Masonry Contractor in San Clemente, CA - Repairs and Walls Built Right
Advanced Encinitas Concrete and Masonry is a masonry contractor working in San Clemente, CA. We repair older brick and stone, fix leaking chimneys and build block and retaining walls, and I look at every job myself.
Masonry work in San Clemente
We're based in Encinitas, and San Clemente sits at the north end of the coast we cover, up past Oceanside. The calls here sound like the ones we get across the cities around Encinitas: mortar joints turning to sand, a chimney letting water in, a wall that's started to lean.
I come up and look at the job myself, and I'll tell you what's causing the damage before we talk about fixing it, because a repair that skips the cause usually comes back.
Masonry services in San Clemente
We take on repair and new building in San Clemente, from a few crumbling joints to a full block or retaining wall, the same work we do in the cities around Encinitas.
Foundation repair
When cracks show up in a foundation wall, we find out what's moving it before we repair the masonry, so the crack doesn't just open back up.
View Service Foundation repair
Chimney repair
A chimney that leaks or sheds mortar onto the roof is letting water in somewhere. We find where, then repair the cap on top, the joints or loose brick.
View Service Chimney repair
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing means grinding out worn mortar joints and filling them with fresh mortar. It's the fix when joints are sandy, recessed or cracked but the brick is sound.
View Service Tuckpointing
Brick repair
Cracked, flaking or loose bricks get cut out and replaced with the closest match we can find, set in mortar that suits the wall's age.
View Service Brick repair
Driveway pavers
We lay paver driveways on a dug-out, compacted base, because the base is what keeps pavers from sinking and shifting under a car.
View Service Driveway pavers
Retaining wall construction
Where a slope needs holding back or an old wall leans, we build retaining walls with solid footings and drainage, so water doesn't build up behind them.
View Service Retaining wall construction
Masonry restoration
For older brick and stone that's worn, stained or patched badly over the years, restoration brings back the wall's strength and look, one repair at a time.
View Service Masonry restoration
Fireplace installation
We build masonry fireplaces, from the firebox to the face and hearth, and follow the insert maker's instructions when there is one so it's set safely.
View Service Fireplace installation
Stone veneer installation
Stone veneer is a thin layer of real or cast stone set over a wall. We install it over a backing that lets trapped water drain out.
View Service Stone veneer installation
Concrete block walls
Block walls make solid property-line and garden walls. We set them on a poured footing with steel and grout in the cells, which is what keeps them straight.
View Service Concrete block walls
Foundation block wall installation
When an addition, garage or raised floor needs a block foundation, we lay it on a footing and reinforce it with steel to carry the load.
View Service Foundation block wall installation
Outdoor kitchen masonry
A grill island starts with the base. We build it in block, brick or stone, with room for appliances and the gas or water lines other trades run.
View Service Outdoor kitchen masonry
Walkway construction
A walkway that heaves, cracks or puddles usually has a weak base under it. We dig out, compact a new base and lay brick, stone or pavers.
View Service Walkway construction
Brick wall installation
We build new brick walls, from low garden walls to property-line walls, on a proper footing with joints tooled tight so rain runs off them.
View Service Brick wall installation
Stone masonry
Natural stone walls, steps and columns take patience, because each stone is fitted by hand. We build new stonework and reset loose stones in old walls.
View Service Stone masonry
Brick pointing
Pointing fills worn joints with new mortar. On older brick we match the mortar's color and softness, because mortar harder than the brick can crack the brick itself.
View Service Brick pointing
Describe your San Clemente project
Tell us what's cracking, leaking or leaning, by form or at (760) 230-9799. We reply within one business day to arrange a free on-site estimate, no pressure to book.
(760) 230-9799Why San Clemente homeowners call us
I'd rather tell you the hard news at the estimate than have a wall fail later. Here's what that looks like on a job.
- We fix the cause. Where a wall leans or a chimney leaks, I find out why first, so we're not just patching what you can see.
- I look at it myself. I come out and look at every job myself, and I run the site while our own crew does the work.
- Known for older brick repair. Careful repair on older brick and stone is what we're best known for, with mortar matched to the wall.
- Licensed, insured and guaranteed. We're fully licensed and insured, and we back our work with satisfaction guaranteed on every job.
Where else we work
Advanced Encinitas Concrete and Masonry is based in Encinitas and works across the cities around it, including Oceanside and Carlsbad. Don't see your city? Call (760) 230-9799 and ask.
How a job runs
I come out myself, tell you what I see before anything starts, and run the site while our crew works, so you know what we're doing and why as it goes.
Visit
You call or fill out the form, and we get back to you. I come out myself, look at the wall, chimney or brick, and tell you straight what I see and what's causing it.
Estimate
You get a written estimate that spells out the scope, the materials and why each step is there. Once you say go, we check with the city's building office and handle the permit application ourselves if the job needs one.
Work
Our own crew does the work with me running the site. The city allows construction from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, subject to permit conditions, and none on Sundays or city holidays. When it's done, I walk the finished job with you.
San Clemente masonry questions
Who can get the permit for my masonry project in San Clemente?
A California licensed contractor can get it, or you can get an owner-builder permit yourself if you're doing the work. The city issues that once you complete its owner-builder verification. If we're doing the job, the paperwork is ours.
Does my masonry contractor need a state license in California?
Yes, in most cases. The California Contractors State License Board requires a license when the job needs a building permit, uses any extra workers, or costs $1,000 or more in labor and materials. The city also requires a business license from anyone doing business in San Clemente, so it's fair to ask a contractor about both.
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in San Clemente?
Often, yes. The city's list says retaining walls and masonry fences need permits, but exempts a retaining wall holding four feet of earth or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, with no extra load like a driveway above it. The Building and Safety Division rules on your wall, and we check with them before we dig.
How much does a masonry contractor cost in San Clemente, CA?
It comes down to how big the wall or repair is, the material, how much old work has to come out first and whether the job needs a permit. The schedule turns mostly on that permit and on finding brick or stone that matches. I put your own figure in a written estimate after I've seen the job.
What causes a retaining wall to start leaning?
Usually water. When there's no drain behind a wall, wet soil pushes on it far harder than dry soil, and a footing that's too small or too shallow can't hold against that. I'll tell you straight whether yours can be drained and braced or needs rebuilding, because patching the face won't stop the push.
Plan your San Clemente masonry work
Tell us what you're planning by phone or form and ask which permits apply, and we'll set a time to come look.