Brick Mason
As brickwork specialists, we guarantee that every brickwork project is meticulously crafted to be durable, safe, and aligned with the aesthetics you’re aiming for. We quality inspect the bricks, mortar, and building plans before every workday. So whether you need brickwork services for construction, repairs, or restorations, you’ll be sure to avoid delays and issues before and after we complete the job. Technicalities aside, we also prioritize your preferred aesthetics. You have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of brick options, including traditional red bricks, reclaimed, engineered and more. Or better yet, show us a sketch of the brick design you’re aiming for, and we’ll make it a reality! Our masonry contractors will be your design consultant, bricklayer, tuck point contractor …all in one. From fireplaces, chimneys, walls, and walkways – we’ve done it all, so you can trust our expertise. Brick by brick, layer by layer, we’ll build according to your preferred budget and style. Merging practicality with design, we’ll be sure to bring your vision to life!
chimney construction
Any of your heating sources, oil, gas, or wood, not only provide warmth but generate gases that must be properly vented to the outside to insure the health and safety of your family. The gases produced include, CO or Carbon Monoxide an extremely poisonous gas that has no smell and is colorless, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, unburnt hydrocarbons, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and of course soot. None of these bi-products should enter the household living space.
Problems with venting these gases safely to the outside occur with an inadequate design, an incorrect installation or poor maintenance. The most common problem is too narrow of a vent to provide an adequate draft of airflow.
Over time, and without annual inspections, the flow of air can be reduced by, squatter squirrels, unwanted raccoons, bird nests, dead animals, crumbling mortar and bricks, decayed liners and snow or ice. Poor design can produce a vented fireplace has low flow which leads to backdraft problems.
Each town has its own detailed building codes and specifications for construction of a new chimney. The vast majority of localities rely on the National Fire Protection Agency’s* 211 standard which defines 2 basic rules; the chimneys needs to be at least 3 feet taller than the highest roof line and 2 feet taller than any part of the house within 10 feet of the chimney. We recommend exceeding these standards since more height provides superior air flow and draft. In addition, the new stack needs to be at least 2 inches from any combustible material within the home and have a 1 inch clearance if built outside the house. Any long lasting project starts with a solid foundation. This is especially important with this project given the mass, weight and immense pressure generated by a 2 or 3 or 4 story column of bricks and mortar.
That is why it is so important to select an experienced professional for your next project.
*For more info, contact NFPA at 800-344-3555.
CHIMNEY CRACKS AND REPAIR
Over time temperature extremes can cause mortar to crack. Small cracks lead to big cracks! The relentess effects of heat, cold, rain and ice can slowly seep into small cracks and eventually erode the integrity of the chimney. This is especially true with poor construction. After a thorough inspection, all loose mortar is cleared and replaced. Any deteriorated bricks can also be repaired or replaced. We match the colors of the original material and mortar so upon completion it will look “Good As New!”
PAVER WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS
Pavers are made from concrete, stone, and bricks. Each option provides a different look, texture and functionality for paths, patios, driveways, and outdoor spaces.
Concrete pavers are very popular for their versatility and range of designs. Brick pavers provide a stately look and stone pavers enhance the simple beauty of limestone and travertine for a more formal setting.
Rubber pavers are a very popular choice for play areas due to their ability to cushion falls. With professional installation, thoughtful maintenance, all of these selections stand up to the elements, car and foot traffic.
Types of Pavers
Permeable pavers allow for water to pass through the spaces between the pavers to which greatly minimizes storm runoff and flooding.
Natural Stone pavers are usually made of limestone or travertine. Limestone has an elegant look with their smooth surface. Travertine is better suited for pool decking with its textured surface to prevent slips.
Brick Pavers are formed from kiln dried clay. They provide a time tested look that enhances the design of any surrounding.
Concrete Pavers are molded from cement and aggregate. Interlocking shapes provide engineered stability for high trafficked areas. Numerous shades and styles are available suit nearly any design idea.
Rubber pavers are built from recycled tires! Their ability to cushion falls makes them a favored choice for playgrounds and patios.
CHIMNEY LEAKS
The 4 Most Common Reasons for Leaks are:
No Chimney Cap -which allows rain, animals and debris to enter! Adding a cap is an inexpensive and effective solution.
Cracked Chimney Crown-allows rain to enter. The Chimney crown is the cement at the very top of the chimney. Cracks and leaks can be repaired with sealing material and fresh cement.
Chimney leaks from inside out-this is due to excessive condensation from the heated vented gases as they rise through an outdated and cold stack of bricks. Addition of a chimney liner solves this problem.
If there is a space between the roof and brickwork-this allows rainwater to enter your home. To seal this gap metal flashing is inserted under the shingles and up the side of the bricks. Usually the sealant used on the flashing has deteriorated and need to be inspected, resealed and possible replaced.
CHIMNEY CAP REPAIR
The cap is a stainless steel cover, and screen, that prevents rain, snow, birds, bats, squirrels, raccoons, branches and leaves from accessing the vent space. Repair can be as simple as reattaching the existing cap or properly installing a new one. Once it has been set in place properly only Santa Claus can get through!
Equally as important, a properly installed cap contains burning embers that can otherwise escape on the heated column of air venting through the roof and possibly starting a fire outside your home.
BRICK RESTORATION
Spalling refers to bricks that are degrading and are chipped, flaked, crumble or can be easily peeled. The reasons for this are a bit technical. For exterior installations, moisture is absorbed into mortar and brick from rain and snow; the repeated cycle of freezing and thawing causes the moisture contract and expand. To prevent spalling, the mortar needs to have a lower compression strength, versus the brick. This allows the softer mortar to absorb the expansion and contraction of the harder brick. When installed properly and over a period of decades, some of the mortar may need to be repaired. This process involves removing all loose mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar that is color matched and has the correct compression strength. This is a much less expensive option than restoring spalled bricks.
REPOINTING AND TUCKPOINTING
Overtime, portions of mortar joints can deteriorate, crack and crumble due to acid rain, a shifting foundation, building settlement, rain, sleet and snow that freezes and melts. When this happens restoration should be done as early as possible. Repointing is the process of cutting out failing mortar joints and filling in those joints with new mortar. When done by a professional this provides strong, weather resistant joints that duplicate the original seams and helps extend the life of the structure.
Tuckpointing is a method of pointing brickwork designed to make the bricks look more square and the layers of mortar look thinner. It is purely cosmetic, very labor intensive and does not add to the structural integrity of brickwork.
OUTDOOR FIREPLACE CONSTRUCTION
Outdoor fireplaces have become exceedingly popular in Connecticut. Many of our clients ask for inviting backyard spaces to spend time with family and friends. One of our most frequent requests is to create an outdoor fireplace that serves as a centerpiece for parties, celebrations and barbecues. We can construct any custom fireplace that you can imagine. We carefully select the appropriate material to accommodate your design ascetic. Many people use the fireplace year round. We can also incorporate a pizza oven into the design so you cook at home. Not sure you will ever be able to beat Sally’s Apizza or Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria in New Haven but it’s fun to try.
CRACKS IN THE FIREPLACE
There are many reason for cracks in a fireplace; some of the reasons are inconsequential but other splits can be very dangerous. Whenever you notice cracks you should contact a professional mason to determine the severity of the damage. Some of the cracks might be shallow and can quickly be sealed with additional mortar or sealant. Significant cracks however can be an indication of more serious problems such as a broken liner, uneven settling of the foundation or a broken chimney crown. Liner issues require immediate attention as it can allow CO2 to enter the living space.
LOOSE MOrTAR
In order to secure a long lasting, nearly permanent bond between bricks, stone or other construction materials, our craftsmen use specially formulated mortar. Simply put, mortar is a thick binding agent that has been used for thousands of years to build man made structures. It is has 3 components; cement, sand and lime. Soft sand, also known as builders sand, is used for bricklaying, foundations, walls and slabs. It is a smooth, small grained sand and has strong binding properties since the larger pebbles have been removed with a sieve before mixing; this ensures a uniform tensile strength. Sharp sand, which is less fine, is used in concrete applications. Whenever loose mortar is suspected the area should be inspected thoroughly. When detected, loose mortar is scraped out and replaced with fresh mortar that is matched in color and texture. When this is done early in the process, the process is easy and inexpensive. Waiting too long to repair loose mortar can result in exponentially higher repair costs, water damage and possibly catastrophic structural failure.
types of mortar
This list provides the four most common types of mortar, how to mix them and their intended uses. This is common knowledge for an experienced professional. Failure to select the correct mortar for the proper use can lead to expensive problems in the future.
M Type
M Type— Has the highest PSI (pounds per square inch) or compression strength at 2,500. This is the strongest of the group and is used for load bearing walls, retaining walls and foundations. The mix; 18.75% Portland, 6.25% lime and 75% parts sand. The small amount of lime provides its high strength, but reduces its ability to bond.
S Type
S Type — Has a compression strength of 1,800 PSI. This mix provides more flexibility in applications and reduces chances of brick spalling. The mix; 16.6% Portland, 8.33% lime and 75% sand. Most commonly used for laying bricks.
N Type
N Type — The best choice for tuckpointing chimneys and exterior walls since it only has a PSI of 750. This mixture allows for working with softer materials without sacrificing strength. A common mix for tuck pointing, and laying softer materials, Type N is the most flexible and resilient @ 750 PSI. The mix; 12.5% Portland, 12.5% lime and 75% sand.
O Type
O Type — The weakest mixture, at 350 PSI, and is available at masonry supply stores in pre-mix bags. Only should be used for indoor projects, non load bearing walls or cosmetic veneer projects. The mix: 8.33% Portland, 16.66% lime and 75% sand.
