Concrete & Masonry

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Concrete & masonry are functional and aesthetic aspects of a house that often need attention. Are you dealing with cracked or crumbling concrete or masonry? You're not alone - plenty of Hometalk members have faced similar challenges with concrete & masonry, and they're here to share their experiences with you. Since there are so many talented concrete and masonry pros on Hometalk, you can browse photos of their work for inspiration for your own concrete or masonry project.

Recent

Painting: Removing wallpaper from concrete?

I would like to remove the current wallpaper from our hallway and paint it. I've ripped a few pieces off, and underneath is just concrete. ...»

Emily Handler on May 06, 2013

Probably not, but I can look for something similar; there must be some type of oil-based ...»
primer available. Thanks for the help!

Before & After Photos

Before and After photos of a commercial project which include thousands of square feet of brick pavers, and extensive planting. This is part of a larger complex that features and iron ...»

Joy Hendricksen on May 07, 2013

So many times I see trees languishing in tiny 3 foot holes surrounded with concrete sidewalk ...»
on city streets. It is so nice to see this improved version.

Home Maintenance & Repairs: Water leaks in at floor level when raining

During a hard rain water leaks into room at floor level. I've had the grout line cleaned and resealed. During a recent rain, I observed the area where the water is entering from and I ...»

Hamtil Construction LLC on May 01, 2013

Is this an exterior wall? You mentioned hearing water falling inside the wall, which I would ...»
suspect would not be possible if the wall is insulated. If it is an interior wall, most likely a roof flashing, chimney flashing, or roofing itself? I have seen the rubber flashing around a plumbing vent deteriorate many times over the years, but usually it leads to only a small leak.
SLS has the best advice. Hire a qualified professional to come out and track it down.

ideas for small pathway leading to front door

I have a walk way that is about 8' long with concrete in middle and two dirt patches on side looking for ideas I have daffodils and mums hosta planted need more ideas

Donna Dixson on Apr 30, 2013

And a general location.

new flagstone patio

Took out a pool which left an dead spot in the yard. This is what I did with the area.

Donna Dupler on May 04, 2013

Thanks Mary Beth, Grass seed probably would have done the trick but the area is so nice I find ...»
myself outside much more. I think it will be even more cozy when I get the trees and the new shrubs to grow. I'm hoping for a more secluded feeling.

Concrete vs. designed concrete vs. flagstone/pavers for my front walk?

I am looking for expert advice on what I should do to replace my front walkway. I love the look of flagstone and pavers but I am concerened of the cost involved(contracted) I dont want to do the boring basic concrete so was thinking designed concrete and I am concerned about it holding up in harsh Ohio winters? I need expert advice for this walway and steps. Dont look at the weed invested yard(being replaced) and the spotted house(being painted)

Miriam I on May 13, 2013

It's going to look stunning DeDe @ Designed Decor. Can't wait to see your pictures!

Retaining wall inexpensive

any ideas for an inexpensive retaining wall & stairs for steep creek bed?

Woodbridge Environmental ... on Apr 27, 2013

There are several factors one must consider when constructing a retaining wall. While low cost ...»
is everyone's concern, you have a few things to think about.
You are saying this is a steep creek bed. A few things that raise issues are. How high is the wall going to be? And because there is water near by there are pollution considerations to be had.
The higher the wall the more strength your going to need when constructing the wall. You simply cannot just build a wall. Dead man supports that tie the wall into the ground need to be installed. The angle of the wall also needs to be considered. Not all retaining walls are vertical. Some are pitched to counter act the pressures of the soil it is holding back. A bigger issue is however is the pollution factor. You simply cannot build a wall and disturb the soils next to a water source. Regardless if its a tiny creek, or a larger body of water. The EPA is very strict when it comes to doing work next to water. Even something as simple as installing a set of stairs. You need to consider what will happen if the water rises and the stairs pull away from the ground should the water rise. All sorts of things.
Also because water is involved. No matter if the creek is dry for most of the year or not, your limited on what you can use next to the bank. Treated wood in most cases is not allowed. Nor is items such as tires, although a great suggestion. Then there is the matter of permits. No matter how much better your going to make the area around the creek, the EPA looks at it in ways you could not even imagine.
Before you do anything you need to find out exactly what your allowed to do and what permits are required. And I can tell you without a doubt, if water is nearby regardless where you live there are permits required when working next to a water source, even if its dried up or never ever even floods.
I had a client who's driveway ran through a low part on his property. And during really wet weather the driveway had water on it to a point just enough to make the ground to wet to drive on. He put down a few yards of crushed stone to provide a base so he did not sink into the ground and used it for about a year with no issues. That ended up costing him over $50,000 from fines when they found out about it. These people do not mess around. They have in most cases nothing better to do then screw around with people who cannot afford to be fined.
So please check out exactly what it is that you want to do before you end up loosing all your money and perhaps your home by simply trying to make things better.

Painting: Painting Front Steps Made of Brick and Concrete

We have ugly front steps that are part brick and part concrete. I want to paint them one uniform color, so they don't look so disjointed. Can I use the same paint on both surfaces, or do I have to use different paint on brick than on concrete? Thank you!