Solid Workmanship That Doesn’t Crack Under Pressure
If you live in Minnesota, you already know — the weather here doesn't play around. One day it's sunny, the next day it's snowing sideways. That kind of stress doesn’t just affect us — it affects our homes too. Especially structures made of brick and mortar. Cracks, shifting bricks, and crumbling mortar are all too common. And when it comes to fixing those problems the right way, people turn to a trusted name: Murphy Masonry. They’ve been handling everything from basic fixes to full Chimney Masonry Repair Minnesota for years — and doing it with care that lasts.
What Does Real Workmanship Look Like?
Here’s the thing — not all masonry work is created equal.
Anyone can slap some mortar between bricks and call it a day. But solid workmanship? That takes time. It takes experience. It means knowing how to lay each brick so it supports the next one perfectly. It means using the right materials — not just the cheapest ones. It also means caring enough to do the job right, even if it takes a little longer.
And you can tell when it’s done right. The wall looks clean. The joints are tight. Nothing's leaning or shifting. It feels strong just looking at it.
Why Masonry in Minnesota Needs to Be Built Different
Minnesota winters are brutal. There’s snow, ice, and temperatures that dip way below freezing. That freeze-thaw cycle — where water seeps into tiny cracks, freezes, expands, and blows things apart — is real. If the masonry isn’t done properly, it’ll fall apart way quicker than it should.
That’s why solid craftsmanship matters here more than almost anywhere else. It’s not just about how it looks — it’s about how it performs when the weather turns nasty. Good masons build with that in mind. They don’t cut corners. They are waterproof. They use techniques that have stood the test of time — literally.
The Chimney and Fireplace: Strong Foundations Matter
Chimneys are one of the most exposed parts of a home. They face everything — rain, snow, wind, ice — and they often go untouched for years. But small cracks can become big problems fast. Once moisture gets in, it starts breaking things apart from the inside. That’s why chimney repairs aren’t just optional — they’re essential.
And fireplaces? A lot of homeowners treat them like a decorative piece. But if they’re not safe and sound, they’re a risk. Cracked fireboxes, loose bricks, poor ventilation — they’re not things you want to ignore.
That’s where Masonry Fireplace Restorations Minnesota experts like Murphy Masonry come in. They know how to take something worn down and bring it back to life — safely and beautifully.
Signs Your Masonry Is in Trouble
Not sure if your home needs some attention? Here are some common red flags:
Bricks that are loose or falling out
Mortar that’s crumbling or missing
White, chalky residue on the bricks (that’s called efflorescence)
Water stains or dark patches
Your chimney leaning or pulling away from the house
Smoke issues with your fireplace
These aren’t just cosmetic problems. They’re signs your structure is weakening. And the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it gets.
What Sets Murphy Masonry Apart
Let’s be honest — there are a lot of contractors out there. Some are great, some not so much. What makes Murphy Masonry different is their focus on real craftsmanship. They care about the details. They don’t rush. They use the right materials, follow the right methods, and make sure the job holds up — not just for a year or two, but for the long haul.
Whether it’s repointing a chimney, restoring a fireplace, or rebuilding an entire structure, their team treats every job like it matters. Because it does. And their work shows it.
Keeping Masonry Strong After the Work Is Done
Once your chimney or wall has been repaired, it’s not just "done and dusted." You’ve got to take care of it to keep it strong. Here are a few tips:
Get an annual inspection, especially before winter
Keep the area around your masonry clean and dry
Make sure your gutters and downspouts aren’t dumping water near the bricks
Don’t power wash brick — it can do more harm than good
Use breathable sealants if needed — not just any paint or coating
Good maintenance can easily add another 10-15 years to the life of your masonry. And it’ll save you money in the long run.
Built to Last. Built the Right Way.
At the end of the day, solid workmanship isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity. Your home deserves better than quick fixes or cheap materials. Whether it's a chimney that's seen better days or a fireplace that needs some love, go with people who get it right the first time.
Murphy Masonry doesn’t just fix bricks. They build trust — one stone, one joint, one project at a time. Their work doesn’t crack under pressure. It holds strong, looks great, and stands tall through every Minnesota storm.
