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 much does it cost to build a deck?
The cost of building a new deck or porch is $1,500. However, this price can vary depending on a few different factors. The square footage of the space, the type of materials to be used, the intricacy of the project and your specific region can cause the price to fluctuate. To find out how much your new deck will cost, get free estimates from the best deck contractors near you.
For more information, read “How much does it cost to build a deck or porch?”
What is the best sealer to use on concrete?
Because unsealed concrete is porous, it readily absorbs liquids, leading to unsightly stains and freeze-and-thaw cycle damage. For this reason, it’s important to seal concrete that will see spills or outdoor weather.
The best option for garage floors and other high-traffic areas is epoxy, which forms a hard and extremely durable surface on top of concrete. Epoxy, acrylic, and polishes are often used on indoor floors, while acrylic-resin sealers and reactive penetrating sealers are used on outdoor surfaces to repel water and salt. Locate a concrete contractor in your area to help find the best solution.
What do paving contractors do?
Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.
The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.
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 much does it cost to redo a concrete driveway?
Here are some examples of average costs:
- The national average cost to hire a concrete specialist is $2,750, but that price can vary greatly depending on the work needed to repair and resurface your concrete driveway, the square footage of the project, current costs of concrete, and regional labor rates.
- Driveway contractors average $2-$3 per square foot to smooth and resurface your asphalt driveway.
- Resurfacing concrete driveways averages $3-$10 per square foot. Pricing can depend on repairs needed, project size and geographic location.
- Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
- Sealant for a concrete drive can cost $20-$80 per gallon.
- Sealant for an asphalt drive averages 25 cents per square foot.
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.
Does a deck increase home value?
A back deck may (or may not) increase your home’s value or attract potential buyers if you’re looking to sell. According to the Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, a new wood deck with an estimated construction cost of $10,000 recovered $8,000 for the overall recovery of 80%. Still, 9% of realtors suggested that home sellers should add a new wood deck before putting their home on the market, and 4% said this project has helped closed deals.
The impact of adding a new deck will likely depend on its material (wood, composite, etc.) and where you live. For example, if you live in an area where people rarely spend time outside because of the weather, it’s reasonable to predict that prospective home buyers might not rate a deck highly on their list of must-haves when looking for a new home.
When in doubt, consult with your realtor or a real estate expert to figure out if adding a new deck to your home is the right move to increase your home’s value. If it is, contact the best deck contractors near you to get free estimates and start planning your project.
