Concrete and brick take a beating in the Philadelphia area. Freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, tree roots and heavy rain all work their way into small cracks until a step crumbles or a walkway becomes a trip hazard. Our masonry services in Philadelphia and South Jersey repair that damage, replace what can’t be saved, and refinish surfaces so they look sharp and last.
Home Exchange is a family-run business with decades of experience in concrete, masonry and general contracting. We started in New York City in 1986 renovating entire buildings, and we bring the same planning and project management to a single front stoop as we do to larger jobs.
Masonry and concrete services we offer
Concrete repair and replacement
- Patch and repair for cracks, chips and spalled surfaces
- Remove and re-pour for slabs that have sunk, heaved or broken apart
- Steps, stoops and sidewalks, including the concrete steps found on so many Philadelphia rowhomes
- Driveways and walkways, regraded where needed so water drains away from the house
Brick and pavers
Brick paver patios and walkways add warmth and curb appeal, and individual pavers can be lifted and reset if they ever settle. We prepare a compacted base, set the pavers in your chosen pattern and lock them in. If you’re planning a full outdoor living area, our deck and patio service can help pull it together.
Decorative finishes and coatings
- Overlays, including broom-finish and decorative overlays, to renew worn concrete
- Acid staining for rich, variegated color on interior and exterior concrete
- Epoxy and flake coatings for garage floors, basements and workshops
- Pressure washing and sealing to protect concrete and pavers from water and salt
These finishes work for interior floors, garage floors, driveways and walkways, and pool decks and patios. A coated floor is a natural upgrade if you’re also organizing the space with our garage service.
Signs your masonry needs attention
Masonry problems tend to grow slowly, then quickly. Call us when you notice:
- Cracks that are getting wider or longer, or one side of a crack sitting higher than the other
- Flaking, pitting or a sandy surface on concrete, often caused by salt and freezing
- Sunken slabs near downspouts or along the foundation
- Loose or wobbly steps and railings
- Pavers that have shifted, sunk or let weeds through
Water is usually the root cause. Fixing the masonry without addressing drainage often means fixing it again in a few years, so we always look at where the water is coming from.
Our masonry process
- Site visit. We look at the damage, the drainage and what’s underneath, and talk through your goals.
- Clear recommendation. You’ll know whether a repair, overlay or full replacement makes sense, and why.
- Preparation. Old material is removed, the base is compacted or repaired, and forms are set.
- Pour, set or coat. We place concrete, lay pavers or apply coatings with attention to slope, finish and edges.
- Cure and protect. We explain how long to stay off the surface and how to care for it going forward.
What affects the cost of masonry work
Every project is quoted individually. The biggest factors are:
- Size and thickness of the area
- Repair versus replacement, since demolition and haul-away add labor
- Base condition, especially if soil has washed out or roots have intruded
- Finish and material, from a plain broom finish to decorative overlays, acid stains or epoxy coatings
- Access, such as tight rowhome alleys or backyards without a driveway
For bigger digging and grading jobs, we also offer an excavator rental in Philadelphia and Camden. When you’re ready, request a quote with photos and rough measurements.
Tips for longer-lasting concrete and brick
- Use calcium magnesium acetate or sand instead of rock salt on newer concrete.
- Keep downspouts extended so roof water lands away from walkways and foundations.
- Seal exterior concrete and pavers periodically to keep water out.
- Fill small cracks early before freeze-thaw cycles widen them.
Why homeowners choose Home Exchange
We’re quality driven, schedule driven and client driven. We self-perform most of our work rather than juggling subcontractors, and we plan each project carefully from start to finish. Whether you need a new walkway in Kensington or a refreshed patio in Pennsauken, our Done Right Promise means the job is done right the first time.
