Frequently Asked Questions

Straight, honest answers about cost, timelines, materials, warranties, and process across every service Solid Brickinc offers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just give us a call.

YEARS EXPERIENCE
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PROJECTS COMPLETED
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BOROUGHS SERVED
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SATISFICATION
10 %

General & Pricing

Yes. Solid Brickinc is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for all the services we offer — masonry, roofing, cement work, and painting & stucco. We carry full liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage on every job, protecting both our crew and your property. We're happy to provide proof of insurance and license documentation upon request.
Yes, every estimate is free and comes with no obligation. We visit your property, assess the scope of work, answer your questions, and provide a detailed written quote — typically within 24 hours of the site visit. There's never any pressure to commit on the spot.

We guarantee a response within 24 hours to every inquiry — whether you call, email, or submit a request through our website. For urgent issues like active leaks or storm damage, we prioritize same-day or next-day site visits whenever possible.

We understand that larger projects like roof replacement or full exterior renovation represent a significant investment. Ask our team about available financing options during your consultation — we work to make quality work accessible without compromising on materials or craftsmanship.
Absolutely. Many of our clients combine services — for example, masonry repair alongside a new stucco finish, or roof replacement paired with gutter installation. Having one contractor coordinate multiple trades saves you time, reduces scheduling headaches, and ensures all the work is held to the same quality standard.
 

Masonry Services

Masonry costs vary widely depending on service type, materials, and project size. Basic tuckpointing starts around $5–$25 per square foot. New brick or block wall construction typically ranges from $15 to $40 per square foot. Stone masonry and decorative work can run higher depending on material selection. We provide detailed, itemized written estimates at no charge — so you always know the full cost before any work begins.
If your mortar joints are crumbling, cracking, or recessed more than ¼ inch, repointing (tuckpointing) is usually the right solution. If the bricks themselves are spalling, cracked through, or structurally compromised, partial or full replacement may be necessary. Our masons will give you an honest assessment during your free site visit.
Repointing means removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. Tuckpointing refers to a finishing technique where two contrasting colors of mortar are used to create the illusion of very fine joints. In common usage — and in our quotes — both terms refer to the same mortar joint repair process.
Permit requirements vary by municipality and project type. Repair work like tuckpointing or chimney repointing typically does not require a permit. New walls, retaining walls over a certain height, and structural masonry usually do. Solid Brickinc handles all permitting on your behalf.
Project timelines depend on scope. A chimney tuckpointing job might take 1–2 days. A new retaining wall or patio installation typically takes 3–7 days. Large masonry projects are scheduled in phases. We provide a clear, written project timeline before work begins.

Roofing & Roof Installation

Roof installation costs vary widely based on the roofing system, roof size, slope, and condition of the existing deck. Flat roof systems typically range from $5 to $15 per square foot installed, while asphalt shingle roofs average $3.50 to $8 per square foot. Metal roofing runs $8 to $16 per square foot.
 
A standard residential roof installation is typically completed in 1–3 days depending on system complexity and roof size. We provide a clear project schedule before work begins.
The best roofing material depends on your budget, climate, and how long you plan to stay in the property. Asphalt shingles offer the best value for most homeowners. Metal roofing costs more upfront but lasts 40-50 years. Flat roof systems like TPO or EPDM are appropriate for low-slope roofs.
 
Signs that point to full replacement include: roof age over 20 years, widespread membrane cracking or blistering, repeated leaks in multiple areas, sagging or soft spots in the deck, and visible granule loss on shingles. Our free inspection will give you an honest, unbiased assessment.
In some cases, a new roofing layer can be installed over an existing one — a process called an overlay or re-roof. However, this is only appropriate if the existing deck is structurally sound and local codes allow it. We'll assess your current roof and advise the right approach.
Yes. Solid Brickinc offers both manufacturer material warranties and our own workmanship warranty. Depending on the roofing system selected, material warranties range from 10 to 30 years. All warranty documentation is provided and registered on your behalf.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing costs depend on the method and area treated. Foundation/basement waterproofing typically runs $3 to $10 per square foot for exterior membrane systems, while interior drainage solutions range from $50 to $150 per linear foot. Crystalline and cementitious coatings for masonry start around $3 to $7 per square foot. We provide a detailed written quote after assessing the specific source of water intrusion.

Common warning signs include damp or musty smells in a basement, visible water stains on walls, efflorescence (white chalky deposits) on masonry, peeling paint near grade level, or standing water after rain. If you notice any of these, a free assessment will identify the actual entry point rather than just treating the symptom.

Damp-proofing is a thinner asphalt-based coating that resists moisture but isn't designed to hold back standing water — it's the minimum code requirement on most new foundations. Waterproofing uses thicker membranes or coatings rated to withstand hydrostatic pressure from standing groundwater. If your site has a high water table or drainage issues, waterproofing is the safer long-term choice.

Yes. Interior waterproofing systems — including interior drainage channels, sump pump installation, and crystalline or sealant coatings — are effective when exterior excavation isn't possible due to landscaping, structures, or budget. Interior systems manage water once it enters rather than stopping it at the source, so we'll always recommend exterior waterproofing first when access allows.

 

Yes. Waterproofing projects are backed by a labor warranty, with most systems covered for 5 to 15 years depending on the specific product and method used. Warranty terms are provided in writing before work begins.

Stucco

Roof installation costs vary widely based on the roofing system, roof size, slope, and condition of the existing deck. Flat roof systems typically range from $5 to $15 per square foot installed, while asphalt shingle roofs average $3.50 to $8 per square foot. Metal roofing runs $8 to $16 per square foot.

Signs include visible cracks wider than a hairline, hollow-sounding sections when tapped (delamination), staining or efflorescence suggesting water infiltration, soft or crumbling areas, and bubbling or peeling paint. A free on-site assessment identifies every problem area before any repair or paint work begins

Traditional stucco is a cement-based plaster applied over masonry or metal lath — hard, breathable, and very durable. EIFS adds a layer of rigid foam insulation beneath the base coat for superior thermal performance, though it's softer and more prone to impact damage than hard-coat stucco.

Signs that point to full replacement include: roof age over 20 years, widespread membrane cracking or blistering, repeated leaks in multiple areas, sagging or soft spots in the deck, and visible granule loss on shingles. Our free inspection will give you an honest, unbiased assessment.

Properly installed traditional stucco can last 50 years or more with routine maintenance. EIFS systems typically last 20 to 30 years. Lifespan depends heavily on proper installation, drainage detailing, and timely crack repair — neglected cracks are the leading cause of premature stucco failure.

Yes. Solid Brickinc offers both manufacturer material warranties and our own workmanship warranty. Depending on the roofing system selected, material warranties range from 10 to 30 years. All warranty documentation is provided and registered on your behalf.

Painting

Exterior house painting typically ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot of paintable surface, depending on the number of stories, surface condition, coat count, and paint quality. A typical single-family home exterior runs $2,500 to $8,000.

Interior painting generally costs $2 to $6 per square foot of wall space, or $250 to $800 per average-sized room, depending on ceiling height, trim detail, number of coats, and paint quality.

With proper preparation and premium paint, a quality exterior paint job typically lasts 7 to 12 years on wood siding and 10 to 15 years on masonry and stucco surfaces. South- and west-facing walls with heavy sun exposure tend to fade and wear faster than shaded sides.

Priming is necessary any time you're painting bare wood, masonry, drywall patches, or switching from a dark to a light color, or from oil-based to latex paint. Skipping primer on these surfaces is one of the most common causes of early paint failure, peeling, and uneven sheen.

Painting over existing paint in good condition is standard practice once it's cleaned and lightly sanded. Painting over wallpaper is not recommended — seams and edges almost always show through and the paper can eventually peel away from the wall, taking the paint with it. We recommend wallpaper removal first.

Yes, professional color consultation is included on every exterior painting project. We help you select colors that suit your property's architecture and your neighborhood, and can provide digital visualization so you can see the result before any paint goes on.

Siding

Siding costs vary by material: vinyl siding runs $4 to $9 per square foot installed, fiber cement siding runs $7 to $14 per square foot, and wood siding runs $8 to $16 per square foot. Cost also depends on the condition of the existing wall sheathing and how much repair is needed underneath.

Localized warping, cracking, or a few damaged panels can usually be spot-repaired or replaced individually. Full siding replacement is the better option when damage is widespread, the siding is more than 20-25 years old, you're seeing consistent moisture problems behind the siding, or the existing material no longer matches available replacement panels.

Fiber cement siding offers an excellent balance of durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance, typically lasting 30-50 years. Vinyl siding is more affordable and low-maintenance but less impact-resistant. Wood siding offers the most natural look but requires the most ongoing maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage.

In some cases siding can be installed over an existing layer, but this is only recommended when the underlying wall and sheathing are in good condition with no moisture or rot issues. We always recommend removing old siding first to inspect the sheathing — covering up hidden damage just delays a more expensive repair later.

Yes. New siding installation is an ideal time to add or upgrade a layer of rigid foam insulation beneath the siding, which can meaningfully improve your home's thermal performance and reduce energy costs. We can include this upgrade as part of your installation quote.

Yes. Siding installation includes a labor warranty, typically 5 to 10 years depending on material, in addition to the manufacturer's material warranty, which can run 20-50 years depending on the product selected.

Paving

Asphalt paving typically costs $3 to $6 per square foot installed, while paver/block paving runs $10 to $25 per square foot depending on the material and pattern. Cost also depends on the area's existing condition, required excavation, and base preparation needed.

Asphalt is a poured, seamless surface that's more budget-friendly and quicker to install, typically lasting 15-20 years with periodic sealing. Pavers are individual interlocking units that offer more design flexibility and curb appeal, last 25-30+ years, and allow for easy individual unit replacement if damaged — but cost more upfront.

New asphalt can typically support foot traffic within 24 hours and vehicle traffic after 2-3 days, though full curing takes about 6-12 months. Paver surfaces can generally be walked on immediately and support vehicle traffic once base compaction and joint sand are complete, usually within a day or two.

The leading causes are water infiltration into the base layer, freeze-thaw cycling, UV degradation from sun exposure, and age-related oxidation of the asphalt binder. Small cracks should be sealed promptly — left untreated, they let water into the base layer and accelerate pothole formation.

Isolated cracks, potholes, and minor settling can usually be patched or resurfaced. Full replacement becomes the better option when damage covers a large percentage of the surface, the base layer has failed, or drainage problems are causing repeated, widespread deterioration.

Yes. Paving projects come with a labor warranty, typically 2 to 5 years for asphalt and 5 to 15 years for paver installations, depending on the scope and materials used.

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