Five Key Takeaways from LakewoodAlive’s “Knowing Your Home: Masonry Basics” Workshop

A foundation for masonry success was laid last week when LakewoodAlive hosted its fourth homeowner workshop of 2017. Nearly 40 attendees gathered at 1st Choice Roofing Company on April 6 for our “Knowing Your Home: Masonry Basics” free workshop.

Frank Nehls of Nehls Masonry L.L.C. led a hands-on demonstration tackling the basics of tuckpointing, pointing and repointing masonry bricks and block in foundations and chimneys. This workshop helped equip attendees with insight for determining whether a masonry job qualifies as a DIY opportunity or requires professional assistance.

If you happened to miss this particular workshop, we’ve got you covered. Here are five key takeaways from “Knowing Your Home: Masonry Basics.”

1. Do some spring cleaning.
When preparing to engage in tuck pointing, it’s important to make sure that your joints are cleaned out. Take time to dampen and blow them out, as this will help the mortar to bond correctly.

2. Let your masonry breathe.
Keeping weather elements off of masonry will help it stay in better condition longer. Masonry needs to breathe – it’s not ideal to seal coat your masonry steps, walls or other brick places. If you do decide to paint, make sure to use a paint that’s specific to masonry, since this paint is designed to allow masonry to breathe.

3. Be mindful of chimney deterioration.
If you allow your chimney to deteriorate too far and too much mortar is missing, then you might have to rebuild. Bricks are laid in courses. This is good to know when you’re dealing with a contractor. Bricks are laid in courses; corn is grown in rows.

4. Obtain a frosting knife.
Pro-tip: Use a frosting knife that you can buy in the cake decorating aisle of your favorite store. It’s a great way to smooth out mortar, caulk or any other sticky material. This will allow for a smooth finish.

5. Avoid rock salt.
Never use rock salt on concrete or masonry steps, as it will deteriorate these materials. It’s best to spend a little more money and buy calcium chloride pellets instead.

Now in its fourth year, LakewoodAlive’s “Knowing Your Home” workshop series draws hundreds of attendees annually to learn home maintenance best practices. Our workshop series is generously supported by: Citizens Bank, City of Lakewood, Cleveland Lumber Company, Fifth Third Bank, First Federal Lakewood, PNC, Remax Beyond 2000, The University of Akron Lakewood and Third Federal Savings & Loan.