A large number of homes in the United States are made of brick and stone, because this material is long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. However, it can also feel like a challenge to fix if you begin to notice cracks, missing mortar or bulging bricks. Some minor repairs can be conducted at home if you feel particularly inspired, but a masonry repair service can provide a cost-conscious method of fixing your brick and stone issues skillfully.
Why Repair Masonry as Soon as Possible
If you see a crack in a brick or mortar that has worn away a little, you may think that it’s really not a big deal. However, these issues indicate a larger problem, and such problems tend to grow quickly with brick homes.
Cracked stone indicates that weight is not being distributed correctly, and more bricks will become damaged increasingly quickly; suddenly, this small problem has spiraled out of control. It is best to tackle masonry repair as soon as possible after you notice the issue so that large, long-term damage can be prevented and you can keep your home safe and beautiful.
Ways to Prepare for a Visit by a Repair Service
You may be considering hiring a professional masonry repair service to help you with the problems that you see in your brick and stone. It is not always as simple as just waiting for them to arrive; you can be proactive during the process to ensure that the best results are achieved and the repair is long-lasting. As you prepare for a visit by a repair service, consider the following.
Fix the Underlying Issue
One of the most important things you can do to permanently stop the damage that is being done to your brick is to fix the underlying issue, if there is one that is not related to the masonry itself.
For example, if water leaking through your ceiling is compromising the inner wall and causing bricks to bulge, you would be best off hiring a roof repair service before the mason arrives so that once the bricks are fixed, the problem does not reoccur.
Sometimes, the issue is with the bricks themselves, and a mason would be able to guide you on what is causing the problem and how to stop it.
Ask the Right Questions
Working with a masonry repair service does not mean simply choosing the first company that you find. Many masons have specialties, and you may be concerned about whether the company operates with a contract, has insurance or hires subcontractors.
Spend some time asking these questions of the businesses that you are considering; a reputable company will be glad to take the time to answer and should even provide references to show you a history of successfully completed projects.
Know When to Say When
You may have a masonry service scheduled, but you keep looking at the damage and thinking, “I can do this myself.” It is critical that you know when to say when; masonry repair is not always simple, and a patchwork job now can lead to dangerous failure in the bricks and support of your building later. Acknowledge when a project is too complex or important to DIY and trust the experts.
Keep Yourself and Your Property Safe
Before the masonry repair professionals arrive, you can help by securing the area. If pets or children could approach the damaged brick, try to cordon it off until the experts get there.
It is also helpful to clean the area where the masonry repair service will be working (such as by cutting tall weeds and removing branches if the area is outside the home) so that the expert has a clear and uninterrupted view and a tidy workspace.
This can help to contribute to a more thorough job and is also simply a kind and generous thing to do. If you are conducting minor repairs or cleaning of the area before the experts arrive, do not neglect gloves and eye protection in case of flying mortar chips and exposure to chemical agents.
Work with the Expert For Your Masonry Repair Service
The integrity of the bricks or stone of a building are critical to its overall safety and aesthetic; when these are compromised, so is the structure itself. This is why working with a reliable masonry repair service to fix issues as soon as they arise is vital.
Waterproof Caulking and Restoration would be happy to help you evaluate where your brick is at risk and restore the area so that it is safe and beautiful once again. Reach out to schedule an appointment with a professional.