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.
General & Pricing
Is Solid Brickinc licensed and insured?
Do you provide free estimates?
How quickly can you respond to my inquiry?
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.
Do you offer financing options?
Can you handle multiple services on the same project?
Masonry Services
How much does masonry work cost?
How do I know if my brick wall needs repointing or replacing?
What is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
Do you need a permit for masonry work?
How long does masonry work take?
Roofing & Roof Installation
How much does a new roof installation cost?
How long does a roof installation take?
What is the best roofing material for my home?
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Can you install a roof over the existing one?
Do you offer a warranty on roof installations?
Waterproofing
How much does waterproofing cost?
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.
How do I know if I need waterproofing?
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.
What's the difference between waterproofing and damp-proofing?
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.
Can you waterproof from the inside if I can't excavate outside?
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.
Do you offer a warranty on waterproofing work?
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
How much does stucco installation cost?
How do I know if my stucco needs repair?
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
What's the difference between stucco and EIFS?
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.
Can stucco be repaired without redoing the whole wall?
How long does stucco last?
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.
Do you offer a warranty on roof installations?
Painting
How much does exterior painting cost?
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.
How much does interior painting cost?
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.
How long does exterior paint last?
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.
Do I need to prime before painting?
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.
Can you paint over wallpaper or existing paint?
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.
Do you offer color consultation?
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
How much does siding installation cost?
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.
How do I know if I need new siding or just repairs?
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.
What's the most durable siding material?
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.
Can new siding be installed over old siding?
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.
Does new siding help with energy efficiency?
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.
Do you offer a warranty on siding work?
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
How much does paving cost?
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.
What's the difference between asphalt and paver driveways?
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.
How long does new paving need to cure before use?
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.
Why does my asphalt have cracks and potholes?
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.
Can you repair paving or does it need full replacement?
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.
Do you offer a warranty on paving work?
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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