_____________________________________________ Masonry & Brick Related Repairs - Getting Consultations Masonry / Stucco Contractors Submit a masonry or stucco project to find a contractor. According to mainstream thought, having a brick sided structure means a more permanent solution. However this is open to debate according to opinions within the masonry industry. If your brick is beginning to show signs of failure, think about having a professional assessment concerning your brick. But note that even among professionals and masons, their ideas, opinions and suggestions may differ. In any way, if you find yourself in the possession of spare bricks to match your structure, it's probably best not to store these units outdoors. These too will experience deterioration and they should be unweathered for purposes of setting. Keep them dry. Consult with the professional sealing you brick and in particular, what they would advise if anything for horizontal or walking surfaces [for which there are seperate schools of thought developed]. Some favor the belief that certain horizontal surfaces should not be sealed. An example would be pavers that are installed in such a way that moisture could migrate upward. Becoming trapped at the surface by the sealer itself. On the whole, get a feel for what is accepted and what may be excessive wear or deterioration for your masonry. Common areas of contention are; cup cracking at corner foundations and step cracking off lintels. Other areas such as sheer cracking appearing diagonally though brick courses present mere severe possibilities. While yet others represent only a matter of what you're willing to live with.