Forum Archive: Masonry

We want to remove the paint off our brick facade and re-point if necessary, but I want to make sure the mortar is the right kind. As you can see in the picture it looks like the mortar is a red/orange color. There are some houses in the neighb. with similar mortar, but I’ve never seen any newly re-pointed houses done like this. Anyone know if I can get the same color today.
Thanks

We’re looking for irregular shaped bluestone flagging, for a patio. Any suggestions where to buy it in the city? (I know of places outside NYC, but delivery is expensive.) Thanks!

I just need one step repaired on my brownstone stoop, is it possible to do it myself? If not, would anyone (someone who knows what they are doing) be interested in such a small job?

Looking for 75-100 used bricks. Anyone have any to spare? I can pick them up this afternoon (Sunday , Feb 27). Thanks!

There a couple spots in my basement where plumbers have created big gaps in the foundation when they put some pipes through to the outside, as illustrated in the photo. I’d like to plug these up if only for insulation purposes, but haven’t a clue what to do. Suggestions?

A two-part question for the group:

First, can anyone recommend a good mason? I need to repair a garden wall (brick) that’s been knocked off kilter (see below).

Second, does the group have advice on how to handle the following situation?

My ground-floor, garden apartment backs into a very old parking lot. The dividing wall is on my property and is brick, maybe 7-feet high. It appears that one of the parkers rammed the wall, cracking it vertically and horitzontally, and putting it off kilter. I only noticed the damage this past weekend as I was clearing out ivy. I should add that I bought the apartment in 2010 and that this wasn’t noticed (if it was there) then.

Is the parking lot owner liable? The parker? Even if I can’t say when it happened? Any practical suggestions on how to handle this? It’s not safe to leave unrepaired.

Thanks

Listing I just spotted for free bricks- figured I’d share since I know sometimes people are looking…

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/mat/2145112099.html

Hi

I exposed our chimney and I am missing some bricks. Anyone seen old bricks being tossed away? I’ll be happy to come by and pick them up. Thanks.

The recess in our kitchen chimney where a brickset wood/coal burning range once stood has suffered some careless alteration at some point, and I’m seeking a mason who can restore it. It’s a cosmetic job in a small area. I want it done exactly right, with exactly matching bricks and mortar. Recommendations? Thank you.