82 Contracting Inc.

Summer is on the way! Time to build that Fire Pit!

Stonework at Bliss Restaurant - East Setauket

#TipTuesday - Masonry Fireplaces Vs. Prefab Fireplaces -One of the biggest differences between a masonry and a prefabricated fireplace and chimney is that a masonry fireplace and chimney system will typically last longer than a prefabricated fireplace. When properly designed, constructed, and maintained, masonry fireplaces and chimneys can withstand decades of heat and fire abuse. The bricks and mortar may begin to crumble over the span of many years, but as long as you have regular maintenance and a professional water repellent coating applied to your masonry system, it will add warmth, enjoyment, and value to your home well into the future.

Tip for maintaining your brick driveway - A brick driveway can be a time-consuming and expensive driveway to have installed, so proper maintenance is especially important to help it last longer and looking great. Remove Grass or Weeds: At least once a week, take a walk over your driveway and remove any weeds or grass that may have started to grow in between the bricks. This is the first step to proper maintenance of your brick driveway. Sweeping: Brick driveways will regularl...y buildup lots of dirt and mud in between the bricks. Buy yourself a good outdoor sweeper and get on a regular schedule of sweeping your driveway to remove excess dirt from between the bricks. This will keep it from packing down and making for a more difficult cleaning process. Power Washing or Wet Cleaning: You can wet-clean your brick driveway by using a hard bristle brush, hot water and a few drops of soap detergent. Scrub well then rinse with a garden hose. For more tough stains, you may need to use a power washer. Be warned: Do not use a power washer if you have any loose pavers. This will cause the water to go underneath and risk more bricks becoming loose.