Masonry and Brickwork: Tips and Articles

Tips by Real-Estate-Agents.com

Articles and tips about masonry and brickwork, of interest to homeowners.

Traditional Stucco

The following information can clarify and help answer some questions about stucco.

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Choosing Masonry or Brick Siding

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.

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Tuck Pointing

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.

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The Correct Mix for Mortar

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.

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Repairing Masonry

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.

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Removing or Covering 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?

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Mortar Repair

Q: I have a question concerning the interior of my 1950's cinder block home. I am peeling wallpaper and finding some settling cracks. Some of the cracks are in the mortar which is covering the cinder blocks while some of them are a little more pronounced. Is there a general repair that I could find at my local store?

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Masonry Walls or Fences

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.

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Masonry Materials

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.

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Installing Masonry Flatwork

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.

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How Many Bricks to Use?

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.

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Choosing Types of Masonry and Brick

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

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