50 years on the trowel.Retired now but gonna start little side business. Honest Jimmy's step repair. Philadelphia has enough steps falling apart I can have enough work till I'm 110. Easy Money
Mike, I would like to award you with the MH MASONRY AWARD. Will this be your first award in masonry? You have taught me so much about masonry with your videos. Thank you so much!! My next project is a patio fire pit. I LOVE your music/mechanic videos too.
I had a mason tell me to do the same thing with the bluestone caps for my outdoor fireplace. Now I will do it. I was afraid it would weaken the face of the stone.
I've had good luck using Thompson's Water Seal on basalt masonry. My chimney was built in 1948, and over the years water started finding its way in through seeps. I learned from my mom to apply Thompson's each September. No more drips or damp spots. I also put a stainless chimney cap on last year, which made a difference too. I'm looking at having glass doors made to fit, so I can use the fireplace more. In addition to basalt, some of the native stone is tuffaceous. It absorbs water a lot like brick, and the water seal keeps it from flaking off. In some cases I sealed the rock first with Portland paint darkened to match. Some of the stone has so much iron that it rusts. That seals well too.
I enjoy seeing most of your videos. It's like you say, , food for thought. You're well talented & skilled in many ways. Always enjoy your light humorous comments. And after watching this video, I said to myself, he looks younger still yet for his age. Best regards & wishes to you & the family Mike*.. Thank you* all your honest hard work, and videos. I enjoy & admire seeing you work. And teaching us much of what you know about masonry work. Sincerely, David Lovera*.
Mike... Once again your work was spot on..... Your advice was great..... Then the owner paints a mustache on your Mona Lisa (so to speak). Yiks... A little sanding and some rust inhibitor and exterior epoxy spray paint at the minimum would have made a difference and kept the railing in shape.... Well your job was 4.0..... God Bless Brother... Ernie
Great video, your too good to not have a show on television! Your knowlegable, entertaining, and I haven't missed a video yet! Appreciate your time and work!
Fine job Mike! These are the kind of jobs I did when new construction was slow, and then again when I had reached retirement. As usual, you're right- 'no big deal' *
I like how the project goes from a major challenge to improve it ,to maybe he can, to holy cow. Great transformation thus far. Looking forward to part 2.
Love your videos Mike! My girlfriend and I quote you all the time. Though our fireplace is almost done, we still enjoy watching and learning from your videos. We are 20 minutes north of Allentown PA.
Looks good. I think the new work blended-in well. At least in my part of the world (Northern New England), every set of brick steps that is more than a couple decades old has been repaired in one way or another.
Mike, I like your approach to the complication. No Big Deal... Its real and is functional and looks fantastic from Northeast Ohio. Whatever that guys name is....Frank ...Frank the architect. Plant something there. No sin exposure. Peace & Good Rocking to You and ALL.
Thanks for the video Mike, I'm getting chimneys rebuilt from roofline up and have a choice to either use solid or holed brick. Based on your commentary it sounds like solid brick is the way to go. please confirm
Mike if I wanted to change the look of my brick planter box connected to my house, can I lay mortar over the brick to surface it with another material?
Hi, I guess it depends on how bad the brick or joints are not cracked, and what the weather situation is, I have stuccoed over them before, but planters leak water and It could cause problems, thanks, Mike
Mike, I agree with you regarding the reasons those bricks have holes in them. I know it's time consuming but if I were doing a similar job on my own property, would it make sense to fill in all the holes in the bricks several days or even weeks in advance so they had a chance to set up? I'd fill them in all the way through the holes and smooth them out with a sponge. If I did this, should I use pure Portland or what ratio of Portland and sand should I use? Our weather is similar to yours for freezing and thawing. Thanks!
This comment is not related to this video but I am commenting here because it's your most recent one and figured i would have the best chance at a reply. In most of your paint it with Portland videos you emphasize the need to repaint every year because it goes on so thin it flakes right off.. I was just wondering if you have ever made a video of that flaking or have any pictures of it. I'm trying to decide if i want to do this project. Thank you
Hi Daniel, I assume you talking about a concrete driveway, it's the last step before replacement, filling holes to keep people from tripping and painting so everything matches, It just a old school trick to make concrete last longer, best to do a little section first out of sight and watch the results, thanks Mike
Here in the uk we use priming slurry for setting stone/ pavers is this something you would use We paint the slurry on the surface and on the back of tile / stone to ensure a good bond strength
I live in Southern New England USA and when we set stone stair treads we make a priming slurry out of straight cement usually I've also used tile mortar or stone veneer mortar on the underside of the stone
Hi Mike. Which of your videos would recommend I watch for tips on how to handle rebuilding a stone wall when its just below freezing temps here in NJ. Thank you, sir!
Question, we have a lot of extra red fired solid clay brick from Glen Gery, how long would you guess it would last if we used it in the firebox if used in conjunctionwith Heat 50 morter, I don't mind replacing pieces when needed, we learned " it's no big deal" 😉 ( This is an outdoor fireplace away from the house. )
We have an old church building to house project. The steps are a mess. Local brick with thinset over them. The steps are a very low height. I need to tear it down and build them back with new mortar. What's your thoughts on thinset over brick? Do you think mesh reinforcement is needed when it's only a few inches thick of thinset? The other set of steps is also thinset over brick, so I suppose I should match it. Thanks.
I noticed that he put the railing up to mount it to the stone tread on top through the tab the railing had on the bottom. If you felt it would be better to bore a hole through the tread and mount it below, but the owner seemed reluctant, would you try to convince them it would be better the other way? Or, just do what they want and not bother explaining why you think your way might be better?
Hi Joe, sometimes I might say " l seen others so it this way or that way " but never try to tell them what to do, then if it fails its my fault, so as they please, thanks Mike
Nice job, Mike. The weather reminded me of my ex-mother in law. She was so cold, when she opened her mouth a light went on.
Hi Brian, lol, Mike
50 years on the trowel.Retired now but gonna start little side business. Honest Jimmy's step repair. Philadelphia has enough steps falling apart I can have enough work till I'm 110. Easy Money
Hi Honest James, lol,, your right, better than any big job, in and out, good name and all the work you want, thanks Mike
Thank you Mike 🍒🍒🍒🏆
Thanks Eman, Mike
Mike, I would like to award you with the MH MASONRY AWARD. Will this be your first award in masonry? You have taught me so much about masonry with your videos. Thank you so much!! My next project is a patio fire pit. I LOVE your music/mechanic videos too.
ditto mike!
Thanks Todd, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
You turned a dog's breakfast into a sow's ear!
Another great one Mike - great to hear you talk, and see the results of your work. Thank you!
Thanks aus, Mike
I enjoy watching somebody who knows and understand what he is doing. I really liked the trick with grinder cut so water doesn't goes any further.
Thanks Lazar, Mike
I had a mason tell me to do the same thing with the bluestone caps for my outdoor fireplace. Now I will do it. I was afraid it would weaken the face of the stone.
I've had good luck using Thompson's Water Seal on basalt masonry. My chimney was built in 1948, and over the years water started finding its way in through seeps. I learned from my mom to apply Thompson's each September. No more drips or damp spots. I also put a stainless chimney cap on last year, which made a difference too. I'm looking at having glass doors made to fit, so I can use the fireplace more.
In addition to basalt, some of the native stone is tuffaceous. It absorbs water a lot like brick, and the water seal keeps it from flaking off. In some cases I sealed the rock first with Portland paint darkened to match. Some of the stone has so much iron that it rusts. That seals well too.
Thanks Brian, I used the same stuff on my stone chimney, Mike
Brick steps are the best videos you have. Those and foundation repair.
Thanks Jim, they seem to get the most views, I appreciate it, Mike
Great to watch a well spoken Craftsman, the politician bit was good too. 👍
Thanks YO,,, Mike
"A doctor buries his mistakes. An architect plants ivy." Great quote!!!
Thanks Tex, Mike
Another great job mike
Thanks Paul, Mike
I am going to enjoy this one Mike!
Thanks Kal, Mike
I enjoy seeing most of your videos. It's like you say, , food for thought. You're well talented & skilled in many ways. Always enjoy your light humorous comments. And after watching this video, I said to myself, he looks younger still yet for his age. Best regards & wishes to you & the family Mike*.. Thank you* all your honest hard work, and videos. I enjoy & admire seeing you work. And teaching us much of what you know about masonry work. Sincerely, David Lovera*.
Thanks David, I appreciate the kind words, I try, Mike
Mike... Once again your work was spot on..... Your advice was great..... Then the owner paints a mustache on your Mona Lisa (so to speak). Yiks... A little sanding and some rust inhibitor and exterior epoxy spray paint at the minimum would have made a difference and kept the railing in shape.... Well your job was 4.0..... God Bless Brother... Ernie
Thanks Ernie, God bless also, Mike
Thank for showing what you do I do handyman work and sometimes a sidewalk and a little brick and what I’m seeing helps me a lot thank you
Thanks Paul, I appreciate it, Mike
Great video, your too good to not have a show on television! Your knowlegable, entertaining, and I haven't missed a video yet! Appreciate your time and work!
Thanks Ken, I appreciate it, Mike
Fine job Mike! These are the kind of jobs I did when new construction was slow, and then again when I had reached retirement. As usual, you're right- 'no big deal' *
Thanks Jam, I appreciate hearing that from a pro, stay small and keep it all, Mike
always a pleasure watching your videos, and thanks a bunch for all the tips.
Thanks Marcin, Mike
Great tip on Portland and sand for filling in the joints.
Thanks James, for that job yes, thanks Mike
Good video Mike - thanks for sharing -
Thanks Jack, Mike
Really like your work Mike, keep making these please!
Thanks James I will, Mike
I like how the project goes from a major challenge to improve it ,to maybe he can, to holy cow. Great transformation thus far. Looking forward to part 2.
Thanks KB, Mike
lol "grow bushes" great line, may i borrow that?
Thanks Savio, yes you can, lol, Mike
outstanding video and soo intimidating for normal people .... you are 1 of a kind Mike. So much talent and always make things look easy and perfect.
Thanks Thor, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
Thanks for the good video Mike.
Paul
Thanks Paul, Mike
Love your videos Mike! My girlfriend and I quote you all the time. Though our fireplace is almost done, we still enjoy watching and learning from your videos. We are 20 minutes north of Allentown PA.
Thanks Kyle, I am sure it is comming along great, Mike
@@MikeHaduck it is! If you visit my channel I believe that you can see it. I believe it is titled, why I haven't made a video in a while.
love your work style
Thanks Dave, Mike
Mike you made these steps look so nice, I just wish the homeowner had repainted the handrail before reinstalling.
Hi Juliet, he did, all he was doing was making sure it fit, Mike
Looks good. I think the new work blended-in well. At least in my part of the world (Northern New England), every set of brick steps that is more than a couple decades old has been repaired in one way or another.
Thanks Joe, I believe that, Mike
Mike, I like your approach to the complication. No Big Deal... Its real and is functional and looks fantastic from Northeast Ohio. Whatever that guys name is....Frank ...Frank the architect. Plant something there. No sin exposure.
Peace & Good Rocking to You and ALL.
Thanks John, I appreciate it, Mike
I have to say you do nice work!! Can't wait to see it finished. Bet it will look like new!
Thanks Sue, Mike
Good work mike, can’t wait for part 2!!!
Thanks Anthony, it will be a while but I filmed it. Mike
Good job Mike
Thanks Juan, Mike
Looks very nice sir!
Thanks Matt, Mike
Hello mike nice job as usual. Hope your keeping well. Godbless rocco from uk
Thanks Rocco, God bless also, Mike
Looks good Mike tough work
Thanks Karl, Mike
Great video.
Thanks al, Mike
You will give me a reason to repurpose the bricks from the two chimney removals in my old home.
Thanks again Matt, Mike
Got that coffee mug from the merch store. Getting it DONE.
Thanks Timothy, I appreciate it, Mike
Thank you
Thanks Anthony, Mike
Thanks for the video Mike, I'm getting chimneys rebuilt from roofline up and have a choice to either use solid or holed brick. Based on your commentary it sounds like solid brick is the way to go. please confirm
Hi Bob, I can't tell you what to do, it's hard to even find brick without holes in them anymore, ,Mike
You've really "stepped it up" on this one. 🤣
Thanks Brian, Mike
Mike if I wanted to change the look of my brick planter box connected to my house, can I lay mortar over the brick to surface it with another material?
Hi, I guess it depends on how bad the brick or joints are not cracked, and what the weather situation is, I have stuccoed over them before, but planters leak water and It could cause problems, thanks, Mike
Mike, I agree with you regarding the reasons those bricks have holes in them. I know it's time consuming but if I were doing a similar job on my own property, would it make sense to fill in all the holes in the bricks several days or even weeks in advance so they had a chance to set up? I'd fill them in all the way through the holes and smooth them out with a sponge. If I did this, should I use pure Portland or what ratio of Portland and sand should I use? Our weather is similar to yours for freezing and thawing. Thanks!
Hi Michael, if it is protected from the rain, snow and ice there is not a problem, keeping the brick from getting wet is the real trick, mike
This comment is not related to this video but I am commenting here because it's your most recent one and figured i would have the best chance at a reply. In most of your paint it with Portland videos you emphasize the need to repaint every year because it goes on so thin it flakes right off.. I was just wondering if you have ever made a video of that flaking or have any pictures of it. I'm trying to decide if i want to do this project. Thank you
Hi Daniel, I assume you talking about a concrete driveway, it's the last step before replacement, filling holes to keep people from tripping and painting so everything matches, It just a old school trick to make concrete last longer, best to do a little section first out of sight and watch the results, thanks Mike
Thanks Mike. How do you stick the water proofing membrane to the dried stucco block wall, just press it into the wet tar?
Hi Philip, not sure I think some is self adhesive, I don't know what they are using, thanks mike
Great work! -I did notice that first step is a bit of a doosie.. is it going to get a bit of a ground pad to keep the rise height consistant?
Hi R, yes he is going to bring the grade up to match, thanks Mike
Thats why I dont like those sand struck tapestry bricks too pourese the hard water struck bricks dont seem to do that great video Mike.
Thanks Rocco, Mike
Here in the uk we use priming slurry for setting stone/ pavers is this something you would use
We paint the slurry on the surface and on the back of tile / stone to ensure a good bond strength
Thanks A R, I can see that would work fine, Mike
I live in Southern New England USA and when we set stone stair treads we make a priming slurry out of straight cement usually I've also used tile mortar or stone veneer mortar on the underside of the stone
Can also score the bottom of the treads to really lock them in
Hi Mike. Which of your videos would recommend I watch for tips on how to handle rebuilding a stone wall when its just below freezing temps here in NJ. Thank you, sir!
Hi Laguna, I have a video out called " concrete, brick, block or stucco in freezing temperatures, Mike haduck, that might help, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thank you
Cool!!
Thanks Paul, Mike
Question, we have a lot of extra red fired solid clay brick from Glen Gery, how long would you guess it would last if we used it in the firebox if used in conjunctionwith Heat 50 morter, I don't mind replacing pieces when needed, we learned " it's no big deal" 😉
( This is an outdoor fireplace away from the house. )
Hi Kyle, I can't say, I never used Glen Gery that I could remember, but whatever works, keep the moisture out if you can, Mike
@@MikeHaduck thank you!!!
We have an old church building to house project. The steps are a mess. Local brick with thinset over them. The steps are a very low height. I need to tear it down and build them back with new mortar. What's your thoughts on thinset over brick? Do you think mesh reinforcement is needed when it's only a few inches thick of thinset? The other set of steps is also thinset over brick, so I suppose I should match it. Thanks.
In my area I usually change them to stone threads, and stucco underneath, I did it on other videos thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck I'll have to look. I'm not sure what that would look like?
I noticed that he put the railing up to mount it to the stone tread on top through the tab the railing had on the bottom.
If you felt it would be better to bore a hole through the tread and mount it below, but the owner seemed reluctant, would you try to convince them it would be better the other way? Or, just do what they want and not bother explaining why you think your way might be better?
Hi Joe, sometimes I might say " l seen others so it this way or that way " but never try to tell them what to do, then if it fails its my fault, so as they please, thanks Mike
mike i thought your joke was funny his hands in his pockets lol you ruined it by the correction lol great video mike thanks for sharing
Thanks Dan, lol, Mike
Happy Halloween 🎃 and Thanks to all the hard working Americans that keep us moving in the worst of times🇺🇸 "LET'S GO BRANDON"🇺🇸
Thanks Willie, Mike
Great video Mike - your tip about the drip edge was very helpful. Do you use type S for brickwork like this?
Hi Marco, I do, others use type n or lime, I did a video called "lime mortar or portland" what shoul I use?, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thanks again Mike
Frank Lyood Wright once said a doctor buries his mistakes,a architect plants ivy🤣🤣🤣
Thanks g1, Mike
Do you have a video on making the pattern?
Hi Sidney, check out my video, brick steps repair, part 6, Mike haduck, thanks Mike
I cant afford the dentist at the moment, can I use portland?
Hi, I don't have a license for that, lol, Mike
10:25 when a homeowner helps
Thanks, Matt, Mike
Isn't sealing brick steps usually not recommended?
Hi Matt, 6 in one hand half dozen in the other, everyone has a different opinion, it could make the steps slippery, thanks Mike
A doctor buries his mistakes 🤣
Thanks Matt, very true again, Mike
Why are brick so cheaply made now compared to 1800s you don't see that happening
Hi Mark, I would say it all depends on the type of brick and what they are being used for, brick work is a dying thing, thanks Mike
You didn’t wet it ! Lol
Hi Smerf, not on brick work, it makes a mess, thanks Mike
Drip not deep or wide enough to work.
Thanks, Mike