As a general rule, a chimney is the first part of the masonry on a building that will show signs of age and deterioration. This is due in large part that a chimney is under almost constant attack from all the elements. Because chimneys are situated above the roofline, they have no roof or gutter system to clear away water. This makes them practically defenseless to heavy bouts of precipitation and wind.

Serious damage can result from the smallest crack or imperfection to your chimney.  If there is any penetration of water through a cap that fails, the results can be severe. The top section of a chimney can disintegrate so badly that the only course of action is complete repair of the masonry. When you get to the point where most of brick of a chimney shows signs of cracking or flaking it is time to rebuild the structure.

Keep Tabs on Your Capstone

This is why it is very important to keep track of the capstone on your chimney. The capstone is the cement section of the chimney that tops or caps off the brickwork. Due to its location at the very top of the structure it is exposed to the very roughest weather conditions. If you notice just one or two cracks here, you can relax – this is considered normal and can repaired without replacement. On the other hand, if you see a cap that is broken in sections you more than likely need to have another cap installed. This work is intricate and requires the experience of professionals.

In the Chicago area the number one place to call for chimney restoration is  Arrow Masonry and Exteriors, Inc. Arrow Masonry has been in business for over 50 years and has the experience necessary to complete any chimney work.  They service both commercial and residential communities for all types of masonry projects. Call Arrow today at 847-776-6400 or visit their website to view all the services they can provide for you.

Shifting and settling soils can wreak havoc on the foundation of a home. With the volatile weather we experience in northern Illinois, this is something for homeowners to monitor. Foundation repairs are a fact of life for many people.  It is important to remember a poorly performed brick and mortar repair may leave a permanent mark on your property. If this kind of work is necessary, it is highly recommended you call a professional.

Brick and Masonry Work Usually Requires a Professional

Keep in mind the mortar on your home will eventually erode and slowly age over time.  Ideally, the material used for a proper repair should age at roughly the same rate.  Caulking and other latex based products usually deteriorate at a much quicker pace. This is an important consideration when looking for a contractor to perform masonry or brick repair work.

Masonry repair can be a difficult and delicate procedure, so it should be completed by an experienced and reputable professional.  High quality, matching mortar repair for your home is a job beyond the scope of most homeowners.  If you have mortar cracks, cracked brick or failing arch entryways, contact a mortar repair expert to review the needed repair work. You want to get an estimate before any work is performed since costs can vary greatly from one company to another.

New projects like a custom barbeque, outdoor fireplace, flower bed borders or a new brick mailbox can greatly improve the look of your home. These repairs and upgrades can also give you more peace of mind. Home improvements like these also increase the value of your home and make it much more sellable if you are thinking of putting your residence on the market.

In the Chicago area your best option for brick repair and masonry restoration is  Arrow Masonry and Exteriors, Inc. Arrow Masonry has been providing quality tuckpointing and masonry restoration services to commercial and residential communities for more than 50 years. Call Arrow today at 847-776-6400 or visit their website to get an estimate and view all the services that can provide for you.

Due to regular increases in the population, more structures are under construction than ever before. This is very true in the United States. Whether it’s a large metropolitan area or small town, you can safely assume the next skyscraper or high-rise building will be built very soon. For any office building or residential complex, it is vital to keep the property up to code.

Corporations continue to move to larger cities and erect buildings of greater size in order to conduct business. This need for bigger and better space along with all the tremendous improvements in architecture give business owners a lot to think about when relocating. It also means many workers will pull up stakes and move to reside near work. One constant throughout the entire process of building is safety. That is where the adherence to codes and  OSHA standards enter the picture.

Safety Concerns are Very Important with Arrow

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, is  part of the United States Department of Labor. It’s creation by Congress in 1970 was to ensure a safe working environment for all. OSHA sets and enforces standards and provides corporations training and assistance.  With so much heavy construction and equipment in use it is more important than ever to have safety measures in place.

Specific guidelines need to be followed by workers on a construction site, such as the use of hard hats, and goggles for eye protection. Additionally, stringent rules must be adhered to when using machinery on the job. The equipment used on a construction site is usually heavy and extremely dangerous if not operated properly. Very serious injuries may result from the improper use of equipment or by operating an unsafe piece of machinery.

Arrow Masonry is a Palatine, IL based company that specializes in tuck pointing and masonry repair. They are keenly aware of the high standards and regulations set by OSHA. Arrow realizes the importance of safety and follows OSHA guidelines to the letter. Arrow can inspect the masonry of your building and recommend and perform any necessary repairs.

For over 50 years, Arrow Masonry has taken pride in providing the best service for all its customers and making sure its clients and employees are in the safest environment.  Arrow has the experience and knowledge to get your building up to code. Safety has been and always will be a top priority at Arrow Masonry. Give them a call today at 312-329-0750 or view their website with any questions about safety and correcting any violations.