How Masonry Warranty Safeguards your Property?

Why masonry warranty is so important?

A masonry warranty is a written guarantee provided by your local masonry contractor. It pledges to cover repairs or replacement needed if the installed masonry fails or deteriorates due to defective work or materials within the stated coverage period. There are generally two main types of coverage offered:

Workmanship warranty

This protects against repair costs from improper installation practices. Example issues include cracked or loose stones, uneven mortar joints or wall bowing/leaning due to poor construction methods.

Material warranty

This covers replacing faulty masonry units like bricks that crack or deteriorate prematurely due to low quality. It also applies if specified materials aren’t used, such as substituting concrete block for stone without consent.

Warranty periods range from 1-25 years depending on the masonry application and contractor. For instance, poured concrete may receive a shorter time frame versus a brickwork. The contractor’s reputation, materials selected and work complexity influence the length offered. Make sure any warranty is clearly outlined in your contract.

Benefits of masonry warranty

Long-Term protection

One advantage of a masonry warranty is it can safeguard your investment and home for decades. Issues sometimes don’t emerge for several years as materials are exposed to weathering. A longer warranty, accounts for this by pledging to address coverage-eligible breakdowns that crop up far in the future.

Peace of mind

Knowing your masonry installation has a warranty gives homeowners peace of mind. It removes worries that a future material flaw or shoddy workmanship could become an expensive repair burden down the road. With a warranty in place, you don’t need to fret over potential breakdowns or how you would afford the repairs if they did surface next year. This security allows you to fully enjoy your new masonry project.

Financial security

Taking advantage of a warranty’s coverage can also save you thousands in repair costs later on. For example, say your interior brick wall repair developed cracks totaling $2,500 to fix in year 10 – but you had a 25-year workmanship warranty. The contractor would be liable for covering those repairs at no charge. Out-of-pocket, that repair bill could jeopardize your finances or plans for home improvements. A warranty protects your budget from unforeseen masonry issues.

What is covered under warranty?

Most masonry warranties encompass two key areas of coverage:

Material quality

This guarantees masonry units like brick, stone blocks or tiles won’t deteriorate prematurely due to flaws. It covers replacing faulty pieces that crack, stain or show other signs of deficient materials.

Workmanship

Any repair costs from shoddy installation practices are covered. Common issues include crumbling mortar joints, bowed/leaning walls and cracks stemming from excessively thin or improperly laid units. The contractor pledges their work meets specified standards.

Within these groups, specific examples of typical covered items include but not limited to:

• Cracked or loose bricks/stones
• Deteriorated or missing mortar
• Wall bowing or leaning (Not due to structural issue)
• Water intrusion through masonry
• Chimney cracking or leaning

Most warranties exclude damage deemed normal “wear and tear” over the coverage period. But they protect against defects arising from subpar materials selection or construction methods.

Limitations and exclusions

While masonry warranties offer valuable protection, there are some standard limitations and exclusions contractors include:

Common limitations and exclusions in masonry warranties include:

• Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes and earthquakes are usually not covered since masonry can succumb to these events regardless of quality.
• Accidental damage from other trades or accidents on the job-site also voids the warranty.
• Repeated freeze/thaw cycles from extreme weather may lead to exclusions depending on the contractor.
• Damage caused by excessive de-icing salt, weed killers or other corrosive substances near the masonry also makes warranties null.
• Modifications to the masonry after completion, like adding a wood deck leaning on a brick wall, often release the contractor’s liability for any ensuing issues.
• Foundation settling from soil or drainage problems typically falls outside the warranty scope.
• Pre-existing structural defects are also excluded.
• Damage arising from installing new objects penetrating the masonry, like posts or pipes.

Carefully reviewing your specific warranty documentation is important to understand what exactly is and isn’t covered over the coverage period. Don’t assume – clarify any grey areas with the contractor directly.

How to Secure a good warranty

Choosing the Right Contractor

The best way to ensure your masonry project receives strong warranty protection is selecting a trustworthy, experienced masonry contractor. Look for one with a proven track record through customer references and reviews, ideally offering 10+ years in the field.

When getting estimates, don’t just focus on price – find out what type of warranty each contractor provides as part of the job. A contractor using improper installation methods may seem cheaper up front but lead to bigger repair costs later on without warranty recourse. Always have warranty terms written into your contract before work begins as well. An experienced pro takes pride in their craftsmanship and is willing to stand behind it through a good warranty.

Tips for evaluating contractors include:

• Ask how long they’ve been in business and request to see sample past projects
• Inquire about the types of masonry materials and applications they specialize in
• Request references from recent clients and if possible, follow up by calling them
• Confirm the contractor carries liability insurance in case of accidents on site
• Establish the warranty coverage length being offered upfront

With diligent contractor vetting like this, you maximize chances of a quality, fully covered masonry installation.

Does Atlantic Brick and Stone offer masonry warranty in Fredericton

Yes, Atlantic Brick and Stone proudly provides comprehensive masonry warranties on all our projects in Fredericton and surrounding areas. We back our workmanship with up to 25 years warranty to guarantee your complete satisfaction. Being a fully licensed, insured contractor with over 15 years in the industry, we stand behind the quality of our brick and stone masonry services.

We use only the highest-grade materials for longevity and low maintenance. Our bricklayers and masons take pride in precision installation following building codes. Contact us to discuss your project and how our strong warranty protects your investment. With Atlantic Brick and Stone, you can have complete peace of mind your masonry will stand the test of time.

Summary

Here are 5 key points to remember about masonry warranties:

• They protect your investment by covering repairs from defects in materials or workmanship.
• Coverage periods typically range from 1-25 years depending on the contractor and application.
• Warranties provide long-term protection, peace of mind and financial security against expensive future repairs.
• They cover issues like cracking, loose units, failing mortar and water intrusion from flaws.
• Carefully review limitations with your contractor and only work with reputable, experienced professionals offering comprehensive warranties.