Category — Stones & Bricks

There’s nothing quite as attractive as brick for bringing a classic look to a house. Brick veneer has become an oft-used option for modern homebuilders to reduce costs, while still retaining the look that brick offers. This construction method uses standard stick-framed walls, while placing a veneer layer of brick over the outside walls. This results in quicker (and cheaper) construction, while still giving the appearance of a full brick house. Unfortunately, this method presents inherent problems- namely, moisture entering the bricks. Therefore, waterproofing brick veneer is a necessity for all aspects of upkeep, appearance and structural stability.

When a brick veneer wall is left untreated, moisture will seep into the interior walls, especially around window frames. Additionally, the moisture will begin to degrade both the appearance and performance of the brick veneer. White stains (known as “Efflorescence”) may appear on the brick; they are the result of water dissolving the natural substances in the brick. More importantly, this moisture will freeze within the brick and expand. This causes a condition known as “Spalling” and will cause the brick to crumble and flake. Waterproofing brick veneer prevents both of these conditions by preventing the buildup of moisture.

While it is true that brick veneer walls will (under the best conditions only) tend to absorb and evaporate liquid on their own- that is, without any waterproof coating- homeowners cannot ensure that their brick veneer can always handle the demands that the environment places on it. The smart and sensible solution is to take steps to prevent this moisture as much as possible, in the best manner available.

There are a countless number of products that can be found for waterproofing brick veneer. However, some of these products can do far more harm than good; all-purpose surface sealers may seem like a good idea, but they are commonly acrylic or silicone based. These materials (when applied for the purpose of waterproofing brick veneer) will prevent water vapor from escaping from the interior of the house, and will therefore cause spalling.

So what’s the solution? The best waterproofing tips for brick all recommended the use of a penetrating siloxane based sealer. Siloxane is a waterproofing material for brick that allows the sealant to chemically bond itself to the brick. This process allows the brick to be impenetrable against liquid water, while still allowing it to breath- and therefore greatly reduces the chances of spalling or any other damage to your brick veneer.

By following these guidelines, you can be sure that your brick veneer is safe for years to come, and that it will provide long-lasting performance. Your house’s beautiful exterior can be easily preserved by following these tips for waterproofing brick veneer.

Many homeowners are starting to add the ornamental pond to their property in order to enhance the overall look and feel associated with the home. While there are many different types of decorative small ponds that can be created, the Waukesha white stone wallstone pond is becoming one of the most sought after designs when it comes to ornamental ponds. Here, I will provide some basic insight on how you can go about creating a Waukesha white stone wallstone pond.

The Basics

When creating a wallstone pond with Waukesha white stone, it is important to know and understand that you will need a few basic supplies. First, of course, you will need an amount of Waukesha white stone that is relevant to the size of the pond that you are creating. For a basic ten by ten pond, you may need anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pieces of white stone. It all depends on the depth of the pond, and the size of Waukesha stone that you elect to use. You will also need some cement mix, as well as the tools that are required to lay and layer the cement that you will use.

Simple Construction

Once you have gathered your Waukesha white stone and the cement that is necessary to create your pond, it is time to get ready to construct your decorative pond. The simplest construction involves the ornamental pond that is circular in shape. You will want to outline the area where you will place the pond and lay down a section of cement. Once the circle has been filled, you should lay your first line of Waukesha white stone all the way around the circle. It is important that each piece of stone is stuck down into the cement so when it dries, it will be sturdy. This is when you should connect a small drainage pipe on the structure. This will allow water to drain when you feel the need to clean the structure.

Once the initial cement and line of Waukesha white stone completely dries and is set, you can place a layer of cement on top of these stones and then add the second layer. It is important that you continue this trend, until all of the stones are placed in such a manner that your depth is achieved. Once this is done, you should then allow the cement to dry. Once the cement on the Waukesha white stones are dry, you should then place cement inside the dimension of the pond.

It is important to ensure that this is set as smooth and evenly as possible. Once this is dry, you can then add a basic pond liner and a cap to the end of the drainage pipe that you installed earlier. You are then ready to fill and decorate your pond with plants, and other items! Once this is done, you have successfully finished your Waukesha white stone decorative wallstone pond!

Cleaning a headstone can be fun and also profitable. Fun in regards to the peace & pleasure one will receive from working to clean up the memorial of a loved one. Profitable in the way of making good money offering this service once this skill is learned. The good news is that the skill of cleaning headstones can be learned real quickly.

How to clean a headstone…

First you must determine what type of material the headstone is made of. Just because we call them a “headstone” doesn’t necessarily mean they are made of stone although generally they are. Headstones can be made from metals (typically bronze) or out of just about any other type of long lasting material. This information however will only cover metal and stone types of grave makers.

To find out the type of stone or metal we can look at a few things. Number one appearance. Using your basic knowledge what does the stone look like? Color and textures will tell you a lot. Second, you can also tell the type of stone by the date. Certain types of stones or metal were more popular depending on the era of burial. Finally, if you aren’t confidant with your previous judgments, you can ask a cemetery caretaker their opinion and chances are they will be spot on. Whatever you do, nail down the type of headstone before you begin the cleaning as different materials require different methods.

Next, you will want to know what you want to clean. Is the stone just a few years old and slightly dull due to dirt, debris or hard water? Or is the stone several years old and in need of several different treatments to remove perhaps moss and lichens or other naturals stains? Is the material faded and in need of a deep cleaning and polish? Determining what you need done will help you know what supplies are need and what processes to use.

When it comes to the work itself don’t be bashful. Most of these markers are not as delicate as they seem; however, here are a few warnings and suggestions.

Be sure the stone is stable. You do not want to knock it over or break off any pieces. If a stone is crumbling chances are you will not be able to clean it with out causing further damage. Also, be sure to test out any type of chemical or cleaning solvent on a small area before covering the more visible parts of the headstone. Look for any type of reaction or color change before you continue. If using chemical based products, always keep nearby vegetation safe by wiping up and away said chemicals before they hit the ground, and always follow product instructions using the proper safety equipment as called for.

Your knowledge of headstone cleaning will grow as you work with the different types of materials including marble, granite, bronze, and limestone. As you become well first in grave tending, you can offer your services and make a handsome profit.

Limestone is very durable and is an extremely good choice for a fireplace!

However, limestone is also rather soft and relatively porous, so it does require care from the householder to prevent stains and grubby marks spoiling the surface – especially for new limestone fireplaces!

A few important points for first time buyers!

Your limestone fireplace should be chemically sealed with a good quality sealant. The better sealants do not change the colour of the limestone to any degree, but prevent easy penetration of possible stains from getting into the stone. Your fireplace supplier should either seal your fireplace for you, (probably at extra cost) or provide a tin of liquid sealant for you to paint over the surface yourself (also probably at extra cost). These sealants cost around £20 or more per tin, so if you see one for much less, don’t use it, as it may not be good enough, and could darken your limestone fireplace colour!

If you have a limestone hearth, this should be sealed twice. Leave the first coat to completely dry and then add the second. Make sure you do not apply too much sealer, as this could cause a change to the surface if soaked!

You may have to repeat the complete sealing process after about six months or a year, especially if the fireplace is for solid fuel. After that, your limestone fireplace will probably not require any further chemical sealing.

Cleaning Limestone Fireplaces

The best way to clean off a grubby mark from your limestone fireplace is simply to use a clean cotton cloth dampened with very dilute washing up liquid. Do not soak the stone though!

If you have coffee or wine etc, spill onto your limestone fireplace surface don’t panic, just clean it off thoroughly with a dampened cloth and everything should be fine.

A number of things not to do:

1. Never use wax or spray polishes on a limestone fireplace, as these products can darken the surface of the limestone and create patches.
2. Never use kitchen or bathroom cleaners, as they could react with the limestone surface.
3. Never allow cigarettes to be placed on the stone surface, the heat could cause a brown scar.
4. Never stand vases with flowers directly on the limestone surface, as this could cause a permanent ring mark!
5. Never stand red wine, tea or coffee etc, directly on your limestone fireplace -stains and ring marks could result!
6. Never stand coal or logs directly on the fireplace surface – damage and stains may result!
7. Never plaster down to, or on to a limestone fireplace – the stone will take up colour from the plaster.

The above list of “don’t do’s” for limestone, can also be found here on the Money Saving Expert Forum, as I posted it there in the first instance, prior to writing this article!

Real Fires, Limestone Fireplaces and Cracking caused by heat!It is important to be aware that limestone can crack from the heat of a real fire!

A limestone hearth section, which is close to a real fire can become extremely hot, whilst the edges of the hearth can stay relatively cool. Given the right length of time, a limestone hearth, is virtually guaranteed to crack!

There are things you can do to overcome this type of problem… One of the most common, is to have a limestone hearth cut / sectioned and re-sealed for real fire use!

To achieve this, the hearth is cut into a number of sections, and then reassembled with joins… These joins act as expansion joints. In addition to this, the hearth is normally then backed by high temperature cement, for extra protection!

The joints in the hearth should now prevent the stress spreading across the surface and therefore prevent the hearth from cracking – a heat plate could also be used, to assist in protecting the limestone from the heat and scratches.