These are the questions homeowners, builders and businesses around
Racine ask us most. They cover tuckpointing, matching old brick and
mortar, foundations, the masonry season and the written quote. If yours
is not here, call or text and we will answer it.
A masonry contractor is a company that builds and repairs with brick, block and stone. Bricklayers, also called brick masons, are the tradespeople who lay the brick and block. At M.O.E Masonry, the work covers new brick veneer, block foundations and stone, plus tuckpointing and repairs. We work on homes and on commercial buildings.
Do you take small repairs, and do you do commercial work?
Yes to both. Small repairs are welcome: front steps, a few feet of open joints or a crumbling chimney. On the commercial side, we lay block walls and brick veneer for new buildings and repair older storefronts and churches. For commercial masonry, we work with general contractors, developers and business owners.
What is tuckpointing, and when does a wall need it?
Tuckpointing, also called repointing, means removing worn mortar to an even depth and filling the joints with new mortar. A wall needs it when the mortar is crumbling or falling out between the bricks. Hairline cracks in the joints are an early sign. Open joints let water into the wall, and fresh mortar closes them back up.
Can you match old brick and mortar?
Yes, we match new mortar to the old joints in color and texture, then tool it to the same shape. It also stays softer than the brick, because harder mortar can cause spalling, where the brick face flakes off. Old soft brick may call for a lime-based mortar. For replacement brick and additions, we look for a match in size, color and texture.
Do you build foundations?
Yes, we lay concrete block foundations for new houses, additions and garages. The digging and the poured footing are done by other trades, and the block goes up on the finished footing. We also repair block foundations on the masonry side, like tuckpointing joints and replacing damaged block. A crack that shows bowing or movement goes to a structural engineer first.
What area do you work in?
Based in Mount Pleasant, on the south side of Racine, we work about 40 miles around Racine. That covers Racine County, Kenosha County and the south side of Milwaukee County, up to Milwaukee itself. We also go to Muskego, New Berlin, East Troy and Lake Geneva when a job calls for it. All of our work is in Wisconsin.
When is the masonry season in Wisconsin?
Most masonry work here runs from spring through fall. Mortar cures fully only when it stays at 40 degrees or warmer. Below that, the industry's cold-weather rules call for heated mortar materials and new work covered against freezing. Winter jobs are scheduled around the weather.
How does pricing work?
Every job is priced on its own, after we look at it or at your photos. Size, height, access and how much old mortar or brick comes out all change the price. Matching old brick or mixing a lime-based mortar can change it too. Call or text (262) 744-4688, and the quote comes to you in writing.
Request a Quote
Get In Touch With M.O.E Masonry
Tell us about the job and where it is, and send photos if you have them. Call or text (262) 744-4688, or use the form, and we will get back to you.
