Step repair on the Mason's home!

So for a while a large part of our projects were masonry repair and restoration. Some of the things that we have come across would amaze most masons and just have others just remotely wondering whats so bad about it. So we are currently working on a house who was a local mason and built most of the homes in the neighborhood. In one way it's kind of a good thing to work on the mason's house because you get to see what his craftsmanship was like. I mean, heck, you would think that his house, you know the one that he himself built (yes I actually verified that he was the one who built it not "his crew") for him and his family would be the best of his craftsmanship, it would be the no cutting corners, the primo, the showcase job! Right?

So when we inspected the rear steps we found some issues, the first was that the steps were leaning out, it didn't appear to be a footing / structural issue. Ok so he didn't tie the steps in to the porch, that happens, maybe the steps were the last to go in. Then I noticed a hole underneath the brick tread, like a hole that I could stick my hand in. Ok, so we have to demo and investigate further.

In order to fully inspect, what that really means when we are checking out the actual structure is demo. We were already replacing the treads, giving the steps a new face, it is vital to make sure the existing structure is sound and can actually support the weight. So this is what we found.

So I'm not sure if you can see what the issues are. One of the first things I teach about masonry construction is that there is always a bottom and a top to a concrete block. This is very important, because the thing that most people not in our trade don't realize is that masonry only has compressive strength from top to bottom. It's one thing to lay a block upside down, hey, you're throwing them in making the boss money, right, it happens. The one thing a block does not have is tensile strength, that means from side to side. So the weakest part of the block is it's sides. That means it cannot support weight and it is no longer a structural unit. So these steps were never structurally sound, and one of the things we at BR Masonry & Restoration LLC pride ourselves in is longevity of our masonry projects, to surpass the test of time. There is a reason Rome was not built in a day.

The next issue is that they didn't even use mortar in-between the blocks that they laid on their sides. The obvious issue with this is that there was never a bond, or tying the block work together. It leaves the strength of the structure to be largely susceptible to settling. 

So we rebuilt the steps. As we anticipated the footing was in good condition, we actually extended them out a step, yes demo'ed the 8" concrete driveway, dug down poured a new footing with rebar and started our re-build. One of the services we provide is rock facing (this is typically done on limestone treads).

Here are some pictures of the finished masonry portion of the project. We are still waiting for the hand rails to be installed. 

BR Masonry & Restoration LLC specializes in custom masonry, pointing, masonry restoration and professional chimney services. We started on a simple ideal - to provide quality, professionalism and superior craftsmanship in the masonry and chimney industry. Give us a call to set up an appointment so that we may surpass your expectations!

(609)214-9586

The Importance of hiring a qualified, experienced masonry restoration contractor.

It is important to remember that nothing compares to hiring a qualified, experienced masonry restoration contractor. You may say money in the mean time, yes, it's true it will not cost you as much right now to hire a handyman or use your maintenance crew who is not experienced in masonry to just wing it. Though, unfortunately that is exactly what they will do and it will cost you more to repair or fix the mistakes they have made. The other highly potential problem is that they are not qualified, nor, do they understand what putting a bandaid on a structural issue will do. Here are some examples:

Here is where the maintenance crew actually pointed the bricks that were falling out!

Here is an area that was prepped for work. The problem is that it is a structural column supporting the roof truss. It is wide open and only a few bricks in the back are holding up the column and trusses. 

Here is an example where the maintenance supervisor, with the best of intentions, tried to correct an issue of water entering the building. They just smeared cement over the brick and the asphalt. The worst part about this is that not only is it unprofessional, looks bad on the surface, the cement on the asphalt will crack, but the stain will stay; the junction between the asphalt and the brick will crack and water will continue to penetrate into the building.

"Penny Wise Pound Foolish"

We talk a lot about longevity, quality, pride in workmanship; these are all values that we hold dear. These misguided efforts, don't even fix the problems, some of the structural problems were just blatantly ignored to do the easier work at the time. Part of the problem is that though it was cheaper at the time in the long run it wastes time and money. It truly follows the age old saying penny wise pound foolish. Then again it also leaves the fact that there are structural issues left unchecked, and getting worse. The picture where there are courses of bricks left out of the structural column, the one maintenance worker told me that it has been like for a while. 

This is the importance of having a set maintenance schedule, looking at your properties, actually inspecting the brick, mortar joints, lintels, caulk joints (this is also a common problem- rarely is caulk installed properly), chimneys, structural columns, floor joists (if possible), we do not only look at the masonry but the entire building system. 

To learn more about us look us up at www.brmasonry.us or give us a call for a free estimate (609)214-9586.

The damages created by surface pointing

So, we often get calls for either repair work, that is fixing other peoples mistakes, or just guiding/ consulting people on what to do. We have extensive experience in repair and restoration work. A few of our clients we've have for many years, and some of them from time to time attempt to use their maintenance staff to repair or maintain their properties, even if it is beyond their ability. Here is a clip I took to show the importance of hiring a qualified masonry restoration company.

How we began and why we started.

BR Masonry started on a simple and common ideal - to provide quality work, exhibit and live by a strong work ethic and express common professional courtesies. I noticed that each of those qualities have been failing in the construction industry. I can't even tell you how many times after giving an estimate I was told that I had the job just because I showed up and I was on time! If that is that standard it desperately needs to be changed.

Quality is a standard that we refuse to handle with a minimum of concern. Over the years we have been contracted to fix, repair and even rip out work completed by other contractors as early as repairing a foundation before it was even finished. We believe whole heartedly that no job is worth doing if it is not done well. We stand behind our work and have not yet had a call back for anything other then superior craftsmanship. Too often I've heard the phrase its good enough, our standard exceeds the "good enough" mentality to providing the highest quality of work no matter how small or large the job is. Our goal is that you will not only love the work that we do, but you will love the experience that we provide. 

It appears that work ethics are a value long forgotten. Too often I hear the complaints from clients, other business owners and just people in general that good honest help is hard to find. At BR Masonry we promote production and efficiency. We are here for a reason and it's not to hang out or sit around. We work hard on making progress, having our jobs run as efficiently as possible and providing you with a finished product that you love, born in a time honored tradition of hard work and superior craftsmanship.

It seems in this modern world some have fallen behind on just the basics of professional courtesies. You can expect on time appointments, communication via phone, e-mail or text if we are running behind schedule or even just keeping you updated with the progress of the job. We stand firmly behind transparency and keeping an open line for discussing potential projects, status of current projects, as well as, any issues or concerns that may come up. 

In general we take pride in our work, we enjoy working with our customers so that they have a wonderful experience from the initial call to give an estimate all the way through the finished project. We look forward to hearing from you, so look us up at www.brmasonry.us or give us a call for a free estimate.