Learn more about the masonry and brick work services Bone Dry Roofing provides and get your Frequently Asked Questions answered now!
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Masonry FAQ
As experts in masonry serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas, Bone Dry masonry is often called to homes that are experiencing problems with their brick or chimneys. No matter what kind of masonry work you need to have done, we can help. And, we can even help if you’ve got questions about masonry! As experts, we receive quite a few questions about it. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of a few of them here. And, if you have any additional questions about masonry, give us a call and we can tell you more about it.
How long has Bone Dry been doing Masonry?
Bone Dry Roofing was founded in 1989 and added masonry to our services in 2006. Since then, we’ve assisted thousands of homeowners with their masonry needs.
What kind of masonry repairs can Bone Dry Masonry perform?
Bone Dry masonry performs the following services:
- Tuck pointing and brick repointing
- Brick repair, brick replacement
- Stone repair, stone replacement, cast stone replacement
- Limestone repair, limestone patching, limestone replacement,
- Thin veneer installation
- Cultured stone
- Block repair, block replacement
- Caulking, water repellent, water proofing
- Brick staining
What does masonry restoration mean?
This is the process of restoring and preserving the original masonry structure. This typically involves custom mortar fabrication and coloring.
Does Bone Dry Masonry warranty their Work?
Most projects come with a minimum 1-year workmanship warranty, but we offer warranties up to 25 years on some projects. Ask our team for more details on warranties.
What is tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is the process of removing old mortar from joints and replacing it with mortar that closely matches the color of the bricks, and then embedding narrow lines of putty in a contrasting color (called “fillets”) down the centers of the new mortar joints.
How do I know if My Chimney Needs tuckpointing?
If you notice cracks, holes, or missing mortar on your brick work, you should have your masonry inspected, as you likely need tuckpointing.
What is brick repointing (compared to tuckpointing)?
Brick repointing is the process of removing old mortar from joints and replacing it with new mortar.
While the terms “tuckpointing” and “repointing” are often used synonymously, the final products are aesthetically different. Both involve removing and replacing deteriorating mortar with fresh mortar, but repointing does not involve the additional step of applying contrasting lines in the centers of the joints.
Can we match the brick/mortar to what was already on the chimney/house? If not, is it alright to stain brick?
When repairing damaged areas, we try our best to find a suitable match to the bricks that already exist on your home. There are certain bricks that are very common and are still in use today. Unfortunately, many bricks go out of style, and manufacturers stop making them. In these cases, we try our best to find the best match, keeping shape, size, color, and texture in mind.
We offer brick staining to replicate the near exact look of the original masonry on the home. We are certified through Masonry Cosmetics.
How long does masonry work (brick, stone, mortar, etc.) last?
It can last for a lifetime if installed properly and maintained! Bone Dry Masonry will offer comprehensive scopes of work to repair your masonry.
How can I convert my gas fireplace to wood burning?
Bone Dry Masonry can inspect your current fireplace and provide options to convert it back into a wood-burning fireplace or provide an option for a wood-burning unit!
How long do chimney rebuilds normally take?
It depends on the size of the chimney, but typically 1-3 days for an average-sized rebuild! Bone Dry Masonry will set up property protection around your home prior to starting work to ensure your home stays safe!
Can you seal or tuckpoint the chimney rather than rebuild it?
Bone Dry Masonry does not seal brick. Sealing brick traps moisture inside the masonry and causes it to fail prematurely. Rather, Bone Dry Masonry applies a high-strength water repellent to reduce the absorption rate of moisture through the masonry. In certain circumstances, tuck pointing and water repellent is an appropriate repair option, depending on the location, type of chimney, and condition of the masonry. Your solution specialist will walk through your options with you on-site!
Can I shorten a chimney? Or tear down the chimney?
Bone Dry Masonry does not typically recommend shortening a chimney. Shortening a chimney flue can have a negative impact on the draw of your fireplace. Bone Dry Masonry will also make sure the chimney height is up to local code. A chimney teardown is a fantastic option to get rid of a crumbling chimney. Your solution specialist will walk through your options with you on-site!
Can Bone Dry Masonry Look at My foundation?
Bone Dry Masonry does not fix leaking or collapsing home foundations. If you are looking for minor tuck pointing, or brick/block replacements around your foundation that have nothing to do with leaking or a failing foundation, Bone Dry Masonry can provide you with a quote!
If you have further questions, Bone Dry Masonry is more than happy to answer them during your free inspection. Contact us today by calling 317-489-6400 or complete our online form and a member of our team will be in touch with you to schedule an appointment.
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