out, the area must be thoroughly cleaned of any remaining moisture, dust, or dirt. New mortar is then placed around the hole and replacement bricks can be inserted. This is a tricky process and takes a particular level of skill to master correctly. To mirror existing mortar seams with a similar look and finish is more difficult than it may appear. In addition, more significant repairs are required when spalling is extensive. For instance, sometimes entire walls and chimneys need to be completely rebuilt to eradicate spalling.

Call Your Trusted Masonry Team

Only skilled masons should attempt to repair widespread late-stage spalling. We are a name you can trust in the area and we provide friendly, reliable, and timely service. Give us a call at 804-674-0273 for a free estimate!

Exterior Masonry Repair in your Northern Virginia Home

What Affects Exterior Masonry in Northern Virginia

Keeping your brick in good shape can be hard, but knowing what affects your masonry can help you keep your brick looking great. Not only will it look great, but it will do its job in keeping your home or business safe. Deteriorating brick can leave your home or business in harm’s way, so knowing the signs and causes of deteriorating brick is smart and getting masonry repair is even smarter. There are a few things that specifically can harm your masonry and make you need masonry repairs, including:

Climate
Environmental causes
Terrain and vegetation
Cracking
Efflorescence
Corrosion

These are all things that can harm your brick home or business. Climate can have a major effect on masonry, especially in areas where freeze-thaw cycles are common. Places such as upstate New York will have this problem.

There are many things that are environmental in nature that may harm your brick such as acid rain, vibrations from nearby roads, and salt water from nearby bodies of water. These may cause problems such as flaking, cracking, or erosion.

Terrain and vegetation are also problems that you may encounter. Poor soil drainage, poor surface drainage, tree roots, and ivy are all issues. Keeping water away from your home is important, and keeping an eye on surrounding trees and plants is smart. Ivy may penetrate brick and mortar, so watch for this issue.

Cracking is common in brick, but do not ignore it. Watch for stair-step cracks and other forms of cracking. This could mean that soil or your yard is not draining properly, which can cause foundation failure. Cracking is a good signal to watch out for, and to get inspected immediately.

Efflorescence is a white staining deposit left behind by salt in water. This can be a signal of excess water around the area, which should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional. If you notice this problem on your brick, it should be cleaned off of the surface.

Corrosion is caused by moisture that penetrates your masonry. Any metal within the walls will begin to corrode and rust. This will cause an expansion in the walls, leading to cracking and other problems. If you see signs of rusting, call a professional.

Problems with Masonry in Northern Virginia

Knowing that these problems can cause issues for your brick and masonry, you can begin looking for signs of these problems. There are multiple ways to tell if your brick and masonry are experiencing problems, such as:

Some of these issues point to problems such as foundation failure. Regardless, if you notice these problems, you should contact the professionals at Reliable Waterproofing & Masonry. We have the solutions for all your masonry repair problems. Whether you need masonry repair or brick re-pointing, we have the products, tools, and services you need. Our service area covers all of Northern Virginia. Contact us today to learn more about our foundation repair, waterproofing, masonry, brick re-pointing, or concrete restoration services. You can also contact us for a FREE estimate. Call us today!