Reading Bricklayers (RG1): If your property in Reading needs a bit of remodeling the likelihood is that you will have to employ a variety of different tradesmen to undertake the project correctly. Most typically you'll probably need the help of a tiler, a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician, a builder, a plasterer, or any mix of these specialists. This isn't a complete list and all will depend on the form of remodeling you are doing. Quite a few assignments may possibly require a bit of brickwork (a replacement chimney for instance), and if bricks need laying you are going to require assistance from a bricklayer. The correct laying of bricks is not an easy job and except if you are confident in your ability to do this, you need to call for some assistance. You will find loads of bricklayers working in the Reading area, however if you want the job accomplished properly you should track down a decent one who meets with your expectations.
In the case of getting bricks laid you should not try and get things done on the cheap, because this really is a task which needs to be carried out competently. Even though it is sometimes entirely possible to get a decent brickwork job done in Reading by a handyman type individual, it is usually wise to contact someone who's an experienced bricklayer who you can depend on. By doing this you can be certain that any work is going to be good quality.
Any qualified bricklayer should be able to offer the best advice about every aspect of a brickwork assignment in Reading, for example useful guidance on timeframes, costings, and materials. This could be for anything from a brick barbecue to a full scale home extension. Reap the benefits of this expertise and use it wisely.
He or she additionally be conscious of such areas that us unqualified novices would maybe not really think of, like water run-off, humidity control, thermal insulation properties of different brick types and how to avert rainwater seepage. Each of these issues are particularly critical for exterior building and conservatory walls in Reading and the correct size foundations are a must for all construction jobs. Not deep enough or too narrow and the brickwork is in danger of being unbalanced and toppling over.
Your average unskilled bricklayer isn't going to know about all these points and could turn out sub-standard brickwork which is not fit for purpose. Whereas a certified tradesperson will not even have to waste a second thinking about the right way to accomplish any individual bricklaying task, and will automatically carefully consider all situations. You should get someone you're able to trust to do this type of work and choosing any "cowboy" bricklayer who comes along is never a good option. Pay a fair price and employ a skilled tradesperson and you won't regret it in the long term.
The advantages of using a certified Reading bricklayer are totally obvious, and include the fact that a seasoned craftsman will be well aware of the correct practices in relation to the current health and safety regulations, should be able to competently tackle any bricklaying projects that you need, and will have all the necessary equipment and tools required to complete the work in a professional and safe manner.
Qualified Reading bricklayers will probably have been through rigorous training to reach the point where they are today. This may possibly have included starting out as an apprentice bricklayer, gaining day to day on site experience, going to a local college on day release, and finally sitting examinations to gain the required qualifications (City & Guilds or NVQ's). Before work starts they will visit your home to look at what is needed, offer you peace of mind by giving guarantees for any work carried out, provide you with an estimate for the work discussed, and provide photographs of work they have previously accomplished.
When looking for a local Reading bricklayer, it should be regarded as an added bonus if you're able to discover one who's a member of a relevant professional trade body, like the Fair Trade Association, the Federation of Master Builders, the Guild of Builders and Contractors, the National Federation of Builders or the British Standard Institution (BSI). Having an affiliation like this should give you extra confidence in your chosen bricklayer, and establish that they have really got their claimed experience and qualifications. It also provides you with someone to complain to, should they do an inferior job.
Brick Ponds Reading
An unusual project that bricklayers in Reading are occasionally requested to do, is the construction of a brick garden pond. An option for creating a pond that avoids the requirement for digging out a hole, and that can be executed with much less mess and disturbance, this would generally be in the form of a raised brick wall with the pond liner inside.
An exceedingly beautiful feature for your garden in Reading, a raised brick pond will definitely grab the attention of your neighbours and friends. Although they do need some maintenance, fish ponds can provide you with an enormous amount of pleasure, and with a fountain installed you can experience the comforting effect of flowing water.
You might already have spotted brickwork ponds in people's gardens around Reading, and normally they'll be regular in shape, yet you shouldn't be limited by this, because you can in truth build a pond in pretty much any shape your heart desires. So, come up with a completely unique idea that will be the envy of your friends, by putting on your thinking cap and having a chat with your bricklayer about what is possible.
It is best to use a tradesman with experience in building ponds if you're looking to have a brick or stone pond built on your property, therefore to verify that they have previous experience in this process, ask to see images of work accomplished. (Tags: Brick Pond Reading, Brick Ponds Reading, Brick Garden Ponds Reading, Raised Brick Ponds Reading).
Ashlar Wall Reading
Recognisable due to their clean, square edges and smooth, even faces, Ashlar blocks can be used to produce an authentic looking stone wall much more cheaply than a traditional quarried stone wall. Ashlar blocks can appear very nearly seamless since the joints don't need to be any more than 3mm. Able to be manufactured in practically any colour, Ashlar walling is ideal for the majority of refurbishment projects in Reading. The lower cost of Ashlar walling clearly makes it appealing and the outcome is typically more accurate than it would be with natural stone. (Tags: Ashlar Reading, Ashlar Blocks Reading, Ashlar Walling Reading, Stone Cladding Reading).
Brick Cleaning Reading
Before you begin cleaning your brick walls in Reading, ensure that you are using the correct cleaning solution. Muriatic acid can cause serious damage to brickwork, and must be used with care. Always follow manufacturer directions for dilution ratios. Also, never use high-pressure washers or metallic brushes, as these can alter the look of your brickwork. If you aren't sure of how to clean brick walls, consult a professional Reading bricklayer.
Before beginning, make certain that you've got goggles, gloves and other safety equipment. A boric acid cleaner can be applied using a sponge or brush. After you have mixed the acid cleaner, you should use water to thoroughly rinse the brickwork. Do not allow the solution sit on the bricks for too long, and scrub them with small, circular motions until the brickwork is clean.
Using a bleach mixture is another effective method for cleaning brickwork. This solution will get rid of any mould, mildew and moss that has built up on your brickwork. You can use a sponge to clean the hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a natural-bristle brush to remove the obstinate stains.
Whilst you can use a normal garden hose and spray nozzle to clean the outside of the brick, you should avoid applying a bleach solution to areas that get hardly any sunlight. Moss and mould will be more inclined to adhere to a brick surface if it hasn't been exposed to sunlight, so you should soak the brick before applying the bleach solution to it. It's also vital to use a natural-bristle brush for cleaning the brick. Wire brushes can leave scratches and scuffs behind that can damage the brick and leave unsightly marks. If you have any doubts always get advice from an experienced bricklayer. (Tags: Brickwork Cleaning Reading, Brick Cleaning Services Reading, Brick Cleaning Reading).
RSJ Installation Reading
If a new home is being constructed, or when structural modifications are being done on an existing property in Reading, it may be necessary to deploy an RSJ steel beam - in particular if you're taking out a wall that's load-bearing. This is definitely a task that your local Reading bricklayer will be happy to help you with.
Any RSJ installation that you do requires building regulations approval, so you'll need the advice an architect or structural engineer, as well as a highly qualified builder or bricklayer to put it in. Any errors in the installation of an RSJ can have an affect on the building's structural integrity, which could easily cause injuries or maybe even fatalities if the entire thing collapses.
What do the initials RSJ mean? - Rolled Steel Joist.
Chimney Repair Reading
Keeping an eye on the condition of your chimney stack is advisable seeing that it's at risk of being damaged because of its continuous exposure to the effects of the weather. Staying abreast of this situation will allow you to avoid the need for costly rebuilding further down the line. Upkeep jobs that frequently need to be done on chimney stacks include things such as; flashing repairs, the repointing of mortar joints, replacing or securing chimney pots and gas cowls, or bricking up unused chimneys and flues. Most Reading bricklayers will be happy to assist you with all or most of these assignments.
Block Paving Reading
Many Reading bricklayers will also be willing to give you a price for laying block paving for driveways, patios and pathways, which is a kind of "mortarless" bricklaying. Block paving is also commonly offered by landscapers and gardeners, but with their systematic approach to their work, and greater understanding of materials and construction, you can anticipate that a bricklayer will do a better job.
A sub-base of no less than 100mm, a sharp sand layer of at least 50mm is required for block paving, and both have to be adequately compacted down with a wacker to produce a stable surface on which to lay the blocks. When the blockwork is completed, kiln dried jointing sand must be brushed well into the joints. Once three or four months have passed and the block paved area has settled down completely a top quality block paving sealer can be applied.
This thoughtful attention to detail should give you a block paved area that will stay level and solid years to come. Block paving services are also available in Pangbourne, Calcot, Binfield Heath, Caversham Heights, Whitley, Tokers Green, Englefield, Theale, West Reading, Pingewood, Sulham, Tidmarsh, Sonning, Purley on Thames, Trench Green, Norcot, Caversham, Chazey Heath, Shinfield, Southcote, Mapledurham, Play Hatch, Emmer Green, Dunsden Green, and in Reading itself. (Tags: Driveways Reading, Block Paving Reading, Paved Driveways Reading, Blockwork Reading).
Home Extensions Reading
One of the principal assignments that bricklayers in Reading are seen doing is home extensions. With a continual need to have additional space, the demand for extensions is prevalent. The bricklayer will carry out almost all of the work required for a home extension, besides the floor and roof. Determined by who exactly you hire to undertake the project, your bricklayer may be working as an employee of a building company or alone. After the foundations have been laid, the bricklayer will begin work laying the blocks and bricks and forming windows and doorways as stipulated on the project plans. It's vital that the bricklayer lays bricks which complement those of the existing house, in doing this the completed new extension should appear as if part of the principal structure.
Brick Barbecues Reading
On those lovely hot summertime evenings it's wonderful to be able to spend some time outside, and obviously the natural thought process for a lot of homeowners in Reading, when the weather's nice, is to fire up the BBQ. Needless to say, if it is the first time you have dragged out your BBQ since last year, you may find it is ramshackle, rusty and entirely unsuitable for cooking on. Perhaps its time to bring in a local bricklayer to build you your very own barbie, so you can get the burgers and drumsticks on anytime you feel the need. This may not be the cheapest option though, and the construction materials alone will likely cost at least two or three hundred quid, plus the labour costs can also be substantial, with the work taking 1 or 2 days, subject to its complexity. Naturally the reward is that your barbie will always be there when you need it, the climate is going to have very little impact on it, and your solid brickwork structure will look terrific and give good service for a considerable period of time. (Tags: Brick Built Barbeques Reading, Brick Barbecue Reading, Brick BBQ Reading)
Brick Fireplaces Reading
A brick fireplace is a warming and welcoming feature to have in any property in Reading. From an inglenook fireplace surrounding a cast iron wood burning stove, to a majestic open fire with a grate, where the flames sway and dance to produce a welcoming glow around your room, a brick fireplace is one of those features many Reading homeowners dream of having.
Existing brick fireplaces in older houses may require a little help in restoring them back to former glory, or in certain cases, complete removal and rebuilding; in any event, seek advice from your local Reading bricklayer before beginning any project. A degree of care must be taken when restoring a fireplace because they are often helping to support the full weight of the chimney with their construction. You will need special supporting equipment to keep the structural integrity intact if you are taking away any of the fireplace bricks during renovation work. A competent bricklayer in Reading will be able to carry out repairs and renovations in a controlled and safe way, to leave you with an extremely attractive brick fireplace. How to Build a Brick Fireplace
Chimney Breast Removal Reading
Removing a chimney breast from a house, is a task that bricklayers in Reading are often asked to carry out. Why take out a chimney breast? You might well be asking. Well, in most cases it would be to gain some valuable extra space in a house that no longer has any use for a fireplace (i.e. because you have central heating installed).
In some instances this can be a very simple challenge because many homes in Reading have false fireplaces which were only put in with aesthetics in mind. With authentic fireplaces, where the breast is an important part of your property's structure, specialist assistance will be necessary, and as well as a bricklayer to skillfully dismantle the chimney breast you'll need to call on the expertise of a structural engineer or architect.
An experienced bricklayer will be able to suggest measures for its removal, and inform you whether you need an engineer. To hold up any brickwork and masonry above it, you will likely need to have an RSJ installed. The brickwork which forms the chimney breast can then be removed safely and the affected area got ready for redecoration. (Tags: Chimney Breast Removal Reading, Remove Chimney Breast Reading, Removing Chimney Breasts Reading).
Brick Repointing Reading
You may not only need a bricklayer for building new brickwork in Reading, you could also need to use one for repairing worn and decaying walls as in the case of repointing. When subjected to the weather for many years, brickwork and particularly mortar joints is likely to get damaged and worn. Chipping out and replacing those joints is known as repointing. If you have repointing work that urgently needs attention in Reading, you'd be smart to hire a trained bricklayer rather than a handyman. Making certain that anyone who tackles your re-pointing knows exactly what they are up to is essential, because incorrectly repointed brickwork is going to look dreadful. (Tags: Repointing Brickwork Reading, Brickwork Repointing Reading, Pointing Reading, Brick Repointing Reading).
Brick and Flint Walls Reading
For your boundary or garden wall in Reading, an eye-popping alternative to an ordinary brick wall could be a brick and knapped flint wall. It is definitely worth thinking about if you're searching for a wall in Reading that really stands out from the rest, and you would be in decent company, since flint has been employed in all sorts of construction projects since Roman times.
The majority of brick and flint walls comprise a brick surround with flint panels to add colour and character. Although these types of walls can be constructed anywhere providing that a good source of flint can be obtained, they're more widespread in regions where there are good supplies of flint.
Given that this is a rather specialist craft, not all Reading bricklayers will be trained in the construction of brick and flint walls, so before employing a tradesperson for this type of work, you should always ask to see proof of walls they have previously worked on.
Coming Next:
Bricking-up doorways - article 132.
Near Reading
Also find: Whitley bricklayers, Tidmarsh bricklayers, Pangbourne bricklayers, West Reading bricklayers, Pingewood bricklayers, Norcot bricklayers, Binfield Heath bricklayers, Mapledurham bricklayers, Englefield bricklayers, Purley on Thames bricklayers, Trench Green bricklayers, Shinfield bricklayers, Caversham Heights bricklayers, Sulham bricklayers, Theale bricklayers, Calcot bricklayers, Chazey Heath bricklayers, Emmer Green bricklayers, Southcote bricklayers, Tokers Green bricklayers, Play Hatch bricklayers, Caversham bricklayers, Dunsden Green bricklayers, Sonning bricklayers and more. All of these places are served by professional bricklayers. Reading property owners can get price quotes by going here.
Bricklaying Tasks Reading
Reading bricklayers will likely help you with brick driveways, stonework, helical pillars, building up gable ends in Reading, brick piers, house building Reading, curved brick walls in Reading, brickwork walkways in Reading, brick fireplaces, brickwork extensions, honeycomb sleeper walls, radius walls, brick garden walls in Reading, brickwork retaining walls, chimney breast removal Reading, boundary walls, Flemish bond brickwork, bricking-up windows Reading, damaged brickwork restoration, stone cladding, brick ponds, glass blockwork in Reading, installing cavity trays, brick cornices in Reading, brick bay windows, Ashlar walling Reading, brick walls, brick steps Reading, brick landscaping, opening-up doorways in Reading, brick barbecues Reading, bricklaying services, bedding in DPCs, brick buttresses, brickwork corners Reading and other bricklaying tasks in Reading, Berkshire. These are just a small portion of the activities that are undertaken by local bricklayers. Reading specialists will be happy to inform you of their entire range of services.
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