Luxury homeowners want to preserve the flawless condition of their home's stone or mortar elements for a long time. Even the hardest stone, though, is susceptible to damage or breaking. How do you determine whether it's appropriate to consult a professional in such a situation? If you don't have the correct equipment and an eye for it, it may be difficult to see the early symptoms of degradation in your…

Everyone wants to spend as much time outside as they can during great weather and that includes preparing meals. While the majority of households have a portable gas grill for a quick burger or steak, sometimes that’s just not enough to fully appreciate outdoor living or entertaining. A dream outdoor kitchen can turn an outdoor entertainment space into an extended living area. Your ideal masonry stove design will serve as…

Don’t wait until a project is underway to contact masonry contractors. Amsterdam Enterprises has decades of experience, and our portfolio includes countless successfully completed projects. Make sure to take advantage of our vast knowledge and expertise during the design and planning phase. You may be able to create a project that is safer, simpler, and possibly even cheaper to build. We have seen the results when constructability is not prioritized…

Beyond their aesthetic contribution to the building and their energy efficiency, and although they require virtually no maintenance, they are not immune to the passage of time and the weather. As a consequence of the prolonged exposure to rain, sunlight, and dirt, the color of the brickwork starts fading. There are some options of masonry work designed for restoring the color of faded brick exteriors. Below you can find some…

A chimney leak is a problem you need to address as soon as possible. It does not matter how the water comes in. Regardless of whether it enters through the masonry itself, the flashing, the roof, or right down the uncapped flue, water will persistently destroy your chimney. Water affects also the materials that are the building blocks of masonry. Therefore, whenever there is a water leak in your chimney,…

Tuckpointing is a masonry repair technique that focuses on restoring those joints that show gaps as a result from weather decay and overall deterioration of the mortar. Usually, the mortar that keeps the masonry together will require maintenance fairly sooner than a brick repair would be necessary. However, neglecting issues with the mortar can give rise to problems with the brick or stone, so you might want to call your…

You can see many beautiful brick architecture that has been around for decades and can be appreciated all along the gorgeous residential and commercial areas throughout St. Louis. Tuck pointing along with masonry work brings an appealing charm to any property and offers protection against crumbling. You may wonder how often tuckpointing companies need to get involved? What are the signs I should look out for when considering hiring a…

Masonry contractors are specialized in the field of the art and craft of building and fabricating brick, stone, clay or concrete blocks. Known for its durability during inclement weather, most property owners may be aware of this hundred year-old building method on facades, yet not many know the intricacies behind the process of it being built for their fireplaces or chimneys. Masonry Basics Components of Masonry Acquiring basic knowledge of…

Have you been informed that buildings made of brick and masonry will see their mortar joints wear down as time passes? Usually these materials can last 20 to 30 years before needing a repair job, as they are known to be very reasonable on the maintenance side. Still, winter weather conditions especially in Illinois among other factors can cause this life span to decrease dramatically. Why tuckpoint? After your mortar…

Two materials are sealed together by having an impermeable barrier between them. Many sealants are available these days for quality masonry adhesion including polyurethane, butyl rubber and silicone. Even modern masonry sealants can fail and cause a need for costly repairs due to cracking, water and brick damage. Most masonry sealants will last approximately 20 years, though both new and old buildings are vulnerable to sealing issues. Masonry sealant failure…