Straight answers to common questions
These are the questions we hear on almost every estimate visit in Fairfax. Short answers, no sales talk. If your question is not here, call (301) 679-9193 and ask — we would rather answer it now than have you guess.
Repairs
Can my brick be repaired, or does the wall need to come down?
Most brick walls can be repaired. If the brick is sound and the mortar is worn, repointing saves the wall. If bricks are spalling (flaking apart) or the wall is bulging badly, sections may need rebuilding. We test the wall in person and tell you which one you have.
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
Repointing means raking out old, worn mortar and packing in new mortar. Tuckpointing is a decorative technique that uses two mortar colors to make joints look razor-thin and perfect. Most homeowners asking for "tuckpointing" actually need repointing — we do both, and we will tell you which one your wall needs.
Why is my mortar crumbling but my neighbor's looks fine?
Age, exposure, and the original mortar mix. South and west walls take more sun and rain. Older lime mortar wears faster than modern mixes — but it also needs the right replacement mortar, not just the hardest bag at the store.
Chimneys
How do I know if my chimney needs repair?
Look for cracked or missing mortar, loose bricks, a leaning stack, white stains on the brick, or water stains on the ceiling near the fireplace. Any of those means the chimney needs attention — water getting in is the start of most chimney failures.
Can you rebuild just the top of my chimney?
Often, yes. The top of the chimney takes the worst weather, so it fails first. If the lower courses are sound, we rebuild from the roofline up and save you the cost of a full rebuild.
New work
How long does a patio or walkway take to build?
Most patios take three to seven days of on-site work depending on size and material. Walkways are often two to four days. Weather and permit timing can shift the schedule — your estimate includes a realistic timeline.
What is the difference between stone veneer and real stone?
Real stone is structural — each stone is inches thick and carries weight. Stone veneer is a thin facing applied over a wall. Veneer gives you the stone look at a lower cost and weight, which makes it the right choice for most home exteriors and interior accent walls.
Working with us
Do you really give free estimates?
Yes. We visit, measure, and hand you a written estimate at no charge. No obligation, no follow-up pressure calls.
Will you clean up when the job is done?
Yes. We protect your landscaping during the work, contain dust and debris, and haul everything away when we finish. Masonry is messy work — keeping your property clean is part of the job.
Call (301) 679-9193 or send the form for a free on-site estimate.