How much does brick repair cost?
On average, brick repairs will cost you around $500, with a range of between $350 and $600. However, be aware that a number of factors will have a large influence on this cost. First is the severity of the problem. Some brick repairs are as simple as applying new mortar — others require removing the brick entirely and fixing the substrate. If budget is a concern, contact several brick masons for cost estimates to find the best price in your area.
How do I choose which type of flooring to install in my home?
If you’re ready to install new floors in your home -- or replace old flooring -- you’re probably wondering where to start. After all, there are many options to choose from: hardwood, vinyl, tile, laminate, linoleum and the list goes on. If you’re stuck on which type of flooring you should choose, start with learning the pros and cons of several popular options.
Engineered vs. Solid Wood Flooring:
Typically, engineered wood flooring is better than hardwood when it comes to humidity -- it’s less likely to expand. It’s also easier to install engineered wood, and it can be more moisture-resistant when compared to solid wood. Solid wood, on the other hand, can be more durable. Plus, you can refinish and sand it multiple times. If you have engineered wood, you’ll only be able to sand it maybe once or twice.
Hardwood vs. Laminate Wood Flooring:
Solid hardwood flooring is an authentic product — full-thickness, high-grade wood with all of its textures and imperfections. Wood floors add considerably more value to your home, with a 70% to 80% return on investment, according to Realtor.com. Unlike laminate floors, they can be repaired by sanding and refinishing.
Laminate wood flooring is much more affordable than hardwood, as it is made from composite wood, an image of hardwood’s texture and a clear protective layer. It's resistant to both sunlight and moisture. While it’s harder to repair, hardwood laminate better resists scratches.
Laminate vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring:
Laminate and vinyl floors are both synthetic products that imitate high-quality flooring materials like wood, stone and tile. Vinyl floors are made entirely from PVC plastic and may come as planks, tiles or sheets. They are inexpensive and waterproof. Vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens and entryways, while laminate flooring is a good choice for living rooms, bedrooms and other non-wet areas. Vinyl flooring is also a bit easier to clean and maintain.
Laminate consists of a fiberboard core, a printed image layer and a clear protective film on top. Laminate floors are susceptible to damage if there is excess moisture. However, laminate flooring is superior to vinyl flooring in terms of its aesthetic quality, so you’ll have an easier time making your floor look like real stone, wood or ceramic. Laminate flooring is also more environmentally friendly than vinyl.
If you need more help choosing flooring for your home, reach out to the top flooring companies near you.
What's the best flooring for basements, kitchens and bathrooms?
When installing flooring in your home, keep in mind that some materials are better suited for certain rooms while others are not. Use this guide to help you make the best decision for your home.
Best Flooring for Basements
Basement flooring should be highly resistant to moisture, as many basements are below grade. Choosing the best flooring for basement spaces depends on what they’ll be used for. For example:
- An epoxy basement floor is a durable finish for concrete.
- Vinyl basement flooring is generally waterproof or water-resistant.
- Laminate floors can be an affordable option, but they’re often not 100% waterproof.
- Ceramic tile floors are also water-resistant.
If your basement isn’t moist, carpet tiles are also an option — just make sure to use a moisture barrier.
Best Flooring for Kitchens
Kitchen flooring does more work than almost any floor in the house, so you’ll want to choose a durable floor. The following are among the best flooring types for kitchens:
- Porcelain tiles can be fashionable, moisture-resistant, and cost less than stone or wood to install.
- Vinyl flooring can withstand dents, is generally inexpensive and it’s easy to install.
- Linoleum flooring can be durable, easy to maintain and affordable.
- Wood flooring could be damaged by dropped pots and pans, furniture and pets. However, hardwood and engineered wood floors in kitchen spaces are still popular among homeowners.
Best Flooring for Bathrooms
Bathroom flooring must withstand high moisture levels while also being comfortable on bare feet. Here are some of the best flooring options for bathrooms:
- Porcelain tiles are generally comfortable, waterproof, stylish and less costly than stone or wood.
- Vinyl flooring is waterproof, cost-effective and can imitate wood convincingly.
- Natural stone can be expensive, but it’s typically hard and durable.
Reach out to a flooring installation and repair professional near you to see which type you should install in your home.
What does a brick mason do?
Brick masons, otherwise known as block masons or bricklayers, are professional builders of fireplaces, walls, houses and other structures using bricks or other rectangular blocks. Brick masons also work with terra cotta, concrete blocks and precast masonry panels. Part of their skill is working with mortar, which is used to bind the bricks together.
What are the signs my stones or bricks need repairs?
The following are common stone and brick issues that will likely require a professional’s skills and expertise to fix:
- Cracked bricks and mortar, including vertical corner cracks
- Brick erosion and degradation due to water damage
- Mortar deterioration
- Bowed or bulging bricks
- Spalled bricks, which are those that have chipped away or fallen off
- Efflorescence, or visible soluble stains on the surface
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to local brick or stone masons today.
How do I choose the best flooring company or contractor?
Start by reading reviews of flooring companies and contractors in your area. Customer reviews tend to offer useful feedback. But, be wary of reviews that lack details or specific feedback. Next, look at photos of past projects and observe the quality of craftsmanship, including the quality of wood, consistency of the finish, and gaps or cracks. Compare prices and get multiple quotes for the same job if possible. Finally, ask your contractor or the company if they have the proper licenses and certifications.
For more tips on how to choose the best flooring installation service, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring Guide.
What does a stone mason do?
A stone mason builds structures like buildings, walls and piers out of stone. They may use natural stone, pre-cut stone, slabs or other types of stone to get the job done. Other jobs stone masons take on include laying walkways, curbs, pizza ovens and other structures or landscaping works. It’s common to hire a stone mason to perform certain parts of home building, such as an interior or exterior stone wall.
Are cracked bricks a problem?
It depends. Sometimes, you might not require repair work — but you should still hire a professional to see if the cracks in your bricks are a serious threat to your home’s foundation and structural integrity.
Cracks (particularly larger cracks) can present a problem. If you have stair-step cracks or horizontal cracks, there may be an issue with your home’s foundation. Wider cracks can also allow water to infiltrate and cause damage from freezing and thawing. Insects can also enter wider cracks and cause more problems (and headaches).
Who do I hire for brick and stone repairs?
If you have brick and stone repairs that need to be done, search for masonry services near you. Masons are skilled tradespeople and specialize in building and repairing stone, brick, concrete, tile and other similar materials on structures. They work with these materials as well as the mortar that holds them together and are the pro of choice when repairs are needed.
Hire the right mason based on the repairs you need — some masons specialize in working with brick, concrete, natural stone or other materials.
What is the best flooring for dogs?
Waterproof or scratch-resistant flooring is typically the best flooring for dogs. This includes:
- Vinyl: Vinyl may not add much to the value of your home, but it is resistant to scratching, stains, dents and accidents. Plus, it’s an affordable option.
- Tile: Tile is generally water-resistant and scratch-proof, and more affordable than hardwood or stone.
- Laminate: Laminate is not truly waterproof, but it is tough and often more scratch-resistant than other wood floorings.
Remember that solid hardwood is susceptible to damage, including dents, scratching, licking and accidents. But if you want to install wood floors, the best hardwood floors for dogs are typically made out of maple, Brazilian walnut or bamboo.
For more tips on choosing the best flooring for dogs, talk to one of the best flooring installation professionals near you.