Most homes have at least some features that are made of stone or brick, and even though these materials are known for being robust and long-lasting, any type of masonry can begin to break down over time. If you are faced with the potential need for masonry repair, you may be concerned that the cost will put the project out of your realm of possibility. However, the good news is that masonry repairs are often not as expensive as you may imagine, and having the work done by a professional can restore your stone features to their former glory for years to come. To plan for your future, it is important to learn more about average masonry costs before you commit to a project.
Averages Across The Board
The cost of a masonry repair will vary, sometimes significantly, based upon the specific task that you need to have completed. Patching some cracks in brick will naturally cost less than fully redoing an entire stone porch, for example. However, in general, you can expect somewhere between $10 and $30 per square foot of repairs, with the average cost of a full project ranging from $500 to $2500. Masons who are doing the repairs may charge anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour but remember—a skilled professional with years of experience may charge more, but they can also finish the project well and can be quicker than a less experienced individual.
Walls That Bow Out
Bowing walls are often caused by water damage and cause the bricks to appear to sag or bulge outward. To fix this problem, you may need to install wall anchors or carbon fiber straps (which are most commonly used for basement walls that are bowing). Wall anchors can range from $400 to $900, and it may also behoove you to have your gutters cleaned and wayward roots removed to reduce pressure on the wall. Together, these processes can add up to around $2000 to $5000 on average.
Broken Or Cracked Steps
If your steps are not functioning as they should, you may have options. Mudjacking is used when steps are sunken in and costs only $200 to $400. However, if you need steps to be entirely replaced or heavily patched from cracks, the average cost ranges from $300 to $750 per step. This means that most people will pay between $1500 and $4000, depending on the number of steps that they have.
Stone Porches
Porches can easily become cracked after years of people walking on them. The average repair, which constitutes repointing and small fixes, should not cost more than about $3000; however, if you need a full replacement, your starting costs are likely around $3500 and could range up to about $8000.
Foundation Repairs
Foundations can be difficult to repair because they are located underneath your house. However, when they begin to crack, they can stop dispersing weight correctly, which will lead to greater problems across your entire home later on. If you opt for epoxy injections into the cracks, those range from $200 to $800. Minor repairs can cost a few thousand, up to about $6000, but if you need an entirely new foundation, expect to pay between $20,000 and $30,000, since your entire building will need to be braced.
Repairs To Chimneys
Brick chimneys are aesthetically pleasing, and often they are simple to repair. Most cracks and exterior damage will cost as little as $150 and up to $1000, though a full rebuild can set you back as much as $3500.
Fixes To Mortar Joints
If your home relies on brick but you have noticed that the mortar in between them is cracked or worn down, you should begin to repair these areas quickly, before the weight of the house worsens the problem. Tuckpointing often costs anywhere from $3 to $25 per square foot depending on the damage, meaning that most projects end up between $500 and $2500. However, once repairs are done, they typically last for years.
Trust The Experts To Repair Your Masonry Thoroughly And Within Your Budget
Whether you are unsure of what sort of repairs you need for your home or you are ready to receive an estimate for the work that you have in mind, leave these projects to the experts. The professionals at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration would be happy to help you keep your home in good condition for as long as possible. Reach out to learn more about the wide variety of services that we offer or to schedule an appointment to get your most important projects out of the way.