Blog Post

Masonry Repair vs Restoration

  • By Select Construction Company
  • •
  • 12 Jan, 2021
  • •

Tips from Buffalo, NY's Expert Masonry Contractors

mason laying bricks
Many buildings, both residential and commercial, are constructed using masonry, which is the process of holding stones or bricks together with cement mortar. This may not account for the entire structure, particularly as modern buildings often incorporate multiple materials, but it is quite popular to include at least some masonry due to the classy look it gives to facades. It also offers incredible durability, though, like all things, masonry will eventually start to show its age.

If the masonry of your home or business in the greater Buffalo, NY area is beginning to break down, Select Construction Company is a local masonry contractor you can trust to provide outstanding masonry repair and restoration services. If you are not familiar with the intricacies of brick and mortar, however, you may be unsure of whether the job demands a simple repair or a comprehensive restoration.

If you are not a professional in the masonry craft, the difference between requiring a masonry repair or a masonry restoration may be confusing. While both services are considered to be required to fix an existing masonry service, one is far more extensive than the other. Many of the required materials and tools are the same, however, in masonry restoration slightly more work and time is necessary to be completed correctly. Read on to learn about the differences between these processes, then give us a call to discuss your project and request an estimate!

Masonry Repair

Masonry repair will patch up any cracks or other gaps in mortar and replace individual bricks or other materials that appear too far gone and could compromise your structure's ability to remain standing. When such replacements take place, every effort will be made to match the new materials to their existing surroundings for a seamless update. You may need masonry repair after accidental damage occurs, or simply due to natural wear and tear over time. Symptoms to look out for include discoloration, crumbling mortar, and chips or cracks in bricks and stone. 

Masonry Restoration

As opposed to repair, masonry restoration will encompass the entirety of a building's masonry rather than specific trouble spots. This means it is typically a more involved project, focused on revamping both the appearance and structural integrity of a building. Restoration is required when simple repairs are no longer enough to extend the life of your brick and mortar. This process is commonly used to preserve older, historical buildings, though it can work just as well for more modern structures as well.

Benefits of Hiring Masonry Contractors

By proadAccountId-309212 • July 25, 2024
Learn more about the benefits of hiring masonry contractors with Select Construction Company! Our team serves Buffalo, Amherst, & Tonawanda, NY.

Masonry Repair vs Restoration

By Select Construction Company • January 12, 2021
You're in the market for a masonry contractor, but you're not sure of the scope of the work you need done. Click here to learn about the differences between masonry repair and restoration to better estimate the time and money your project will require.

Best Time of Year to Do Masonry Work in Buffalo, NY

By proadAccountId-309212 • January 25, 2018

If you’re a local Western New Yorker, then you know how quickly Buffalo’s weather can change.All throughout Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Clarence, East Aurora, Lancaster, and Orchard Park, NY; the weather can be extreme.Because of the weather, there are certain times of the year that are simply a no go when it comes to any kind of home improvement services. Based on which type of masonry work you’re looking to have done, the best time of year will vary. However, if you notice significant damage to your concrete or chimney, it is not recommended that you try and wait it out as things can quickly escalate.

Best Time for Chimney Repairs

The optimal time for chimney repair is either during the Spring, once all the snow has melted, or in the Fall before we’ve had any snowfall. During these seasons, the weather tends to be more moderate and predictable. You should never repair your chimney in the winter unless you absolutely have to. By performing chimney repairs before the cold seasons, you can ensure that the repair job is done safely and effectively. This will also give you time to make sure your chimney is clean and safe to use before the winter. If you notice your chimney is damaged in the fall, be sure to schedule an appointment for chimney repairs as soon as possible. Once Winter comes, it could be challenging for masonry contractors to get on your roof, and the damage on your chimney will worsen with the snow.

Best Time for Repointing & Tuckpointing

Because tuckpointing involves removal of old mortar and then filling it in with new, color matched mortar, timing is everything. While most masonry projects do best in warm weather, repointing and tuckpointing are best done when it’s colder outside. The ideal temperatures to perform a tuckpointing job are between 8 and 30 degrees, with no precipitation. This is because after the mortar has been removed and refilled, the job is only completed once the mortar has been cured. Since each job is different and highly dependent upon weather conditions, curation time can vary.

When to Contact a Masonry Contractor?

At the first sign damage to your masonry, you should contact a masonry contractor. Even if you are in a non-ideal season, a masonry contractor can add you to their schedule. This way your project can have priority, and you won’t have to worry about a masonry contractor’s schedule being full. Plus, depending on the severity of your situation, masonry restoration must be done sooner rather than later.

Give the masonry contractors at Select Construction Company a call today to get a head start on your next masonry project in Buffalo! The longer you wait for masonry restoration, the worse the problem will be. At Select Construction Company, we can take care of brick porch repair, brick building repair, chimney repair, and other masonry restoration projects. If you are in the Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Clarence, East Aurora, Lancaster, or Orchard Park, NY area, we can help. Our masonry contractors can restore your brick, and you can have beautiful, stable brick again.

Protecting Your Chimney From Buffalo’s Winter Damage

By proadAccountId-309212 • December 27, 2017

It’s no secret that winters in Buffalo can be unpredictable. One thing that is for sure, is that every winter we are bound to be hit with Lake Effect Snow from Lake Erie. Be prepared this winter by preparing your chimney for the winter season. Extreme cold and snow can damage your home’s chimney in a number of ways. Water damage, blockage in the flue from animals, and creosote buildup are some of the most common things that can damage your home if your chimney is not properly cared for.

One of the first things you can start with to prepare your chimney for the winter is to invest in an annual chimney inspection and cleaning. The inspection and cleaning process will help identify any serious issues or concerns that may be present prior to snowfall. After your chimney has been cleared and there are no problems, it’s recommended that you have a chimney cap installed. Chimney caps help keep out the elements of the weather in addition to any animals that might be looking for a home for the winter months.

Masonry repair work also helps to protect your chimney against WNY's cold season.  This is because temperature drops result in freeze-thaw cycles that often wreak havoc on the structural integrity of chimneys. The constant expansion and contraction of moisture within the masonry can lead to cracks, spalling, and deterioration. With the aid of a skilled masonry contractor, however, you can prevent these imperfections from growing into major problems. Go-to masonry repair options for chimneys include repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged bricks, and applying protective sealants. These services provide a layer of defense against water infiltration to avoid future issues. Do not compromise on safety when our professional masons are just a phone call away.

If you have concerns about how your chimney is holding up, turn to the masonry contractors at Select Construction Company to thoroughly inspect and clean it. No matter the severity of the damage, we have the proper knowledge and tools to handle all types of chimney repairs. Our team is proud to provide quality masonry repair services to homeowners across Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, Lancaster, Orchard Park, East Aurora, NY and the surrounding communities. Contact us to schedule your next chimney repair services!

5 Warning Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair

By proadAccountId-309212 • November 30, 2017
Homes and businesses with fireplaces offer a sense of charm. They bring back cozy memories and become a gathering spot for the family during the winter months. Despite the popularity of modern, electric fireplaces, many homeowners still make use of their original chimneys. If you regularly use your chimney, it is important to get it inspected regularly. Routine inspections will help you prevent costly repairs and can help spot problems before they turn into bigger, costly problems.
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