Historical Building Restoration: What You Need To Know
People have been conducting historical building restoration projects for many decades in order to preserve pieces of rich history that would otherwise have been lost. Doing so takes an intense amount of time, skill, and research so that everything is up to code and regulations are taken care of, and also so that the restoration process is done as efficiently and accurately as possible.
It takes a professional team of experienced inspectors and restorationists to perform the correct actions required of historical restoration, but they’ll know the ins and outs of anything they come across, and it wouldn’t hurt if you did too.
Keeping it Classic
The highest priority when undergoing a historical building restoration is to preserve the original structure and keep its classic aesthetic while doing so. You aren’t updating an any old house or redesigning your living room. Buildings that are a part of history need to be restored to their former glory without compromising their true character, otherwise, you risk stripping them of those features that made them timeless.
While the structure could benefit from additional changes or reworks aside from the standard restoration, it wouldn’t just be restored, it would be changed from its original design, and that simply isn’t what protecting a historic monument is about—take the multitude of historic art restoration disasters as an example.
Abide by the Code
Just because a structure has its place in history doesn’t mean it can override building codes. While historical buildings must abide by their own specific rules and regulations, they do exist. If you don’t already have the proper background knowledge and education to handle these regulations, it is best to hire a professional company that is familiar with these matters, such as Brickworks Property Restoration.
By hiring a professional, you’ll be able to hand them the reins to make sure all the proper protocols and compliances are met to get the job done right. They’ll have the experience of having done historical restorations in your area before, meaning they can save you a lot of the hassle of familiarizing yourself with local standards.
Use Original Materials
Repairs should be prioritized over replacements when possible, but in the event that certain features are in need of replacing, it is important to ensure that all the materials being used are authentic to the time period. While it would be easier and more efficient to use many of our modern techniques and materials, doing so would go against the historical integrity of the building.
This also means that any materials used not only be from the appropriate time period, but that they also remain consistent with the original in design, material, texture, color, and size. The goal of historical building restoration is to preserve what was special about the structure, and using all of the original materials is crucial when doing so.
From Crumbling to Glowing
Performing a historical building restoration is much different from your typical restoration project. It takes much more time, research, and expertise in order to ensure that the task is done correctly, but by the time it’s finished, the building will go from a crumbling pile of bricks to a glowing monument to history.
Need to know more about a particular restoration project? Contact Brickworks Property Restoration today for more information and a free inspection.
What is a Mortar Joint & Why Do They Leak?
When it comes to aesthetics, many people are keen on the classic brick look. It’s timeless, it’s cozy, and, when done correctly, it makes for a solid structure that’s capable of keeping the inside of your household safe. But a brick house or porch is only as reliable as the mortar joints that hold it together.
But what is a mortar joint? Why are they important when it comes to brickwork? Are they susceptible to cracks and leaking? And can said leaking be preventable?
What is a Mortar Joint?
So, what is a mortar joint exactly? Essentially, a mortar joint is a bond between bricks that holds them together. Made out of cement, lime, and sand mixture, mortar joints come in a variety of shapes and sizes, durabilities, colors, soundproofing, and weatherproofing. When done correctly, mortar joints are capable of holding immense loads and lasting for long periods of time. They are best performed by experienced professionals that know which types to use and how to make them in order to avoid potential problems from arising.
Types of Mortar Joints
Knowing what a mortar joint is and does is one thing, but understanding the different types of mortar joints is another. There are several different kinds of mortar joints, each of which can be better utilized in specific circumstances than another and vary in integrity. For instance, there is the raked joint, iron joint, weather struck joint, flush joint, concave joint, vee joint, extruded joint, squeeze joint, beaded joint, grapevine joint, and more. Understanding which type of joint to use for your project is crucial for creating a structurally sound foundation.
Why Do Mortar Joints Leak?
Unfortunately, mortar joints can sometimes become susceptible to leaks. This can occur if the mortar isn’t constructed properly, but can generally be avoided by using a professional company like Brickworks. However, in most instances, these leaks are caused by deterioration over time. When the mortar begins to fail after prolonged weathering, small cracks can form or water can seep in through new spaces.
This can be prevented for a time by waterproofing the exterior foundation with a sealant or coating to fight off deterioration. However, eventually, the issue will need to be fixed, in which case you’ll need to contact an experienced professional.
Fixing Your Leaking Mortar Joints
Do you have leaking mortar joints? Not to worry. With the help of the experienced professionals at Brickworks Property Restoration, your home’s structural foundation will remain secure and intact for many years to come.
Want to learn more? Get a free estimate by contacting us via email or phone at (586) 330-4920 today!
3 Things You Need to Know About Masonry Repair
Brick chimneys, concrete basements, cement driveways, heavy-duty porches: all of these structures are possible with the help of professional and skilled masons. These types of masonry construction are done all over the world on homes, businesses, and more, and just as they are built, so too do they need repairing. But when undergoing masonry repair, there are a few things you need to know about.
Why is it Necessary?
Masonry damage can happen for a number of reasons, such as excessive moisture, cracking, displacement, bond failure, and more. Regardless of the cause, having masonry repair done is crucial to uphold the integrity of any structure. Masonry is still commonly used in residential construction, as well as industrial and commercial structures, and without taking the proper time and care to make needed repairs, you risk the crumbling and deterioration of the very foundation that is supporting the walls around you and the roof over your head.
When is it Necessary?
Succumbing to the occasional damages over time, even minor ones, is inevitable—even with the most expertly constructed pieces. While you should never ignore damage to masonry work, minor damages like hairline cracks can be repaired with simple caulking, but larger cracks and deteriorating foundations will need more substantial masonry repairs.
This same mindset applies to virtually every type of masonry structure. Old chimneys can withstand a few nicks and scratches, but if you begin to notice missing bricks and existing ones turning to dust, you should call a professional as quickly as possible. Not only that, but noticing growing cracks and fissures in your porch or brick wall might be a result of more serious underlying issues like dampening that need repointing before more damage can occur.
What's the Cost?
The cost for masonry repair can range by quite a bit, depending on the repair type and how extensive the damage is, as well as the geographical location of your home. On average, most masons charge between $50 to $75 per hour of work, with minimum flat fees generally falling around $300. These numbers can fluctuate by significant margins and often times better estimates can be made based on specific tasks, such as chimney repair, foundation repairs, porch repairs, tuckpointing, spalling, or any other area of masonry work.
Once you have identified the problem area, you can gather additional information on accurate costs as they pertain to your particular situation. More often than not, the repairs are worth the cost—especially if it is going to cost you even more by putting them off.
Hire a Professional
Masonry repair will eventually be necessary, whether you need it for a cracked porch, crumbling brick, or anything in between. When you reach this stage, it’s best to call a professional like Brickworks Property Restoration to get quality masonry and foundation repair from experts in the field.
Need masonry repair done? We’ve got you covered. Just give us a call at 586-330-4887 today to learn more!
What You Should Know About Cultured Stone
Cultured stone is a great material for changing up the appearance of your home. It’s popular for its resemblance to natural stone, but with many consumer-friendly perks included. If you’re planning to do some remodeling, it’s crucial that you weigh all your options and choose the best type of stone for your particular home or project. Here’s everything you should know about cultured stone.
What is Cultured Stone?
Also known as manufactured stone, cultured stone is similar to natural stone in appearance, with the major difference being that it is created using a cement mixture combined with several other elements. This mixture allows the stone to be considerably lighter than regular stone, and by treating it, it can appear extremely similar to the real thing. This mixture is then pressed into molds to give it the desired shape, completing the process and giving homeowners a solid alternative to natural stone, along with a variety of options in terms of appearance.
Installation
Because this stone is much lighter than natural stone, it is also less difficult to install. This will no doubt be a relief to the person doing the installation, whether it’s yourself or another. However, just because the process is easier doesn't mean just anybody can do it. If you don’t have the proper skills and experience necessary, you could seriously damage the stone or your property, which is why contacting a professional like Brickworks is recommended.
What’s the Cost?
Homeowners will be happy to hear that cultured stone isn’t only lighter and easier to install, but it is cheaper than natural stone as well. That’s not to say the price difference between the two will be astronomical, but cultured is typically cheaper nonetheless. In terms of durability, natural stone has been shown to withstand the natural elements—such as rain, dirt, and wind—slightly better than cultured stone, so if your project takes place outside, you may need to consider what the best option would be for your circumstances.
Using Cultured Stone on Your Next Project?
Cultured stone is an excellent material to use due to its affordable cost and aesthetic popularity. Whether you’re using it on the outside of your house or around your fireplace, you can’t go wrong with this type of stone.
Are you considering using this type of stone in your next project? Brickworks Property Restoration might be able to lend you a hand. Our team has ample experience installing a variety of different materials to make your home just the way you want it. Simply contact us or give us a call at 586-868-3234 today for your free estimate!
Why Does Concrete Crack and How Can You Prevent It?
Have you ever had your driveway paved with a fresh layer of concrete, only to get frustrated when cracks break the surface a month later? If so, you’re not alone. But why does concrete crack? And what steps can you take to prevent it from happening? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
If you have any doubts that concrete can crack, just take a drive through the city streets. This is the same kind of concrete that is used in your driveway! But why does concrete crack exactly? This can occur for any number of reasons, such as improper drainage of rainwater or improper pitch. You’ve also got to consider water getting into preexisting cracks and freezing, thus causing further damage to the damaged concrete.
There could be underlying root systems that slowly creep up over time and break their way through concrete or upset the natural balance of the earth. Anything that has the potential to shift the ground and upset the natural resting position of concrete can cause concrete to crack. In addition to the shifting of the ground, premature drying can also cause surface-level cracks to spread like tiny spiderwebs, but there are also a few other types of cracks that can occur which can be easily prevented.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when dealing with potential cracking hazards.
Shrinkage and Expansion
Shrinking and expanding is another common cause of concrete cracking. As the concrete mixture begins to dry, it shrinks, and during this time there is a chance that cracking can occur if not laid properly and if an imbalance of water is used in the mixture. On the other hand, heat can cause concrete to expand and crack in the opposite way. If a sidewalk gets too hot and doesn’t have the space to expand, these cracks can open up on the surface and deep within the slabs. These types of cracks can generally be prevented by taking special precautions against shrinking or expanding to fight deterioration.
How Can You Prevent It?
There’s no need to worry about cracks in your concrete if you know how to prevent them. Firstly, it helps to install the concrete correctly. This essentially means laying it in a way that gets any potential water away from the soil underneath it once it’s dry. One way to do this is by compacting the subsoils underneath with proper tampers. Installing aggregates underneath will give the concrete a base to rest on that will keep it flat and level. Another way to prevent cracks is to use the correct loads of concrete. When the concrete is dry and finished, apply a sealant over the top that actually penetrates the concrete instead of simply glazing the top. In the cases of shrinkage and expansion, expansion joints can act as shock absorbers to contain the stress of expansion, as well as control joints to prevent shrinkage cracks from erupting across the surface.
No Cracks, No Problem
There are plenty of reasons why your concrete could be cracking, but that’s no reason to panic because there are several things you can do to prevent these cracks from occurring. The next time you find yourself wondering, “why does concrete crack?” you’ll have the answer and the solution ready.
Want to learn more about laying concrete and how to best go about it for your next project? Brickworks has you covered. Our team of professionals excels at all things concrete. Just contact us today or give us a call at 586-474-5881 for more information!
4 Tips For Hiring a Concrete Contractor For Smaller Jobs
When you’ve got cracks in the driveway and plants popping up in the middle of your porch steps, it’s time to get things fixed. Hiring a concrete contractor is a rational next step many people take, and for good reason: they are the best equipped for the job. But when the job is something small, how should you go about hiring a contractor? Here are some tips to help you out.
Understand Why They’re Difficult to Find
As you may very well be aware, it can be considerably more challenging to find a concrete contractor for a smaller job, but why is this? One of the main reasons for this is the fact that the cost for operating and using a concrete truck greatly exceeds the small amount of concrete that would actually be needed on a smaller project. A concrete truck can hold approximately ten cubic yards of concrete—much less than a smaller job would need—which is why not many concrete companies are willing to waste the time and money to deliver a few yards of concrete. This can leave homeowners in tricky situations, but there are contractors out there, like Brickworks, that are willing to help their customers out, whether it’s with a driveway, a sidewalk, or just about anything else.
Contact Family and Friends for Recommendations
If you’re looking to hire a concrete contractor for a small job, asking friends and family if they have any recommendations is a great place to start. For one, it’s a quick way to accumulate a few contractor options without much effort, plus, you’ll be more likely to receive a contact that is reliable, trustworthy, and knows their stuff—assuming that you trust the judgment of the friend or family member that you asked.
Research Their Experience
Just because the job is small doesn’t mean you want to work with a concrete contractor that doesn’t have the experience to get it done properly. Even if the contractor was recommended by a friend, you should ask to see some references of their past work to get a feel for their level of quality. It would also do you some good to ask for their certifications, such as a proper license, as well as insurance in the event that an accident should occur. It doesn’t matter if they’re paving your driveway, doing foundation repair, or fixing a cracked basement—you want them to be qualified if they’re working on your home.
Get it in Writing
It’s vital that you and the contractor come to an agreement before any work begins. From there, you need to get everything in writing, from overall prices and the materials being used right down to the work schedule and an estimated project completion date. When it comes to contracts, you don’t want to leave anything up to chance. Even if you trust the contractor with your life, this is simply a formality that can prevent uncomfortable situations from arising.
Hire a Reliable Concrete Contractor You Can Trust
By following these tips, you’ll find a professional concrete contractor that successfully completes your small job quickly and smoothly, and one that will earn your customer loyalty. By treating small jobs with the professionalism of larger projects, you and any potential contractors can work together to get the job done and your home or business looking great.
Looking for professionals to help you with a project? The team at Brickworks is full of experience based on years of jobs and training. Contact us today or give us a call at 586-868-3234 to learn more and receive a free estimate!
Why You Should Consider Masonry Training
Learning a new trade is often a rewarding experience. It not only allows you to dabble in unexplored territories, but you could even make a career out of it if you work hard enough. This is especially true when it comes to masonry training. The only downside is the cost, as it is usually quite expensive to learn a new trade. However, that is not the case with Brickworks Academy.
Brickworks academy is a limited-time program that will teach you a wide variety of different mason-related skills and have you come out on the other side as a seasoned professional. But how do you know if the program is right for you? Here are some reasons why you should consider masonry training.
You’ll Learn a New Trade
Nothing is quite as exciting as learning something new, especially when you can use that new trade to make money and open the door to exciting opportunities. With Brickworks Academy, you’ll participate in two weeks of hands-on training where you will learn the ins and outs of masonry work, acquiring skills such as chimney repair, matching mortar and joint styles, and much, much more. If you love working with your hands to create and construct while being rewarded for your efforts, you might want to consider masonry training.
Masonry Training Opens Up Opportunities
Opportunities present themselves to us each and every day, and by seizing the opportunity to undergo masonry training, you’ll be opening the doors to many more. Those who pass the Brickworks Academy class with flying colors are even eligible to join the Brickworks team! Job opportunities will become immediately available as well, allowing you to use the skills you have just acquired in a real-world setting. By applying this knowledge, you will continue to gain valuable experience and build up a formidable line-up of projects for your future endeavors, providing support for your family as well as those whose homes you work on.
It Won’t Cost You a Penny
One of the best reasons for considering masonry training, at least at Brickworks Academy, is the fact that it is completely, one hundred percent free! Normally a training program like this can cost thousands of dollars, but Brickworks is offering their training service to anyone with the drive and determination to see it through to the end. This opportunity, valued at approximately $3,000, is entirely free of risk, allowing those that are interested the chance to complete the course without worrying about their bank account. You won’t even need to worry about paying for food during this time, as lunch and drinks will be provided daily!
Ready to Start Your Masonry Training?
There’s a lot to learn in the world of masonry work, but by undergoing the proper training courses, you’ll be able to confidently perform all of the masonry tasks of a professional and gain access to all of the benefits that come with it. With the opportunity to join the Brickworks team and learn all the skills of the trade free of charge, who could refuse? This year the program runs from February 28th through March 11th, so act fast!
If you’re interested in learning more about masonry training or brick work in general, Brickworks has you covered. Contact us or give us a call at 1-(586)-868-3234 today!
3 Considerations for Repairing Brick Porches
When masterfully crafted, brick porches can provide a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing entrance for your home. They come in a variety of styles and colors, shapes and sizes, each uniquely designed according to their homeowner's personal preferences and the home designs.
However, no porch is immune to the forces of mother nature, and eventually, they all need to be touched up or even completely reworked from the ground up. In this case, you’re best off contacting a trained professional—like those at Brickworks—to get the job done right. Here are some things to consider if you plan on having repair work done to your porch.
The Cost to Repair Brick Porches
Until the act of walking up their porch starts to feel like climbing over a pile of rubble, many people put off repairs for far too long. Why? Because it costs money, of course! However, the value of an up-to-date porch far outways the price.
Determining the overall cost to repair brick porches depends on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the damage, the types of repairs being done, the cost of labor, the materials being used, the scope of the project, location, and much more. When all the variables are taken into account, the price can range from a few hundred dollars all the way up to a few thousand! To gain an accurate picture of what it’s going to cost you specifically, get in touch with a reliable and trustworthy masonry contractor that can give you an estimate.
What’s the Damage?
A few cracked or raised bricks don’t pose much of a problem, and you might even be able to do minor repairs by yourself, but when things become more serious you’ll want to have it assessed. It might be worthwhile to hire a mason to inspect your porch, as they would be the best equipped to determine its overall condition and what your best course of action would be—Brickworks can give you a free estimate today!
Water damage from rain, wear and tear from use over time, structural deterioration, damage to the foundation, overgrowth of roots, improper installation, certain types of ice melt, and simply having an older home can all affect the condition of brick porches. If the damage is extensive enough, you might want to consider forgoing repairs and instead opt to replace the porch entirely.
Porch Design
You might not need to think about porch design very much if the repairs needed for your porch are mostly aesthetic, as the overall design will not really need to be altered. However, if enough repair work is needed, you might be able to tweak its appearance. When additional structural work is required and the whole porch more or less needs a full makeover, it’s the perfect time to shake things up with a little redesign.
Depending on the layout of the front of your home, you can most likely do whatever you like with your porch. It might benefit you to speak with a professional about your potential options as well as do research on your own to gain a sense of something you might like.
Don’t Let Your Porch Crumble!
If you want your brick porch to look as though it's just been reworked from the ground up—and in your case maybe it has—then it’s time to consider hiring a professional. Here at Brickworks, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your porch is in tip-top shape, whether that means assessing it for minor repairs and cleanings or changing things up by redesigning and building it for you brick by brick.
How does your brick porch look? Is it holding up, or does it need a little love? Maybe it needs to be replaced completely! Regardless of its condition, Brickworks is here to help. Reach out today or call (586) 330-4920 to learn more about how we can best help you!
The Brick-Work World Of Joint Styles
With so many mortar joint styles available, it can be difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish the difference between them, or even know when one should be used over another. Not only do they affect the appearance and structure of the bricks, but they also play a role in the structure’s integrity, durability, and weather resistance, making it an extremely important factor in a chimney or wall’s construction. But how many types of joints are there? And which should you use? Here’s everything you need to know about joint styles.
The Concave Joint
Perhaps the most common form of mortar joint, the concave joint is done by using a striker tool or a blunt cylinder and running it along the joint to create a concave look that touches the ends of connecting bricks. You’ll find this joint type being used on the exterior of most homes, as it is one of the most superior and most consistent joint styles for water resistance.
The Vee Joint
This mortar joint is similar to the concave style, except that the curved joint is replaced with a distinct “V” shape. While still a viable joint choice, these are not employed as often and are considered somewhat rare. This is perhaps due to the fact that they are more intricate in execution and are more susceptible to water accumulation but make for quality joints nonetheless.
The Struck and Weather Joints
Mostly seen in older buildings—or those trying to replicate a classical look—these joints adopt a diagonal mortar angle with one edge touching the end of a brick and the other angling either up or down. Special care must be taken when performing these mortar joints so as to prevent water deterioration.
The Flush Joint
Creating a flush joint can often feel like layering a cake. As mortar is applied and bricks are laid on top, excess mortar is likely to secrete from the joint areas. Rather than creating a pattern inside the joint, the excess is simply scraped off, making it flush with the surrounding bricks. This is much rarer than other joint styles, as having a flush mortar joint makes it much more difficult to adequately waterproof the wall, which can lead to weathering after many years.
The Extruded Joint
The extruded joint is done just as you would a flush joint, but with one detail removed: The excess mortar is not scraped away. This is seldom seen among experienced workers, as it can cause unevenness and drooping. There is little uniformity to the way this type of joint is done, and structures that have implemented it often deal with water damage unless another component is involved.
The Raked Joint
Also known as a pushed-back joint or a recessed joint, it is another one of the most often seen styles. This is done by taking a wheel with a skate and a nail in it that scrapes along the wall to remove an inner layer of mortar. It is then gone over with a wire brush, creating a flat line of mortar that is not flush with the brick, but just shy of it. This makes the brick “pop” and is considered one of the most well-crafted joint styles.
The Grapevine Joint
Virtually identical to the flush joint in execution, the only major difference here is that the beam used to create the concave is much smaller. This allows for excellent water resistance as the tops and bottoms of the joint take on a flush joint appearance, with the center being concave. It is the ultimate hybrid of the concave and flush joint.
Looking For a Professional?
Mortar joints hold bricks together in a tight bond that is crucial to the structure’s long-term viability. Some joint styles are stronger than others, but the personal preference of joint aesthetics is also a factor to consider. Whichever type of joint style you decide to implement, hiring trained professionals—like those found at Brickworks—should be your top priority to ensure your mortar joints are matched properly.
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of mortar joints and who you can hire for personal brick repair? Brickworks offers customers quick and efficient work at an affordable price. Contact us and grab your free estimate today or give us a call at (586)-330-4887.
Do You Need a Chimney Heat Shield?
With winter on the way, many of us will be firing up our fireplaces to stay warm and cozy for the holidays. When was the last time your chimney was inspected? If it’s been a while, you may want to have it checked out, especially if it is older. Many get worn down over the years and homeowners are none the wiser to the state of their flumes. Cracks, gaps, and deterioration can form with prolonged use, causing leaks, smoke buildup, structural weaknesses, and even fires. Luckily, there’s a solution. Applying a chimney Heat Shield might just be the best thing you could possibly do for your fireplace. But what is it? And do you really need it?
What is a Chimney Heat Shield?
Before deciding whether or not you need a Heat Shield, it might first be helpful to understand what exactly it is as well as its benefit to your chimney. Essentially, a Heat Shield is created by adding a sealing layer all throughout the inside of the chimney to plug up any cracks or spaces in the flue. It can be made out of a few different materials, such as a chamber coat or cerfractory foam. These coatings are smooth, sealing, and heat resistant, allowing smoke and heat to escape without causing damage to the chimney or endangering your home. Chamber coat is applied manually by a chimney sweep, while cerfractory foam is applied via spray and smoothed out with a large brush. Some methods involve lowering the material down through the top of the stack and applying it on the way back up.
How Much Does a Chimney Heat Shield Cost?
The cost of installing a Heat Shield can be measured in more ways than one. As far as the traditional cost goes, the cost can lie anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. That being said, the cost to have your chimney completely redone is much more expensive. Not to mention the cost of repairs in the event of a fire caused by a poorly made or clogged smoke chamber! It is also a much quicker process than building a new one, especially where there is no need for a total replacement. You’ll also save money in the long run by fortifying your current chimney with Heat Shield, as the sealant will work to protect it from deterioration for many, many years. It is definitely the best solution to ensuring longevity for your fireplace.
Why is a Chimney Heat Shield Important?
If your home contains a fireplace, it is very beneficial to have a Heat Shield installed. But why? What does it really matter? Well, it matters a great deal, actually. For one thing, a poorly constructed smoke chamber causes creosote to build up inside the chimney, blocking the air passage and leading to a draft-back of smoke or even the potential of starting a fire. The sealing aspect of the shield will also prevent carbon monoxide from leaking out of cracks, thus preventing your family from succumbing to toxic fumes. By applying a layer of a Heat Shield, the smoke will be able to rise and exit your home more easily, preventing any unwanted contamination from occurring. The last thing you need is a fire breaking out inside your chimney, which could tear it apart from the inside out, spread to your home, or cause the bricks to crumble onto your home. The smooth layer of fire-resistant sealant is more than enough to protect your family and home.
Looking to Fortify Your Chimney?
Applying a chimney Heat Shield is an effective restoration method that assists in securing the safety of your home and your family. It is not only reliable and affordable but having it applied is the fastest method for restoring your chimney to its former glory. Here at Brickworks, we have trained and licensed professionals that can inspect your chimney and apply a protective layer of Heat Shield coating in no time at all. Interested in learning more? Contact Brickworks today for a free estimate or call (586)-330-4920.