Masonry Contractor serving Kenai, Alaska

Old Town Kenai contains some of the oldest buildings on the Kenai Peninsula, and many feature brick or stone construction that's been standing for decades. These older structures need specialized care to maintain their character while addressing inevitable deterioration. Original mortar formulations were often different from modern mixes, and matching them properly is important both for appearance and for allowing the masonry to function as originally designed. Using mortar that's too hard can actually damage softer historic bricks.

We've worked on numerous historic buildings throughout Kenai, from homes near the Old Town waterfront to commercial structures along the Kenai Spur Highway. Each project requires careful assessment of existing conditions and thoughtful planning to preserve historic character while making necessary repairs. Sometimes that means sourcing specialty materials to match original brickwork, or hand-mixing custom mortar colors to blend repairs seamlessly with existing walls. The goal is always maintaining the building's historic integrity while ensuring it remains structurally sound and weather-tight.

Foundation issues are common in older Kenai buildings, particularly those built before modern foundation standards were established. Settlement, water damage, and decades of freeze-thaw cycles take their toll on masonry foundations. We handle everything from minor crack repairs to major foundation work that involves excavation and rebuilding sections of failed walls. Foundation repairs on historic buildings require extra care to avoid disturbing more than necessary while still making repairs that will last. Whether you own a historic home near Old Town or maintain a commercial building that's served Kenai for generations, we bring the specialized knowledge needed to preserve these important structures for future years.

The bluff areas of Kenai offer spectacular views of Cook Inlet and the volcanoes beyond, but building and maintaining masonry in these exposed locations requires extra planning and care. Wind speeds are consistently higher on the bluff, driving rain and salt spray into every surface. Foundations and retaining walls need engineering appropriate not just for soil conditions but also for the additional lateral forces wind creates. Materials must be rated for severe exposure, and installation details become even more critical than they are for more sheltered locations.

Many bluff properties feature terraced landscaping with retaining walls creating level areas for homes, lawns, and outdoor living spaces. These walls serve multiple purposes: they prevent erosion on the steep bluff face, create usable flat areas on otherwise sloped lots, and can provide wind breaks for outdoor spaces. The engineering requirements are significant since failure could cause major erosion problems or threaten structures. We design these systems with proper drainage, adequate footings below frost depth, and construction methods that account for wind loading and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

Despite the challenging exposure, bluff properties are wonderful places to have outdoor living spaces that take advantage of those incredible views. We build custom patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire features for bluff properties throughout Kenai. The key is situating these features to maximize the views while providing some wind protection. A well-placed retaining wall or privacy wall can create a microclimate that makes outdoor spaces usable even when it's breezy. Material selection also matters since constant wind exposure accelerates wear on any surface. We help homeowners balance their desire for beautiful outdoor spaces with the practical realities of building on the bluff, creating features that are both functional and built to last in this spectacular but demanding location.