bricks: Articles tagged with “bricks”

Brick is made of fired clay and comes in hundreds of different colors. It can be one of the higher-priced exterior finishes; however, many home owners like it because it's water repellant, easy to maintain and less expensive in the long run. Brick masonry should last 100 years, with the first 25 years free of maintenance. The most common maintenance is repairing loose joints between bricks.

Q: I've just purchased a home with a large brick fireplace and would like to paint it white. Do I need a special type of paint?

Masonry homes and walls constructed of brick and stone can develop voids, cracks, crumbling mortar, or uneven areas of mortar from settling or foundation problems. Separations between brick and mortar can allow air and water to leak through gaps in the wall. Repairing cracked mortar is called tuck-pointing.

Q: I need to verify the correct mix for mortar. I am doing some stone work and need mortar to go between the stones, similar to brick. It has been suggested that I add some concrete to the mortar for strength. But I am unclear as to the correct amount of sand/mortar ratio.

Brick is one of the most common choices for basic masonry materials. It's made of fired clay and it comes in hundreds of different colors. Brick can be one of the higher-priced exterior finishes; however, many home owners like it because it's water repellent, easy to maintain and less expensive in the long run. Brick masonry should last 100 years, with the first 25 years free of maintenance. The most common maintenance is repairing loose joints between bricks.

Q: We recently purchased our new home with bricks that have been painted over on the front side of the house. I would either like to find someone or find out what would be the best way to remove the bricks or cover them? Any suggestions?

Masonry fences offer optimal privacy but are more expensive than other fencing options. Homeowners often choose masonry fences to achieve a more polished look for the exterior of their homes. Installing a masonry fence will probably take longer than simpler fences, and you should always hire service professionals to install them since they're more complex than other fences.

Installing brick, stone or concrete requires precision and a great deal of preparation. Most masonry projects need ground leveling or site preparation in addition to strict attention to ensuring the masonry is installed level and evenly. When planning a masonry project, it is best to hire a professional.

A patio at its most basic is an outdoor courtyard or paved open area such as a porch that's attached to the home, which can be made with concrete, brick or many other materials.

Q: I am interested in finding out if 10,000 bricks will be sufficient to cover the exterior of a home I am going to purchase. The house is 1,800 sq. ft. and the lot is 10,000. I need to know if this number of bricks will also be sufficient to cover a fence running around the front portion of the house. Please advise.

When it comes to masonry choices, the three most popular are slump stone, new brick and manufactured used brick.

Retaining walls provide support for soil that is on a vertical slope. Some retaining walls keep your home and landscape from sliding down a hillside or into a stream. Others are necessary to prevent drainage or erosion problems. Some are also used as a sound barrier, like next to a highway.

Retaining walls are used for a variety of reasons. They can serve practical purposes like marking a property line or creating privacy; or they can be used purely for aesthetics. Materials used for retaining walls include brick, stone, wood, concrete and adobe. Keep your wall consistent with the style of your house or garden, including complementing materials. The goal should be to integrate your wall into your landscape.

If you are retired, travel frequently, or simply don't enjoy doing yard work, a small, low maintenance patio is a good solution for you. Small doesn't have to mean dull and uninteresting. A well-designed patio, no matter how small, can be a fun escape from indoors.

A patio at its most basic is an outdoor courtyard or paved open area such as a porch that's attached to the home, which can be made with concrete, brick or many other materials. If you patio is showing signs of wear and tear -- crumbling cement or masonry work, water damage or separation from the home, a service professional can best repair the damage.

Q: I want to remove the Z-Brick from my kitchen. Is there an easy way to remove it?

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about installing a concrete foundation.

Q: The back wall of my fireplace has a rather large crack almost from the top to the bottom. When we had the chimney cleaned, we were told the problem could be taken care of by adding a firewall instead of replacing the back wall.

What can you tell me about firewalls? Is this a good solution?

This homeowner's guide to fireplaces and chimneys covers safety issues, inspection and cleaning, and the simple maintenance required to ensure years of safe enjoyment of your fireplace, wood stove, and chimney.

Flickering flames, glowing embers, and the essence of wood smoke: nothing is quite as cozy as a fire on a cold winter's day. A fireplace needs to safely contain that cozy fire, encourage the fuel to burn, exhaust smoke, and deliver warmth to the room.