ABrekke Solutions LLC

ABrekke Solutions LLC Stone Masonry Restoration

06/26/2026

Friday's job site inspection has officially been completed.

After a thorough inspection, he reported no major deficiencies, although he did recommend increasing the fly population around the job site.

Fortunately for everyone involved, Mortimer's role is strictly advisory.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! We'll be back next week sharing more masonry restoration projects, craftsmanship, and the occasional surprise visitor.

www.abrekkesolutions.com

Some people spend their day picking paint colors.Andrew spends his day matching mortar.When restoring masonry, finding t...
06/25/2026

Some people spend their day picking paint colors.

Andrew spends his day matching mortar.

When restoring masonry, finding the right mortar color isn't as simple as grabbing a bag off the shelf. Existing mortar can vary based on age, materials, weather exposure, and decades of wear.

That's why color matching is an important part of many restoration projects. The goal isn't just to repair the masonry—it's to help the repair blend naturally with the original structure.

Think of it as a giant masonry paint swatch... just with a lot more dust.

Follow ABrekke Solutions for more behind-the-scenes looks at masonry restoration, craftsmanship, and building preservation.

www.abrekkesolutions.com

06/24/2026

No, we're not opening a car wash. And no, we're not preparing for a drought.💦💦

One thing many people don't realize is that masonry often needs water before, during, and after mortar is installed. Proper moisture helps mortar cure slowly and develop the strength and durability it's designed to have.

When mortar dries too quickly, problems can occur.

That's why a lot of planning goes into every project—not just the brick and mortar, but the materials, weather conditions, power sources, and especially the water supply.

Good restoration is about more than laying mortar. It's about doing it right.

Follow ABrekke Solutions for more restoration projects, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes looks at the work most people never see.

www.abrekkesolutions.com

If you can't tell, the original window had reached the end of its life, 🫣 with significant deterioration in the surround...
06/23/2026

If you can't tell, the original window had reached the end of its life, 🫣 with significant deterioration in the surrounding materials. Before the window was removed, the masonry around the opening needed a lot of work before a replacement window could be installed.

Often with older buildings - water, time, and weather rarely affect just one component. Windows, masonry, sealants, flashing, and other building elements all work together. When one begins to fail, it can impact the others.

That's why restoration is about more than replacing materials—it's about maintaining your investment and keeping the building maintained for the next 100 years.

Own or manage an older masonry building? Follow ABrekke Solutions for more restoration projects, preservation insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at the work that keeps buildings standing strong.

Visit www.abrekkesolutions.com

Masonry Restoration Tip #47:If you come home looking like a powdered donut, you're probably making progress. 😜This is w...
06/22/2026

Masonry Restoration Tip #47:

If you come home looking like a powdered donut, you're probably making progress. 😜

This is what hours of cutting out old mortar looks like before fresh mortar can be laid back in. It's dusty work, but the right prep is one of the keys to a quality restoration.

Some people leave work with a tan - Andrew leaves work looking like he was excavated from an archaeological dig.

Follow ABrekke Solutions for more restoration projects, masonry insights, and occasional construction humor, 715-419-3789.

Not every restoration project involves rebuilding.Sometimes preserving a building means safely removing deteriorated mas...
06/21/2026

Not every restoration project involves rebuilding.

Sometimes preserving a building means safely removing deteriorated masonry before it becomes a larger problem.

On this project, Andrew and Shane carefully dismantled multiple courses of brick from a tall chimney structure that had deteriorated over time. Once the unstable masonry was removed, the chimney was properly capped to help protect the building from future moisture intrusion.

Projects like this require planning, patience, and a strong understanding of masonry construction. Every brick removed is evaluated, and every step is taken with the long-term health of the building in mind.

Sometimes the most important work isn't what you add—it's what you safely remove.

Have questions about masonry deterioration, restoration, or preservation? We'd be happy to discuss your project!

Sometimes the best brick for a restoration project is the brick that's already been there for decades.When possible, we ...
06/20/2026

Sometimes the best brick for a restoration project is the brick that's already been there for decades.

When possible, we try to salvage and reuse original brick rather than replace it. That often means carefully removing old mortar from each brick by hand using a combination of chisels, grinders, and other tools before the brick can be used again.

It's not the fastest part of the job.
It's not the easiest part of the job.

But preserving original materials can help maintain the character, appearance, and history of a building while allowing repairs to blend more naturally with the surrounding masonry.

Restoration isn't always about replacing what's old.
Sometimes it's about preserving what's worth saving.

Follow ABrekke Solutions for more behind-the-scenes looks at masonry restoration and building preservation.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DOBuildings are more than structures.They are businesses, churches, schools, landmarks, and gathering ...
06/19/2026

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Buildings are more than structures.
They are businesses, churches, schools, landmarks, and gathering places.
Helping preserve those buildings is something we take seriously.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their restoration projects over the years.

If your building needs masonry restoration, give me a call, 715-419-3789.

Have you ever noticed a white, chalky residue on brick and wondered what it was?This is called efflorescence.Efflorescen...
06/18/2026

Have you ever noticed a white, chalky residue on brick and wondered what it was?

This is called efflorescence.

Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through masonry and brings naturally occurring salts to the surface. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the white deposits you see in these photos.

The good news? The white residue itself usually isn't damaging the brick.

The important question is:

Where is the moisture coming from?

In many cases, efflorescence is a sign that water is moving through the wall. The source could be deteriorating mortar joints, failing sealants, flashing issues, drainage problems, or other moisture-related concerns.

The white staining is often the building's way of telling you to take a closer look.

Have questions about your masonry or noticed something similar on your building? Have a chat with Andrew at 715-419-3789

Not all water problems start with a roof leak.If you've noticed water around windows, moisture in walls, a damp basement...
06/17/2026

Not all water problems start with a roof leak.

If you've noticed water around windows, moisture in walls, a damp basement, peeling paint, loose brick, or cracks in the mortar joints, your building may be trying to tell you something.

Over time, masonry can deteriorate and allow moisture to enter where it shouldn't. In some cases, the problem may involve mortar joints. In others, it may be related to sealants, flashing, drainage, roofing details, or a combination of factors.

Some common signs to watch for include:

✔ Cracked or missing mortar between bricks
✔ Loose or deteriorating brick
✔ White powdery deposits on masonry surfaces (efflorescence)
✔ Water stains on interior or exterior walls
✔ Cracked or failing caulk around windows and doors
✔ Areas where repairs have been covered over rather than properly addressed

The sooner these issues are identified, the more options property owners often have for preventing larger and more costly repairs.

Not sure what you're seeing? Send us a photo. We'd be happy to take a look and point you in the right direction.

www.abrekkesolutions.com
715-419-3789

Address

Travel
Clayton, WI

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+17154193789

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ABrekke Solutions LLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to ABrekke Solutions LLC:

Shortcuts

Share

Category