What is BrickWork?

As a mason, I am surrounded by “brick work” on a daily basis.  Simply put, brickwork in the field of masonry is when a masonry contractor repairs (sometimes by tuck-pointing also known as re-pointing your bricks) or constructs a new project containing bricks (e.g. a fireplace or chimney).  Although a pretty general term for masons, most people in the masonry field use this term; those not in the field of masonry do not really know what brick work means.  Understanding why brickwork can be important, its first important to understand the basics.   

Bricks, although incredibly durable, are subject to deterioration over time.  The lifespan of a brick can be hundreds of years; your mortar around the bricks is a completely different story.  Water is a big culprit to the destruction of many structures.  The process of bricks and mortar breaking down can be accelerated by time and mostly by moisture; which St. Louis has had its fair share of lately.  The good news is that there is a way to stop the deterioration process.

Water can be the most destructive force to all elements of your home.  The best way to stop deterioration is to begin the repair process when you first see signs of wear and tear or even better is to take care of a problem before it starts; preventive maintenance of your brick structure may help save your building.  Taking care of your home chimney or other brick features through the practice of tuckpointing is one way to stop this damage.  Maintaining your home and all its components, including bricks, can assure you have an edge against water damage that can hurt your bricks structure and lead to potential future costly issues.  One sign you may need your building repaired is the crumbling of the mortar around your bricks.   Another sign may be water damage in your home.   Either way, it may be time to call someone to repair your brick structure before further damage occurs. 

Signs Your House May Need a New Roof

The St Louis area has seen its fair share of rain lately, which may be good for plants but not someone with potential roofing problems.  Tell-tale signs of a bad roof can occur during the rainy seasons.

 

The following are just a few common signs you may need roof repair or to completely replace your roof:

• Clear and obvious signs of water damage; “spots or streaking” that appear on your ceiling. 
• Visually check signs such as loose materials such as shingles or areas near your chimney.
• Signs of mold.  Mold loves water.  Roofs and gutters are meant to repel your water away from your structure.  A sign of mold may be mean its time to call a roofer.
• Shingle damage. This can be loose or cracked shingles (or loose or broken tiles).
• Gutter Damage – gutters should be cleaned on a regular basis (most yearly).  Water damage from faulty gutters can also cause your foundation harm among other things.

Whatever style roof you have (pitched roof or flat roof with asphalt or wood shingles, tiles, or a metal roof) it is a good idea to make sure the roof and the gutter system is in decent working order to spare your home of potential problems.   An annual gutter and roof inspection is a good idea even if these signs don’t seem to be an issue.  Not only does a new roof make for better curb appeal, it can help your building be functional as well.

 

While this may not be what someone with a bad roof wants to hear, fixing a leak before it gets worse may be your only option.  This may mean getting a new roof or fixing your existing one, which may be your only option and save you future repair or replacement work.  

Moes Masonry is more than just brickwork—we fix and build new roofs of all kinds:  flat roofs, pitched roofs and more; if you find yourself needing a new roof give us a call at 314-255-8940.

5 Ways to Improve the Curb Appeal of your Home

 

If you’re in real estate, you already know about curb appeal.  If not, you may not be aware.  Simply put, curb appeal is the ‘first impression’ visitors get of your house.  These first impressions can be very important when selling your home.  Having good curb appeal is also just a good idea for you and your house.

1)      Pick up clutter.  Nothing say’s “I don’t care” like trash laying outside your home.  Picking up trash is not only good for the environment, it can make your neighbors happy and can help your curb appeal.

2)      Painting your house.  Making your home more appealing by painting is another option.  Look at other homes in your neighborhood, you don’t want to stick out especially if you plan on selling your home.  Sometimes all you may need is to paint a specific section of your home such as your door to give that ‘pop’ of color.

3)      Tuck-pointing your home.  Tuck pointing your house can make it stand out and look new.  A freshly done brick tuck point job can transform your home and help with stability of your house.   

4)      Replace hardware.  Door knobs, mailboxes, house numbers and various other hardware can really help improve the look of your home.  Consider also replacing your mailbox with a brick mailbox; not only are these sturdier than most mailboxes, but this can really help the look of your residence.

5)      Consider a new roof.  When was the last time you had your roof replaced?  If your roof is leaking, chances are not recently.  People look at the whole picture, including your roof when considering whether or not it has good curb appeal.  A new roof is not only good for you, but probably a good investment in your property.