Commercial & Residential Concrete Repairs Contractors Rowlett TX

While not every home or business location in the Texas area is built out of brick, many of them do have brick chimneys or fireplaces. And while these decorative, yet functional design elements might not require a large amount of yearly maintenance, they are not design elements that should be ignored. In fact, if chimney maintenance is overlooked, you will eventually find yourself dealing with sometimes rather extensive chimney repairs such as loose bricks, leaning or water seeping into the structure of your home.

Many times the chimney is overlooked when one is making a To Do list of annual jobs that need to be done. After all, we often relegate the chimney to being a passive aspect of a space, and yet it is expected to work properly without any care being given to ensure it will. However, the masonry chimney is a deceptively complex part of a location, with brick mortar, concrete, flue tile, steel, and even cast iron comprising it. Each of these elements can be adversely affected by direct contact with water or water penetration.

Common Chimney Repairs in Texas Due to Water Penetration

Because of water penetration, chimney repairs can be quite extensive and cause a variety of problems like:

• Damage chimney and fireplace elements – From rust doors on the fireplace unit to damaged glass and linings, this water caused chimney repair can take many forms.
• Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings – Will require additional work beyond chimney repairs.
• Water stained walls and ceiling –These are often indicative of more problematic concerns that can affect the whole structure of the home.
• Clogged clean out area – This can usually be corrected easily and then steps are taken to minimize risk of it occurring again.
• Decayed exterior mortar – Can be due to a flaw in the structural design. When there are cracks on the inside of the chimney, there is also the risk that smoke or even sparks will enter the living space of the home.
• Cracked or deteriorated flue lining system – Never a good thing, and one that typically requires the old piece to be removed and new ones added.
• Leaning or collapsed chimney structure – this is often the result of several problems and can cause many other concerns, such as the chimney totally pulling away from the home.
• Chimney settlement – This chimney repair is manifested through gaps at the fireplace box, hearth, or other components and if ignored, can become a fire hazard. It is recommended that one be cognizant of how much space is between the chimney and the wall of the home. Consider keeping a log of the amount of space – simply measure the distance at least once a year and write it down so you can tell if it has shifted any. If it has, then talk to a Texas mason such as Omega Masonry.

While this list can seem a bit daunting, don’t let the fear of chimney repairs keep you from deciding to have a chimney included in the building of a new home, or keep you from purchasing a home that has a chimney. Each of the problems can be corrected – though it is highly recommended that you don’t delay in having any chimney repairs made as soon as suspect them!

Chimney repairs are part of life, but they don’t have to be extreme problems. By paying attention to the mortar, bricks, and elements of your fireplace, you can minimize the need for chimney repairs. If you have any questions, give the Omega team a call today.

One of the first challenges you will encounter when building or renovating your home or property is finding a good contractor. It is not just about hiring an experienced contractor, but it is also about finding the right fit for you. This is especially true when it comes to stone masonry contractors because it is a specialization that not all contractors can do.

In fact, stonemasons are considered both artists and workers due to the level of skill required to get the job done. Some of the longest standing houses and buildings are made of stone, which is why stone masonry projects can be quite costly. For this reason, you will need to carefully choose your stone masonry contractor.

Tips on Selecting Stone Masonry Contractors

Before looking for a stone masonry contractor, you should do your research first and collect some information about your construction project. It is important to have an idea about what your project will entail so that you are prepared when you speak to the professionals. This includes researching the materials you want, the extent of the project, and the skills required to execute your vision. For the materials, you should look at different stone options in order to get an idea of the costs, pros, and cons even before meeting with the expert. In addition, you should also identify specific features you want to be installed, built or repaired in your property so that you can figure out how long and how difficult the project will be.

Once you have done all that, the next step is to look for reliable and professional stone masonry contractors. Here are some tips you can follow to find a reputable firm:

• Choose local stone masonry contractors with an established business. This is both for convenience and cost-effectiveness By hiring a contractor in your area, you can feel assured that any issues that will arise from the work performed can easily be addressed because the company is located in your hometown. Also, you can verify the local references or reviews by looking at their past projects in person.
• Check the contractor’s credentials. Regardless of the state in which the company operates, all contractors are required to have a business license and insurance coverage. Once you have their business license number, you can check with the government Consumers Affairs Office or the Better Business Bureau if the company has any bad files on record. This will also let you know if the company is a legitimate business. As for the insurance, this is to ensure that the contractor is covered in case something goes wrong during the project.
• Ask neighbors, family or friends for a referral. This is usually the most common way people find contractors because they trust the recommendations. These are some of the questions that would be helpful to know: “How satisfied were you with the service?” “Did the project start and end on time?” “Did the contractor stay in touch throughout the project?”
• Compare bids. For those on a budget, this is particularly helpful because when you solicit bids from several contractors, you can compare costs and choose the best one for you. However, keep in mind that you should make sure they are bidding for the same scope and quality of work for a realistic comparison. Also, be cautious for bids that are too low because it may be a scam.

With these tips, you will be able to find a good and reputable stone masonry contractor. The key is to do your research first and then talk to the experts.