Masonry Contractors to Masonry Repair
Alamo Masonry Repair (AMR) began as a local masonry contractor performing new construction and specializing in custom stone works building
patios, waterfalls, archways, retaining walls, fireplaces, and other new masonry structures including brick and stone homes and commercial
block buildings with brick and stone veneer. Around '97 or '98 Alamo Masonry Repair started to lean away from the new construction and specialize
in repair of masonry cracks and damage as we saw the need for masonry repair services that focused on the details and made a true effort to do
masonry repair right, and not just a patch over the cracks. When we specialized in masonry repair, we changed our name to this focus. As with any
major transition, it was not easy focusing on masonry repair. We had a lot to learn.
Matching Mortar for Masonry Repair
We quickly realized that there was far more to
matching mortar for masonry repair than just adding some pigment to color the mortar.
What we found is that most mortars had faded or darkened from their base tone of grey or white. This seemed easy enough to compensate and perform
the masonry repairs, but we quickly found problems with the masonry repair industry standard of mixing some from a bag of grey mortar and some
from a bag of white mortar to adjust this tone. While the blending of grey and white is the only way to match this tone, Alamo Masonry Repair
learned that we could not do this with the pre-mixed bags of mortar without changing the ratio of binding materials and mortar type. This was
evident in changes of color and hardness in one batch to the next on the same masonry repair project where we knew that we had measured the
exact same amounts from each container.
When we found this, we began research into how this could happen, and the answer was simple. The binding
materials have dramatically different weights, and when placed into a bucket and vibrated in transport, these materials separated into layers
inside the bucket that we could not see. These studies led us into other research to better improve the industry of masonry repair, but
we identified that to blend the grey and white tones you must mix the binding materials in proper proportions for the mortar type ratio on your
own and not use pre-mixed bags to blend.
As Alamo Masonry Repair (AMR) continued to research, I was reminded of my formal studies in chemistry and lab works. I had finally found a way
to apply the things learned in school to the career I grew up in.
Masonry Repair Services
Alamo Masonry Repair began offering
mortar analysis and matching services
to our customers to accurately identify the mortar type and compressive strength of their mortar in addition to the color matching services.
Over the next ten years, we became not only the first to specialize in nothing but masonry repair, but as we gained competition, we became the
most trusted name in masonry repair due to the practice of matching mortars completely and the professional masonry repair services we provided.
While the goal of Alamo Masonry Repair was to provide quality masonry repair, we also wanted to improve the industry and provide all customers
the highest level of quality for masonry repair, and realized this was not
possible on our own. We could only train so many crews to do masonry
repair the right way. So in an effort to reach more customers and provide them the best in masonry repair, we opened our lab services to our
competitors and homeowners. This quickly took hold, but it began to create a conflict to compete in the local masonry repair industry.
Masonry Repair in Dallas Fort Worth
This led Alamo Masonry Repair to change our name to AMR Labs, release our masonry repair training
manual and bags of custom made premixed pointing
mortar to the public, and step back and out of onsite masonry repair services allowing us to provide AMR products and services nationally. We
have leased our website for local masonry repair in the Dallas Fort Worth area to a young promising business that seems to put forth the effort
to providing high quality masonry repair services and competitive pricing.
For masonry repair services in the Dallas Fort Worth area, visit:
http://dfwbrickrepair.com and request an estimate.
We provide testing and matching masonry repair services across the U.S.
call:
(817) 366-8376
*AMR Labs*
1525 Corona Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Or email us:
mortarlab@gmail.com
Each Match Is Physically Tested and Confirmed.
We analyze samples of your mortar and match them in color, crushing pressure, and color and gradation of sand. Get a perfect mortar match for your brick repair and tuckpointing needs.
We offer Two types of Mortar Analysis to better serve your needs.
Mortar Testing Report and Formula - This test is commonly used by contractors who need to match mortar types/crushing pressures and compositions for commercial and historic restorations. With this option, you will get the mortar composition testing results and a formula for making the matching mortar type.
Mortar Analysis/Color Matching - This test is used by home owners and contractors to make brick mortar repairs quick and easy. We perform many of the same tests for this option, but the formula is not provided nor a report sent. We collect the information from these tests required to match your mortar and apply our proprietary formulas and mortar matching system to get you a perfect mortar color match. From this formula match, we can produce bags of mortar for your project.
Crushing Pressure and Sand Gradation can only be approximated due to the size, age, and shapes of samples being tested.
Order your mortar analysis and bags of pre-matched tuck point mortars and make your repairs disappear.
Mortar Analysis Testing Report/Formula
Mortar Analysis - Testing Report and Formula
Match the mortar type and relative crushing pressure
Determine grade and color of sand
send you a sample of your sand rinsed during analysis to compare to when picking your local sand.
WE will E-Mail you the Testing Report and Mortar Formula (This Analysis Is Not A Color Match)
(For Color Matching Scroll Down to Color Matching)
Crushing Pressure and Sand Gradation can only be approximated due to the size, age, and shapes of samples being tested.
Mortar Analysis - Color Match
Mortar Analysis - Color Match
PLUS:
send you a sample of your sand rinsed during analysis to compare to when picking your local sand.
check for known contaminates in your mortar
Most repair projects only use one box of mortar.
Crushing Pressure and Sand Gradation can only be approximated due to the size, age, and shapes of samples being tested.
The two most important parts of any mortar crack repair are the materials used and the quality of your mortar match. Here at AMR you will find the highest quality mortars and matching services available.
What are the procedures for ordering Pre-Matched Mortars and Mortar Analysis?
Acquire 2-3 samples of mortar at least 1/2 inch in size.
Payment for mortar analysis
Payment for bags of mortar
Package: Samples in a bag, a copy of receipt for mortar analysis, number of bags ordered, your name, job name, job address, and shipping address.
Send package to us at:
AMR Labs/Alamo Masonry Repair
1525 Corona Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Your products will be shipped to you within 5-10 business days.
Some delays may occur with large orders or volume of orders being processed.
AMR certifies that the formula produced for matching your mortar will match your existing mortar in general crushing pressure (Premiere) and color making the repairs more durable, more accurate, and virtually invisible upon completion. (Mold and mildew may need to re-grow naturally.)
Pre-Matched Mortars - Order mortar mixes pre-matched to your formula.
Each box contains 2 bags of mortar.
What are the procedures for ordering Pre-Matched Mortars?
Acquire 2-3 samples of mortar at least 1/2 inch in size.
Payment for mortar analysis: pay online or by check made payable to Alamo Masonry Repair.
Payment for bags of mortar: these payments must be made online.
Package: Samples in a bag, a copy of receipt for mortar analysis or a check, copy of receipt for the number of bags ordered, your name, job name, job address, and shipping address.
Send package to us at:
AMR Labs/Alamo Masonry Repair
1525 Corona Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Your products will be shipped to you within 5-10 business days.
Some delays may occur with large orders or volume of orders being processed.
What if I need more bags?
Your order is kept on file with the formula. Simply place your order for more mix, and refer us to the previous order placed. We will need your name (company), and job name/ address to pull up the file.
Acquiring a sample
Use a hammer and chisel to remove the samples of mortar from the corners of the home or directly from one of the cracks. Then send us the samples.
Additional things we will need:
1. your name/company name
2. a contact phone number
3. a mailing or E-mail address for the return of your mortar formula
4. we also need the physical address of the project if it is different than the mailing address.
5. receipts for online purchase of mortar match or Pre-Mix Mortars if applicable
Why do I need a Certified Mortar Match/ Mortar Analysis?
To ensure a proper mortar match for your project.
AMR Mortar Analysis Labs produce Certified Mortar Matches. These matches match the mortar of your existing masonry structure based on samples of your mortar.
All Pre-Matched Products are custom made to order.
Each formula is guaranteed to match (within a reasonable tone) in the color and texture to the samples provided from your home. Mold and Mildew may need to re-grow in the pores to complete the match. This part of natural aging we cannot recreate because these tones vary around your home and change throughout the year.
Most mortar matches are not visible immediately upon drying.
Copyright © 2007 James R. Nech/Alamo Masonry. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED