JT masonry

04/18/2026

A custom masonry project taking shape in Buchanan, Michigan by JT Masonry for a first-time home builder.

This installation is still in progress, with more stone to be laid and the joints still to be bagged in, but the finished look is already showing the level of detail and craftsmanship that sets a home apart. The lines are clean, the stone selection is sharp, and every element is being installed with a high-end finished product in mind.

The joint color the customer selected is going to elevate this entire exterior and bring a rich, refined look to the home. It is already turning out beautifully, and the final result is going to be something special.

At JT Masonry, we take pride in delivering custom work that adds lasting character, value, and curb appeal.

Stay tuned for the finished reveal.

For high-quality masonry work, call JT Masonry at 574-261-2540.

03/07/2026

Please msg me on my phone number and not Facebook messenger it is not working right now for my account.
Text or call : 574-261-2540

03/05/2026

Why a Proper Chimney Cap (Crown) with an Overhang Matters 🧱

A well-built chimney crown does more than just finish the top of your chimney—it protects the entire structure from water damage. Here are the key benefits homeowners should know:

• Concrete Cap Overhang Protects Your Brick
A chimney crown should extend past the brick with an overhang. This allows water to drip off the edge instead of running down the face of the brick. Without this overhang, water will soak into the masonry and cause damage over time.

• Prevents Brick Face Spalling
When bricks absorb water and go through freeze-thaw cycles (very common in Indiana winters), the moisture expands and can cause the faces of the brick to pop, chip, or deteriorate. A properly designed crown helps prevent this.

• Separation Joint Prevents Cracking
The concrete cap should be separated from the flue and chimney structure. Concrete and masonry expand and contract at different rates with temperature changes. Without this separation, the crown is much more likely to crack.

• Waterproof Membrane for Long-Term Protection
Installing a waterproof membrane under the crown pour creates an additional barrier that protects the chimney structure from moisture intrusion. This greatly improves the longevity of both the cap and the chimney.

• Proper Construction = Longer Chimney Life
A chimney crown with the correct overhang, separation joints, and waterproofing dramatically reduces the chance of costly masonry repairs in the future.

If your chimney cap is flat, cracked, or does not have a proper overhang, it may already be allowing water into your masonry.

📞 Give JT Masonry a call at 574-261-2540 to schedule an inspection. We can repair or rebuild your chimney crown the right way so your chimney stays protected for years to come.

03/01/2026

03/01/2026

Thinking About Painting Your Limestone Chimney? Read This First.

Limestone is a natural, breathable material. When it’s painted or sealed improperly, especially on exterior chimneys, it can trap moisture inside the stone. In places like Indiana, where we experience harsh winters, freeze-thaw cycles can cause serious damage once moisture gets locked in.

When water penetrates limestone and temperatures drop, it freezes and expands. Over time, this leads to:

• Surface flaking and spalling
• Chipping and cracking
• Deterioration of mortar joints
• Long-term structural damage

We’re already seeing cases where painted limestone chimneys are breaking down because the stone can no longer breathe properly. What may look like a cosmetic upgrade can quickly turn into costly repairs.

Before sealing, painting, or coating any exterior masonry — especially limestone — it’s important to speak with an experienced mason who understands how these materials perform in Indiana’s climate.

If you have questions about your chimney, existing paint issues, or masonry repairs, JT Masonry is here to help.

📞 Call us at 574-261-2540
We’re happy to answer questions and provide professional guidance to protect your home the right way.
-JT Masonry