Services

BLOCK FOUNDATIONS

Why does Novak Masonry only do block foundations?

Versatile
Concrete block basements provide the greatest possible versatility to the builder. For instance, the top plane in a block basement will be level and provide very little heat loss at the sill plate. Poured concrete foundation walls, conversely, can settle within their forms, causing substantial heat loss and an uneven finish at the top.

Freedom from Forms
Concrete block is a modular building system. That means the size and shape of your basement aren’t limited by form sizes, as with poured concrete walls. Door and window openings can be adjusted easily to meet your needs. Builders can quickly and inexpensively customize basements according to the site and to buyer needs.

Insulates Easily
Block has better “R” & “U” factors than poured concrete. That’s a fact. So, used naturally, without any insulation, concrete block will always be warmer. Yet, the builder can still add insulation in the cores of a block or on the outside of the wall, for an exceptionally energy-efficient wall. Finally, block foundation walls can even allow the builder to proceed with construction more quickly since there’s no waiting to strip the concrete forms. Concrete block walls breath. They are dry.
Poured concrete walls sweat. Block walls absorb sound. Poured concrete walls reflect noise back into the home.

Finished Surfaces
Concrete block foundation walls are built by craftsmen and can provide a variety of finished surfaces. Architectural block offers surfaces, textures, and colors that eliminate the need to install additional wall coverings. Where special wall coverings are desired, block easily accepts furring strips while poured walls need an endless series of 2 x 4″ s.

Repairable
In the rare instances when repairs are needed, block foundation walls can be fixed easily, quickly and inexpensively. Cracks or leaks in poured concrete walls can be extremely serious and costly to repair. It only takes one bad crack or leak during the back-fill process or during the home’s warranty period to eliminate the builder’s profit. And that’s a fact.

Reinforceable
The cavities in concrete block easily accommodate vertical steel reinforcement where excessive soil pressures occur.

Environmentally Friendly
Concrete block comes from the earth itself. It respects our environment. Block foundation walls have been used since the turn of the century. They’ve stood strong against all comers – against the heat, the cold, the snow, the floods, the earthquakes, the children, the watertables, the termites – and the competition. Finally, only block walls give the homebuyer the satisfaction of knowing that his basement foundation walls are crafted by hand – no forms and no machines. More and more conscientious buyers are expecting quality handwork and rejecting “prefabricated and stamped-out” formwork. Remember, when you build with concrete block, you build for keeps.

FLATWORK

Concrete is incredibly durable and can be completed in a variety of finishes and colors offering endless possibilities. Cement and tough acrylics are formulated to endure the elements and provide beauty that last a lifetime.

FIREPLACES, CHIMNEYS & REPAIRS

We can help you decide which design will work best for your application.  If you recently have had a more efficient insert installed, we can do the stone work that will complete your project.  We have a wide range of material, endless designs, and hundreds of options for you to consider, including thin veneer, cobble stone, brick and cultured stone.  We also do full masonry work if you want a custom fireplace to be built. We repair chimney caps, brick, stone, and flue liners. Call us and we will do an on-sight inspection and assess the damage.

BRICK

From fireplaces, barbeque inserts, home exteriors, and commercial projects, brick remains a solid choice.

PAVERS

The applications are endless:  sidewalks, driveways, patios, even interior sunrooms.  We can help you choose the appearance and feel you are looking for.

CULTURED STONE & COBBLE STONE

Cultured stone comes in a wide range of options for you to choose from and an unmatched variety of colors and textures that enable you to create your own custom look.  If you are thinking of adding to the beauty and value of your home, what better way to do it than with a cultured stone.  Novak Masonry is the only Owens Corning Cultured Stone Select installer in the area.  As a select installer we will use the best industry practices and “Cultured Stone” standards for installation and customer satisfaction

DECORATIVE STAMPING

Stamped concrete comes in a wide range of colors and patterns from stone, flagstone and tiles.

PATIOS

Choose endless design options including concrete, brick, exposed aggregate and flagstone.  We also repair and/or replace existing, damaged patios

SIDEWALKS

From pavers to stone, exposed aggregate, colored and stamped concrete, we can design and install a durable sidewalk for you.

CONCRETE PUMP

Our concrete pump and a Novak Masonry employee will arrive on schedule at your job site.  Ideal for crawl spaces, coring block, concrete floors, footings, and hard to reach areas.

AGGREGATE

An exposed aggregate surface is obtained by placing concrete and then removing the outer “skin” of cement to uncover decorative course aggregate.  Aggregate may be selected by you personally and seeded into the surface.  Because of its durability and skid resistance an exposed aggregate finish is ideal for most flatwork including:  Sidewalks, Patios, porches, and steps.