Helpful Renovation & Maintenance Tips
Brick & Concrete • Restoration • Roofing • Home Care
We’ve been in business for more than 12 years; combined with our decades of knowledge, and understanding of modern techniques and technology, we’re here to answer questions – check out the information below in our blog for helpful tips and information.
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As passionate landscape designers, we're always excited to talk about the transformative power of modern hardscaping. Often overlooked, hardscaping—the integration of non-living elements such as stone…
Round or Circular Shape
One popular shape for a fire pit is the traditional round or circle design. This shape lends to a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, presenting a symmetrical, uniform design t…
This article will guide you through creating the perfect fire pit area for your outdoor gatherings. We'll cover everything from choosing the right location to setting up seating, lighting, and decor. …
Your outdoor living space is a fantastic opportunity to extend your indoor area and create a functional and beautiful oasis that maximizes your outdoor living enjoyment. Whether you're looking to crea…
Mortar joints are an essential component of any masonry structure. They serve as the binding agent that holds bricks, stones, or concrete blocks together. However, over time, mortar joints can deterio…
Tuckpointing and repointing are two terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the process of repairing damaged mortar joints in masonry structures. While the two terms are related, they re…
How to repair mortar joints?
It's always crucial that you hire a professional to do this work, search your local area for a brick-mason, or mortar repair specialist. However, we know that sometimes…
So let's get started – get ready for an A+ in property management and elevate your yard game today!
As a homeowner or property manager, it's always exciting to enhance the outward appearance of you…
Why Choose N&M Restoration for Hardscapes?
N&M Restoration offers custom designs as well as installation services that will bring your vision to life. With over 39 years of experience in th…
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Before you begin any hardscape project, make sure that all of your measurements are accurate. When in doubt, double-check all measurements before cutting any material to ens…
A brick BBQ grill enclosure is an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen. This enclosure provides several advantages, such as added protection from wind and rain. They have better temperature contr…
What is Brick & Mortar Repair?
Brick and mortar repair involves replacing cracked or worn-out mortar with new material. This process helps to protect your pavers from water damage as well as pr…
Durability:
Cultured stone is highly resistant to fading and weathering. Which makes it a great choice for outdoor applications, where it can stand up to wear and tear from the elements.
Low Mai…
There are a few different methods you can use to fix cracked bricks or blocks: Mortar repair One of the most common methods for repairing cracked bricks orblocks is to use mortar to fill in the cracks…
If you want to restore the beauty of your bricks, it's important to give them a good cleaning. Here's how to do it: Start with a dry brush Use a dry brush or broom to sweep away any loose dirt or debr…
One of the most obvious signs that you need chimney repair is if you notice cracks or gaps in the brickwork. These cracks can allow water to enter the chimney, which can cause structural damage and cr…
So what is Epoxy?
Epoxy is a mixture of a polymer resin and a hardener. When the two meet there is a chemical reaction that bonds the two chemicals together along with the floor. This creates a ver…
Paver base - what is it?
Paver base is a material that you put under brick pavers to provide a solid foundation and ensure proper drainage. It can be made of various materials such as gravel, sand, or…
Break paver sealing step-by-step. What is it?
Should you seal brick pavers?
There are several things you need to take into consideration before you make a final decision, such as the climate in your …
FIBERGLASS BATT INSULATION
I figured we would start with the best-known product. When you say insulation most people will picture the pink rolls found at all home improvement stores. Just because i…
What to pay attention to when cleaning tiles?
When you think about how to clean tile floors, you should take into account a few things. Consider the type of tiles you have at home. They may be made of…
Stone Commercial Lintel
Quite a few commercial buildings use stone or concrete lintels because they add a nice look to the exterior of the building. They are not as strong as steel lintels and they…
Why is it worth investing in brick pavers?
Brick pavers are a very popular choice for patios and walkways because they are attractive, durable, and easy to maintain. They last longer than concrete and…
STAMPED CONCRETE IS IMPRINTED TO LOOK LIKE STONE OR BRICK
Imprinted concrete is another term for stamped concrete. Stamped concrete can look like stone, brick, tile, wood, or another material. The …
How to maintain the chimney
Regular chimney maintenance is the key to preventing damage and costly repairs. At least once a year, you should have your chimney inspected by a professional. They’ll b…
Poured concrete vs. pavers - cost and maintenance
The first thing you need to take into account when choosing between poured concrete vs. pavers is the cost of materials and installation. Pavers ar…
HOW IT WORKS
Stamped concrete is “stamped” to look like stone, wood, brick, and other materials. Each home receives a custom installation process that’s tailored to the owner’s unique needs. Here i…
WHAT DOES EXPOSED AGGREGATE MEAN?
Within most concrete mixtures is a collection of stones and other particles, covered by a top layer of cream. In the case of exposed aggregate concrete, that top l…
HOW CULTURED STONE IS MADE
Cultured stone is made from aggregate materials, cement, and pigment additives for coloration. Manufacturers create molds from natural stone or strategic mold designs, th…
WHAT DOES A CONCRETE OVERLAY DO?
An overlay goes on top of an existing concrete structure to give it a new appearance. Property owners typically choose this option because they want to update how t…
THE BEST TYPES OF MORTAR JOINTS – GROOVE JOINT OR CONCAVE JOINT
The best mortar joint style for moisture protection is the groove or concave joint. This is what you will see on most brick homes, wh…
1 – RESOLVE MOISTURE ISSUES BEFORE FINISHING THE BASEMENT
Moisture can quickly undo any work you put into your finished basements. We highly recommend basement waterproofing before you start the pr…
WHAT DOES CONCRETE SEALER DO?
Concrete sealer is a shield that protects your concrete from spills, UV rays, and more. The most common complaint about stamped concrete pool decks is color fading ove…
PROS OF CONVERTING A GARAGE TO A LIVING SPACE
The biggest benefit to converting a garage into a living space is the fact that you have more room to use day-to-day. Your kids can hang out in the liv…
BENEFITS OF MULTI-COLORED PATIO PAVERS
Here are some advantages of using more than one color in your patio design:
Add a focal point to a one-dimensional exterior. If you have a solid siding col…
PROS OF SEALING BRICK PAVERS
Brick paver sealant is designed to protect the surface of the pavers from water, UV rays, and other elements. Sealing your pavers can make them more durable, which prot…
How to Choose Floor Tiles for the Kitchen?
Avoid Busy Patterns for Floor Tiles
There is nothing wrong with having visual texture on your flooring, but try not to choose anything too busy. Chance…
The Function of a Retaining Wall
So, what is the purpose of a retaining wall? The primary function of a retaining wall is to hold back soil on a sloping piece of land. If there is a sharp drop from…
Determine the Functional Goal of the Walkout Basement Patio
The function should be at the forefront of your mind for any home improvement plan. Think about what you would want to use the patio for.…
Most Tile is not Waterproof on Its Own
There are many people who wonder: are floor tiles waterproof? The short answer is no. Most tile has some type of porosity, which means that tiny holes along t…
MOST CULTURED STONE IS SAFE FOR FIREPLACES
For the most part, stone is safe for fireplaces. This material can withstand heat just like brick or tile. However, there may be some issues with low-end …
CRACKED CHIMNEY FLUE TILES VS. CRACKED CHIMNEY BRICKS
When most people think about chimney cracks, they picture cracked brick on the chimney’s exterior. However, there is a second type of chimney c…
WHY DO BRICK PAVERS SHIFT?
There are a few reasons why brick pavers shift. Primarily, the shifting is the result of movement below the brick pavers. Michigan soil is mostly sand or clay-based. Wate…
Preparing chimney for winter – what you need to do
GET A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY INSPECTION AND CHIMNEY SWEEPING
This is the most important step in chimney preparation for winter. As you use your f…
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER WATER DRAINAGE
Yard flooding is more than just an eyesore. It can lead to structural issues in your home if it is not properly managed. Most drainage issues result in water…
Outdoor kitchen - what is it?
An outdoor kitchen is basically a kitchen that is located outside your house, in your backyard or on your patio. It can be a simple barbecue area with a grill and a sm…
Sweep your brick paver surface regularly
For the majority of circumstances, all you need to do is sweep your brick pavers. This will remove freestanding dirt that detracts from the beauty of the st…