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Mortar Matching
Procedures: Mortar Composition We determine the type of mortar mixes, sands, and other elements that compose the sample. We also check for known local contaminates that will affect the color or texture of the mortar. Digital Confirmation A sample digitally confirmed to the new mortar formula. Determining Mortar Texture The texture of the match is determined by comparison to different grades of sand. Analysis of Mortar Color We analyze the colors found and match each color to the right tone to the database to determine tone color. The results from each of these sections are processed and combined into an exact mortar formula to match the original sample. Mortar Formula Confirmation This formula is then physically tested and visually confirmed before being sent back to you. Money Back Guarantee Each formula is guaranteed to match (within a reasonable tone) in the color and texture to the samples provided from your home. Mold and Mildew may need to re-grow in the pores to complete the match. This part of natural aging we cannot recreate because these tones vary around your home and change throughout the year. Most mortar matches are not visible immediately upon drying.
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Best Quality! Fully
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Best Price!
Call Alamo. We Will Save You Money. Many homes have brick fireplaces, but most people don’t know how to, or that they even need to be maintained. There are a few basic things to watch for regarding your fireplace. Two of the first things to look at are at the top of your chimney. There should be a spark-arrestor cap covering the chimney. This prevents water from entering your home through the chimney, prevents sparks that could start a fire, and keeps all kinds of animals from nesting in your chimney. There should also be some form of cap (generally formed out of mortar) preventing the same in the area between the flu and the external brick of the chimney. Both of these caps deteriorate over time and should be checked regularly (yearly), and repaired or replaced as needed. (If you like to do it yourself, there are great details available on line at http://alamomasonryrepair.com and "The Brick Repair Guide" is available). While you are up here, take a glance down your flu watching for nests or cracking that may result in a burnout. Next, look inside of your firebox inside of your home. Here you will be looking for any cracking or deteriorated firebrick. Some of the most common are cracks in the four corner regions and in the center of the back wall. Remember that fire is much like water and will follow the path of least resistance, and if there are any openings (even small cracks) the fire will flow through them. This is called a burnout. Once the fire has flowed through one of these openings, it is in the walls and may not be found before it is too late. Most of these cracks/openings can be sealed with high-temperature clay (fireclay) available at most masonry supply stores. It almost paints on and seeps into the cracks, and leaves your fireplace looking like new. The last thing that we will cover is separation of the fireplace from the house, and/or the face of your fireplace. In many cases, the faces of fireplaces tend to separate. Though this is a serious concern because this veneer could fall, it is not necessarily a foundation issue. Sometimes the veneer is not properly anchored to the fireplace itself, and may begin to list away from it. In others, the fireplace may be settling and leaning one direction or another; causing this effect. Before using your fireplace, you need to check it out to make sure that it is safe. Brick Repair and Tuckpointing Mortars Get your FREE Brick Repair Estimate TODAY Written by James Nech, Copyright © January 2007. James Nech is the leading expert in the field of masonry restoration, with a lifetime of experience in the field of masonry/restoration. We operate full time in: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, Grand Prairie, Flower Mound, North Richland Hills, Arlington, Benbrook, Crowley, Burleson, Cleburne, Granbury, Johnson County, and the surrounding DFW area. For more information about Pre-Matched Mortars click here.
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