Crumbling mortar between the bricks, a chimney that leans or leaks, a patio that has heaved after the winter. Problems like these rarely fix themselves, and water makes them worse every season. Silva Construction Pro is a masonry contractor in Saugus, MA with 20+ years of experience working with brick, stone and concrete in New England’s climate. Request a free estimate below, or call (978) 239-4443.
Licensed in Massachusetts: HIC #213421 · CSL #123919 | Fully licensed and insured | 20+ years of experience | Rated 5.0 on Google
Built to last. Crafted to inspire.
Crumbling mortar between the bricks, a chimney that leans or leaks, a patio that has heaved after the winter. Problems like these rarely fix themselves, and water makes them worse every season. Silva Construction Pro is a masonry contractor in Saugus, MA with 20+ years of experience working with brick, stone and concrete in New England’s climate. Request a free estimate below, or call (978) 239-4443.
Licensed in Massachusetts: HIC #213421 · CSL #123919 | Fully licensed and insured | 20+ years of experience | Rated 5.0 on Google
Built to last. Crafted to inspire.
Brick, stone and concrete are among the most durable building materials there are. The weakest part is the mortar between them, and New England is hard on it. Rain and snowmelt soak into mortar joints, freeze, expand and push the joint apart a little more each winter. Once the joint opens, water reaches the bricks and everything behind them.
That is why brick and stone last for decades or even centuries when they are maintained, and fails early when small problems are ignored. A gap you can slide a coin into is cheap to fix today and expensive to fix after a full winter of freeze and thaw.
Masonry services we provide
- Brick and stone repair: we repair crumbling mortar, replace damaged bricks or stones, restore structural integrity and match existing materials so repairs blend in.
- Chimney repair and rebuilding: we repair chimney crowns, replace deteriorated bricks, rebuild chimneys from the roofline up, and install chimney caps and flashing to keep water out.
- Tuckpointing: we remove deteriorated mortar and replace it with fresh mortar to restore strength and stop water infiltration.
- Outdoor features: we design and build patios, walkways, steps, retaining walls and decorative garden walls, and we can add fireplaces, chimneys and outdoor kitchens.
- Foundation work: we repair foundation cracks and replace damaged foundation blocks to protect your home's structural stability.
Tuckpointing means removing the deteriorated mortar between bricks or stones and replacing it with fresh mortar. It is necessary because mortar breaks down over time through weather exposure, freeze-thaw cycles and age. Done on time, it restores structural integrity, prevents water from getting in and improves the look of the whole wall.
A simple check you can do yourself: press a key or a screwdriver tip into the mortar joint. If it sinks in or the mortar crumbles, the joint has lost its strength. Also look for gaps, missing pieces and bricks that have started to loosen or flake.
Signs your chimney or brickwork needs attention
- Crumbling or missing mortar, or gaps between bricks and stones.
- Bricks that are flaking, cracked or loose.
- A leaning chimney, or a cracked chimney crown at the top.
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney (the drywall and plaster repair comes after the leak is fixed).
- White, powdery residue on brick, which is a sign that moisture is moving through the wall.
- Cracks in the foundation or in walkways and patios.
Chimneys deserve extra attention because they sit fully exposed on the roofline. Failed flashing or a cracked crown lets water into the structure below, and that water often shows up as damage inside the house long before anyone looks at the chimney.
A hardscape is only as good as what is under it. A patio or walkway that settles or heaves usually has a base problem, not a surface problem. That is why the first step on a new build is site preparation: leveling and a proper foundation. Then comes material selection, where we help you choose between brick, stone and concrete based on how the space is used, how it should look and what your budget allows.
Retaining walls and steps add another layer: they hold soil, manage water and keep a slope from moving. Drainage behind the wall matters as much as the wall itself. The result is a structure that looks good on day one and is still straight after a decade of winters. Once it is built, occasional pressure washing keeps moss and stains out of the joints.
Mortar and concrete need dry weather and temperatures above freezing to cure properly, so spring through early fall is the working season. Fall is the most important moment for repair: fixing mortar, chimney crowns and flashing before the first freeze keeps water from turning into winter damage. If you notice a problem in winter, call anyway. We can assess it and plan the repair for the first good window, so it does not get worse in the meantime.
How we build and repair masonry
- Site preparation: leveling and a solid foundation.
- Material selection: brick, stone or concrete, matched to the job.
- Construction: skilled craftsmanship built for durability.
- Finishing: sealing for longevity.
- Inspection: a final check on structural integrity.
The price depends on the scope: a few repointed joints cost very differently from a rebuilt chimney or a new patio. Access matters, including how high the work is and how hard the area is to reach. So do the material you choose, the condition of what is behind the damaged mortar and whether the job needs structural work or a permit.
A free estimate is the fastest way to a real number. Tell us what you see and we will price that work for you. Request your quote online or call (978) 239-4443.
Our office is at 96 Main St in Saugus, and we work across the North Shore, Greater Boston and southern New Hampshire. Find your town on our service areas page.
Massachusetts: Saugus, Lynn, Peabody, Revere, Malden, Danvers, Beverly, Salem, Boston, Haverhill, Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury.
New Hampshire: Salem, Nashua and Manchester.
What services do you offer?
Brick and stone repair, chimney repair and rebuilding, tuckpointing, outdoor features such as patios, walkways, steps and retaining walls, and foundation work.
What is tuckpointing and why is it necessary?
It is replacing deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar. Mortar breaks down from weather and freeze-thaw cycles, and tuckpointing restores strength and stops water infiltration.
How long does masonry work last?
Properly installed and maintained, brick and stone can last for decades or even centuries. Periodic tuckpointing and sealing keep it strong and looking good.
Can you repair a leaning or leaking chimney?
Yes. We repair chimney crowns, replace deteriorated bricks, rebuild from the roofline up and install caps and flashing to stop water damage.
Can you match my existing brick or stone?
We match existing materials so repairs blend in. Bring it up during the estimate and we will look at the wall in person.
Is fall a good time for brick and stone repair?
It is one of the best. Fixing mortar, crowns and flashing before the first freeze keeps water from turning into winter damage.
Do you build patios, walkways and retaining walls?
Yes. We build patios, walkways, steps, retaining walls and decorative garden walls, starting with proper leveling and a solid foundation.
How much does masonry work cost?
It depends on scope, height, access, materials and condition. A free estimate gives you a real number. Call (978) 239-4443.
Start Your Masonry Quote or call (978) 239-4443.
Silva Construction Pro · 96 Main St, Saugus, MA 01906 · Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM