Keane Landscaping’s hardscapes department has worked with all phases of Masonry. If your planned project is of block, brick, stone, or concrete pavers, with over 40 years of experience, Tidwell Masonry is your first choice as a Masonry Contractor in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
The strongest structure weakens with time. When cracks, chips, and discoloration start, it’s time to patch and plug gaps in your structure. you need an expert professional to examine and determine what kind of repair it may need.
Below are some of the most common masonry repair techniques and services we specialize in:
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is a masonry repair technique where we refill mortar joints in brick. Masons use a tool called a tuck pointer to pack or tuck mortar into the damaged joint. That is the origin of the moniker’ tuckpointing’.
Mortar joints play a vital role in the robustness of a stone wall. They are waterproof, hold the weight of the entire wall by gluing the bricks together. But this comes at a cost. Mortar wears faster than the surrounding stone.
When your mortar deteriorates, get professional masonry services in Dallas. Tuckpointing is an art that needs expertise because new mortar looks very different from the original weathered mortar in your wall. It is our job to blend the colors of the new repair with the authentic backdrop.
Repointing
Repointing brick repairs involve repacking the mortar put between two stones that form your home’s exterior face. It is the proper measure to prevent water from seeping in. It also enhances the appearance of the outer side.
While tuckpointing focuses on specific parts, repointing focuses on the whole problem. Masonry repair costs for repointing do not necessarily put a dent in your wallet. Keep in mind that mortar takes up about 15% of your structure. This means that any repairs are not in vain. Repointing the brickworks is cheaper than repairing the bricks themselves in the long run.
Also, repointing costs less for brick walls that are 10 feet or lower. Additional costs mostly come in for walls higher than 10 feet. These walls need scaffolds hence the extra cost. Scaffolds need expert masons, plus the masons have to transport them.
Parapet Repair
Parapets are the barriers at the edge of your balcony, roof, terrace, walkways, etc. It is a no-brainer that parapets prevent falls over the edge of your patio or roof. But they also serve other functions in your home.
First, they lessen the risk of wind damage in areas that are prone to hurricanes and storms. Second, you cannot deny that if done well, parapets can be a thing of beauty. Any cracks or disintegration may be a ticking bomb. Parapet repairs, therefore, should be done as soon as you find any problems.
Flashing Repairs
Roof flashings are not particularly eye-catching, but they serve a crucial role. They guide heavy water flows down the roof into the gutter. They are usually placed on roof edges and junctions in the roof where water can seep into the building like in chimneys, dormers, skylight perimeters, and vent pipes.
You can use several materials for roof flashings. They include copper, rubber, galvanized rubber, or hard-wearing roofing felt.
When your roof starts leaking, your flashing may be compromised. Flashings wear or get loose with time. If so, find reliable flashing repair services in Dallas to assess the problem. The expert may recommend a complete overhaul or small repairs if the damage is slight. Flash repairs also boost to your landscape maintenance.
Chimney Repairs
Chimney construction looks easy, but some skill goes into its construction. In essence, the fire’s hot air should rise to allow a draft to come into the chimney to further fuel the fire.
The outside of the chimney is made of brick while the interior column (flue) is made of clay tile.
Chimney repairs, especially in the interior parts, are tricky. It is best to leave them for expert masons. If you notice anything getting inside your flue, it is time to get repairs done. Stuff like snow, animals, rain, etc. shouldn’t get into the flue. Professionals have the expertise to repair your exterior walls, cracked crowns, or damaged interiors. DIY repairs may end up creating a backdraft (smoke coming back).
Edge Spalling Repairs
Also called flaking or peeling, spalling is the damage when flakes start falling off the larger body. Spalling has several causes. They include incorrect placement of concrete, rust of the inbuilt reinforcing steel because of water exposure, or chemical reactions between the inbuilt metals. Spalling occurs when the embedded steel starts rusting. The iron oxide (rust) expands steel (up to 6 times), forcing the concrete outwards. This, in turn, causes cracking, flaking, or flaking off.
You may find spalling repairs tedious, but they are quite vital. It is a danger if the flakes fall on someone. It can also undermine the overall strength of the building.
Apart from the visible parts, a mason will also check for hidden areas using mechanical and electronic sounding methods. After an assessment, the mason gives you the most effective way to repair the delaminated areas.
Column Repairs
Columns in the walls are the backbone of your home. Your home may be a death trap if these parts are left to weaken, rust, or crack without repairs. Therefore, it is prudent to have expert masons in Dallas repair or install another column.
Masonry Repair Contracting Vs. Masonry Restoration
Masonry restoration is just repairing but on a grander scale. While masonry repairs only focus on the damaged parts, restorations concentrate on the entire building.
Proper repairs usually extend the life of any vertical structure. However, a time comes when some parts reach their breaking point. That’s where expert masonry repair contractors step in to enhance the building’s aesthetics while making sure it continues standing.
Restoration involves removing worn materials and using newer masonry resources to maintain the same look.
