Forum: Masonry
August 27, 2008
Looking for bluestone pavers?
I'm looking to unload approximately 155 sq ft of 1-1/2" thick bluestone pavers 1' x 2'. I'll part with them for $8 a sq ft or best offer.
Contact me at dminkin [a t] gmail.
August 20, 2008
rec for a truly expert, knowledgabe mason?
i'm not looking for someone who just good at repointing or laying brick--I want to find someone who is seriously expert.
after a lot of research, it seems clear that one of the reasons (probably the primary reason) for the spalling of our brick walls is that it was repointed by the previous owners using cement mortar rather than lime-based mortar. apparently, in pre-1900 buildings, the mortar was lime-based, which worked harmoniously with the type of bricks they were using: the walls "breathe" through the mortar, which is softer and more porous than the brick. when you lay concrete mortar over that, the bricks are forced to breathe through their faces, which is a major cause of spalling.
we had the moisture levels of the bricks and building as a whole check--there is not a moisture "problem" as most will suggest.
thus far, I've spoken to several people--contractors and the like--who have never heard of this. they insist you just coat the walls with more cement or impenetrable sealers, which is just contrary to what professional masonry literature says to do with buildings this age.. SO, I'm really trying to find someone with a truly expert knowledge. any great rec's?
August 7, 2008
Efflorescence, fast deteriorating brick, a great mason
I know there have been a few posts in the past about efflorescence and separately about crumbling brick, but I wanted to post in hopes of clearing up some conflicting advice.
The interior, exposed brick of our garage (c. 1850) is suddenly crumbling like mad. Numerous bricks just seem to be turning to dust, literally. At the same time, we've got crystals forming on others, and in some cases the same ones. In the interior of our house, which is a separate building, the exposed brick is not crumbling (yet!), but is VERY dusty. That is, if you touch it, your fingers get a load of tiny particles, though it's not actually crumbling off. The dust also drops to the floor quite regularly.
Advice?
Most of all, any strong recommendations for a really experienced mason?
And any others who have successfully dealt with this problem?
Thanks in advance.
July 24, 2008
Staining Concrete
Does anyone have advice on the best way to stain outdoor concrete. The concrete inside my gate is currently a light grayish color. I would like to darken it to achieve as close to a 'landmark' gray color as possible. I tested a patch of dark gray concrete 'stain' from home depot, but it seemed to appear like paint. I would like to avoid having someone demo and re-pour concrete if there is a simpler solution. Suggestions?
July 19, 2008
Replacing limestone lintel
Can anyone recommend someone to replace a cracked limestone lintel? I am open to replacing it with either limestone or cast concrete. It's about 4'x6"x6". Has anyone out there had something like this done before?
July 1, 2008
Need front stoop built
I need my front stoop built (rebuilt). I've got a frame house but want to do a brick/limestone or concrete stoop. Does anyone have any recommendations? I've talked to alot of contractors and masons. So far A. Malek was the most thorough and seemingly trustworthy but his price was markedly higher than the rest and the job he wants to do seems to be a little overkill for my house. I've got a list of others I've talked to but would appreciate any insight anyone might be able to give. Thanks.
oversized brick
Does anyone know where to get "oversized" brick ("sunrise " color) --it's about 100 years old?
June 15, 2008
Landmark brick pointing -- permit required
I need to repoint the edge of the brick sidewall of my brownstone where it meets the brownstone front of the building. A crack has opened along that seam. I'm in a landmark district. My contractor has submitted a proposal (for less than $1000.) and has not mentioned a permit. But according to my Landmarks Commission handbook, a permit is required for brick pointing. Should I apply for a permit or go ahead without one?
June 10, 2008
Walk On Through
Hey there Brownstoners, We are looking to turn a almost floor to ceiling window on the garden level into a door to the garden and are looking for an experienced mason (strangely there are surprisingly few entries and recs in the archive). Please give me your recs and any tips or experience you would like to share. Thanks mucho.
June 6, 2008
Would Anyone reccomend Paragon Contracting
Hi, we are about to hire paragon contracting for a pointing job. Anyone use them before? Would you reccommend them. We are dealing with Sultan Mumtaz.