Applying masonry sealer and re-pointing 3 story and taller buildings can be a challenge in any urban environment. We need to contend with the weather co-operating with us on the day we need to start. Wind rain and temperature all can effect the results. Using a lift allows us to get up close to the […]

Masonry sealing has become a large part of maintenance in the world of property management today. Sealer comes in a variety of popular shades and can be applied to enhance a buildings facade as much as it can protect it from moisture intrusion. One example of creative sealer application is pictured here showing multiple shades […]

DAMP COURSE : A course or layer of impervious material which prevents capillary entrance of moisture from the ground or a lower course. Often called damp check or DPM damp proof membrane is at least .5mm thick, it is a ( HDPE ) plastic membrane applied between the concrete foundation and the first course of  […]

Coping In masonry the protective covering that would be applied on the top of a wall is called coping. In our Chicago winters we experience temps below 32º, when this happens to a masonry wall that had coping that has leaked the wall expands during the process of the water turning into ice. This can […]

“Bat” – A half-brick Masons use this term to simplify the work in progress I.E. I need 12 Bats. This would be told to the laborer on the ground. On the North Shore and much of the Chicago area you will see brick that is called Chicago Common, shown in the picture. It is a […]

Apron- A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill