Commercial & Residential Concrete Repairs Contractors Little Elm TX

Cast stones are masonry materials that look exactly as natural stones but are not as tough. Although they are attached in the same manner as carved stone, they need special care and maintenance. Cast stone repair should be carried out immediately at the first signs of damage to ensure the long life of these architectural ornaments.

Cast stone repair should only be performed by experts for a number of reasons, although the most important one is the fact that such repairs require special masonry skills to be done correctly. The repair professional should also be knowledgeable in the latest cast stone manufacturing techniques in order to effectively repair them.

Common Uses of Cast Stones

Cast stones are found in many architectural applications such as concrete ornaments and trimmings. They are also used in balustrades, colonnades, walkways, benches, and water fountains. Needless to say, these masonry products are the elegant additions to homes, buildings, and structures. And they have been serving this purpose since the 12th century.

But even if you see cast stones just about everywhere, not all of them are fabricated in the same way. Since the 12th century to the present, cast stones have underwent a lot of changes and improvements. Additives were added to reduce moisture and increase the amount of detail. Minerals were also included in the composition to emulate a wider array of stones. It is for these reasons why cast stone repair and maintenance should be done only by professionals who have religiously followed the technological developments in cast stone fabrication.

Proper Cast Stone Repair

Each cast stone is entirely different from another. The types of minerals used, sand composition, and overall density vary greatly. It is very important that these details are determined before doing any type of cast stone repair work. Professionals who are fully dedicated to the production, installation, and repair of cast stones understand the meticulous requirements of handling cast stones.

Whatever type of cast stone you want repaired, talk only to the experts. Find professionals who have been working on these concrete materials for decades so you can be sure that they know how these masonry products have developed over time. Hire only certified masons for the job, more particularly highly seasoned masonry contractors with decorated experience in working on this special concrete material.

Where to Find Experts

Qualify masonry professionals near you and make sure that they are cast stone repair experts in their own right. It pays to consult only with licensed, bonded, and insured contractors for your own protection. When it comes to repairing cast stones, you should never compromise. While the experts can resolve the problem in a short span of time, an inexperienced contractor could only make the matter worse. Always remember that cast stones require proper handling, installation, repair and maintenance in a way that only certified masons can deliver. Look for cast stone repair experts near you and request a quote from each of them to know which of them offers the best service at the best possible rate.

When you see the exterior of your home every single day, it is hard to notice the little changes. This makes it challenging to keep the exterior of your home safe from damaged brick. Look out for the signs you might need brick wall repair If your brick is creeping up in age or if you have noticed any damage.

Do You Need to Brick Wall Repair?

If you have noticed a bowed wall, your brick is likely damaged and in need of repair. This damage can be caused by bricks that have absorbed moisture and therefore expanded, causing the bowing. The expansion actually breaks joints and places a lot of pressure on the center of the brick wall. If this damage is severe and one or more bricks have become dislodged, the repair will involve removing all bricks and rebuilding the wall.

A white substance on the surface of your bricks can also indicate damage. This substance is caused by efflorescence, which is the process wherein moisture draws salt out of the mortar and brick. This forms a slimy substance that, when evaporated, leaves the white powder behind. This powder indicates poor drainage or drying. While it is not damaging itself, it is a sign pointing to damage that is occurring on the inside. When efflorescence appears, our brick wall masons often suspect a clog in drainage somewhere within the wall. While this is usually the culprit, efflorescence can also result from damaged flashings and leaking pipes.

Diagonal cracking and sagging are also signs of damage. The cracking usually crops up along the corners of windows, while the sagging can be spotted in the middle of window headers. This can occur when the brick veneer system’s supporting shelf angles are deteriorating. These are steel pieces located on every floor and over windows. They are usually attached to concrete frames in order to provide the veneer support. They can also at times be around windows to support the window headers.

This damage is caused by either excessive moisture. Moisture causes shelf angles to corrode, dislodging them from their frame. When our brick wall masons repair this damage, they often use galvanized steel because it is more protected. They also sometimes incorporate soft joints for freer movement.

Likely the most obvious sign of deterioration would be missing mortar. Mortar is designed to be weaker than brick for a good reason, but this also means it will be the first to go. If the mortar is stronger than brick, moisture can be trapped behind the veneer. This promotes corrosion over time.

Speak to a contractor about tuckpointing when you notice your mortar missing or you sport the beginning of the deterioration process. Mortar joints will likely require brick wall repair every 15-20 years.

If you have noticed any of these signs on the exterior of your home, contact our office. You can then speak to a representative who can walk you through the process of scheduling brick wall repair with a trusted brick wall mason.