Over time, even a hardy material like stone or brick can begin to degrade, and understanding how to do masonry repair can keep your property safe and visually appealing. However, masonry repairs are in many ways more advanced than other DIY projects, so consider the following tips from a masonry service expert before you begin.
Understand Critical Problems and Do Not Ignore Them
While any type of unsightly issue can be repaired, it is important that you are able to differentiate between minor issues and critical failures in your stone or brick. A bulging wall or missing bricks are significantly more important to repair than flaking bricks, which are aesthetically unappealing but not really a cause for concern.
Know That Caulk Cannot Solve Everything
When water gets into and behind brick due to the wearing away of mortar or vulnerabilities in the home’s exterior structure, it may be tempting to simply fill any holes or cracks with caulk. While it is true that caulk can help to keep water out, understand that it is not a permanent solution to these longer-term problems with water intrusion.
Keep the Original Materials When Possible
When a stone feature such as a chimney or fireplace begins to degrade, it may be tempting to replace the entire thing. However, understand that the original materials are likely able to last for many years to come with careful attention, and compromising the structure of the entire feature by removing some or all of it can lead to a poorer fit when you install the new one. When possible, it is usually recommended to try to keep the original materials and repair them rather than going for an entire replacement.
If you want information about the services that R A D Masonry Restoration, LLC can offer you, and if you live in or around the Levittown, PA region, please feel free to call us at (267) 282-3594 anytime to book our masonry service.