Customer Help Center

Questions Before You Start a Project?

Find straightforward answers about inspections, estimates, masonry, foundations, basement water, chimneys and exterior projects. If your question is specific to your property, call us or request an inspection.

Getting Started With ProTop

What to expect before work begins.

How do I get a free estimate?

Use our online estimate form or call us directly. Tell us what type of work you need, what you have noticed, and where the property is located. We can then arrange the appropriate next step for the project.

What should I show you during an inspection?

Show us the visible problem and anything you believe may be connected to it. For water problems, tell us when the water appears and where it starts. For cracks or movement, let us know whether the condition has changed over time or has been repaired before.

Can you look at several problems during the same visit?

Yes. If you have a foundation crack, deteriorated steps, chimney work and basement moisture, mention all of them when requesting the estimate so the visit can be planned properly.

Do I need to know exactly which service I need?

No. Choose the closest service on the estimate form and describe what you are seeing. A homeowner does not need to diagnose a masonry or waterproofing problem before contacting us.

How quickly can work start?

Scheduling depends on the size of the project, weather, material requirements and current workload. If timing is important, include that when you contact us and we can tell you what is realistic for your project.

Brick, Stone, Mortar & Restoration

How do I know if masonry needs repointing?

Common signs are missing mortar, joints that have become deep or powdery, loose pieces of mortar, open gaps, water staining and mortar separating from the brick or stone. Repointing replaces deteriorated joint material while preserving the masonry units where possible.

Can you repair old fieldstone and brick masonry?

Yes. Older masonry requires attention to the existing stone or brick, mortar condition and moisture behavior. The repair should be compatible with the wall rather than simply using the hardest available mortar.

Can brownstone and natural stone be restored?

Many deteriorated joints, localized damaged areas and weathered surfaces can be repaired or restored. The right approach depends on the stone type, depth of damage and condition of the supporting masonry.

Why is the face of my brick or stone breaking off?

Surface deterioration can be related to moisture, freeze-thaw exposure, incompatible previous repairs, salts or long-term weathering. We look at the surrounding condition before recommending a repair.

Do you handle historic masonry?

ProTop offers historic masonry and restoration services. Older buildings often require a different repair approach from newer construction, particularly when matching mortar and preserving existing materials.

Can you repair stucco as well as masonry?

Yes. We handle stucco restoration and waterproofing work. Cracking, transitions, water entry and the condition behind the finish should be considered as part of the repair.

Cracks, Repointing & Structural Concerns

Does every foundation crack mean the foundation is failing?

No. Foundation cracks vary considerably. Direction, width, displacement, location, surrounding moisture and whether the crack is changing all matter. A crack should be evaluated in context rather than judged by appearance alone.

Can a fieldstone foundation be repointed?

Yes. Deteriorated mortar joints in fieldstone foundations can often be cleaned out and repointed. Loose stones, deep voids, moisture and structural movement should also be considered before the scope is finalized.

What is foundation reinforcement?

Reinforcement is additional support used where a foundation wall or structural masonry element requires stabilization or strengthening. The method depends on the type and condition of the wall.

Can you repair both brick and stone foundations?

Yes. ProTop's foundation services include brick foundation repointing, fieldstone repair, crack repair, repointing, waterproofing and structural foundation work.

Should I repair a crack before waterproofing?

The crack and the water problem should be considered together. Simply covering a crack without understanding movement or the water path may not address the underlying condition.

Water Entry, Drainage & Damp Walls

Why does my basement get wet only during heavy rain?

Heavy rain can expose weaknesses that remain dry in normal weather. Water may be concentrating near the foundation, entering through cracks or joints, moving through porous masonry, or overwhelming existing drainage. The entry pattern helps narrow the cause.

What is the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing?

Exterior waterproofing addresses the outside foundation and surrounding water conditions. Interior systems manage water from inside the basement and may include drainage channels, French drains or sump equipment. The right solution depends on the property and access.

Do you install French drains?

Yes. ProTop offers interior and exterior French drain services. Drainage should be planned around the water source, elevations, foundation construction and a suitable discharge location.

Do you install sump pumps?

Yes. Sump pump installation is available as part of our basement water-management services when a sump system is appropriate for the property.

Can an egress stairwell cause basement leaks?

It can. Stairwells can collect rainwater and place water directly against below-grade walls or doors. ProTop handles egress stairwell waterproofing and rebuild work where the stairwell is contributing to the problem.

Can you waterproof above-grade masonry too?

Yes. ProTop handles below- and above-grade waterproofing. Above-grade water entry may involve masonry joints, cracks, transitions, flashing, stucco or other exterior details.

Repair, Repointing & Rebuilding

What are signs that a chimney needs repair?

Watch for missing mortar, cracked or loose brick, damaged crowns, staining, open joints, deteriorated flashing and visible leaning or movement.

Can a chimney be repointed instead of rebuilt?

Sometimes. If the masonry units remain serviceable and deterioration is concentrated in the joints, repointing may be appropriate. Extensive movement or severely damaged masonry can require more substantial rebuilding.

What does a chimney crown do?

The crown helps shed water away from the top of the chimney masonry. Cracks and deterioration at the crown can allow water into the chimney assembly and accelerate damage.

Do you repair chimney flashing?

Yes. Flashing repair is one of our chimney services. Flashing problems can allow water to enter where the chimney meets the roof.

Steps, Patios, Walkways, Driveways & Roofing

Do you build and repair masonry steps?

Yes. Services include brick steps, brick step repair, concrete stairs, stone stairs, and bluestone or granite tread installation.

Do you install patios and pavers?

Yes. ProTop installs bluestone, brick, stone and paver patios, including paver pool-deck applications where appropriate.

Can you fix a sunken walkway?

Depending on the material and underlying condition, settled sections may be rebuilt or reset. Base failure, drainage and roots should be considered before simply leveling the surface.

What driveway materials do you work with?

Our listed driveway services include brick, gravel, interlocking, paver and permeable driveways as well as driveway repair.

Do you also handle roofing?

Yes. ProTop's service list includes new roof installation and roof repair or replacement.

Do You Work in My Area?

Is ProTop limited to Boston?

No. Greater Boston are a major part of our service area, but we may travel beyond the immediate Boston area depending on the location, type of work and size of the project. Call us or submit your ZIP code to check.

What if my town is not listed on the website?

Please contact us anyway. A town not appearing on a website list does not automatically mean it is outside our coverage. We can check the location when you call or request an estimate.

Can larger projects be accepted farther away?

Project location is considered together with scope and scheduling. Contact us with the address or ZIP code and project details so we can confirm whether we can serve it.

Didn't Find Your Question?

Call ProTop or send us the project details. We can tell you the best next step.