Everything You Need to Know About Brick Repointing

If you ever thought that your bricks will look after themselves once they’re installed, you’ll be in for a surprise when things go awry on that side of the house. Despite being a sturdy material that can potentially outlive you, it still incurs significant damage over time. What needs the most attention is the material that holds them together to keep them in good order and ensure that outdoor elements don’t enter your home. When you notice deterioration on a brick, it’s best to get a brick repointing done.

Get To Know Brick Repointing

This method involves the removal of a portion of the deteriorated mortar and redoing the joints with a new one. It helps prevent further water infiltration through the mortar and behind the wall. With brick repointing, it will make your wall look good as new without the physical damages.

The Right Time For Brick Repointing

As mentioned, it is not the brick itself that becomes a problem over time but what holds them together, which is the mortar. When you notice the mortar joints around the bricks starting to look worn or torn out, with visible cracking and crumbling, it’s time to have them repointed.

If you didn’t notice it first, then the next tell-tale sign is if the water is coming through the mortar or behind the wall, which will likely end up in costlier repairs. Moreover, if this is not addressed immediately, portions of the wall can detach from the rest of the structure and put your and your family’s safety at risk.

DIY Brick Repointing

If you want to try out a DIY project, you can do brick repointing by yourself. Here are several easy steps to follow:

  • Plan ahead: Before you start the project, it is vital to have a solid plan first. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, ensure safety by installing scaffolds and wall anchors, and gather essential permits.
  • Prepare the equipment: Use an electric grinder to remove the damaged mortar. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a hammer and chisel instead. Scrape the mortar joints to a depth of 2 to 2.5 times the thickness of the joint. You will need to remove the mortar from both adjacent masonry surfaces and the ones that are no longer adhering to the surface. If the mortar is ruined at a greater depth, it is best to remove the brick entirely, clean it, and reinstall it.
  • Apply the mortar: Before you apply mortar, be sure to humidify the brick’s surface so that it doesn’t lose its water by capillarity on contact with a dry brick surface. Apply pressure and compact the mortar in the slits. Then, make sure not to add anything to the mortar’s formula.
  • Seal the joints: Add the finishing touches to the joints by choosing a style that you like and sealing the joints.
  • Dry and clean it: When you’re done, let the mortar dry, which will take about three days. After that, you can clean the joints for proper finishing.

Conclusion

Brick repointing is an easy task if you have experience. Yet, that doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself, especially if you are doubtful of your abilities. For this reason, it’s essential to call a professional masonry company instead and ask them to check for any issues on your bricks so that you can address them right away. Remember, deteriorating joints can turn into a huge problem when not fixed during the first signs of wear and tear.

If you are looking for quality brick repair services in Ontario, then you have come to the right place! Our experts at Red Robin Masonry are qualified professionals and utilize advanced tools and equipment to get the job done right. Get in touch with us today for a quote!

Parging – What Is It and Why Is It Important in Construction

Parging - What Is It and Why Is It Important in Construction

When looking at the process of building a home, you may have come across the term “parging.” If you do not know what it means, parging is the process of applying a cement coating over a wall surface. It is a standard treatment for a structure’s foundation and exterior walls, especially if these walls are made of masonry.

If you are interested to learn more about parging, this article will go over what it entails and why it is important. Let the information below serve as a guide if you have a construction project in mind.

The use of parging

Parging is typically a mason’s responsibility. It involves applying a layer of smooth cement to walls built with blocks. This provides a smooth surface on which different coatings can be applied, such as waterproofing and paints. Parging also helps protect the concrete blocks.

Parging can also be for aesthetic reasons, particularly in external applications, such as in an exterior wall. The surface does not have to be smooth. Instead, it can be textured to achieve different styles. Texturing is possible in multiple ways, such as by mixing in gravel, pebbles, and other materials into the mix before applying it onto a surface.

Parging is also applicable to walls with signs of brick deterioration. In that case, the process is usually paired with a steel mesh to add strength and support. This is then followed by another parging phase using a lighter cement mix over the previous one.

The importance of parging

Parging is vital to any wall to protect its surface from external forces such as rain, wind, ice, and snow. This protection removes the potential risk of moisture seeping into a masonry wall, as this can expand when frozen and crack the installation. At the same time, it also acts as an extra layer of insulation, ensuring the home is as energy efficient as possible.

Identifying the need for parging

Not all surfaces will require parging, and not all surfaces will be deemed ready for parging. If you are interested in parging, it is always vital that you work with a skilled mason. They can quickly identify which walls need to be parged, and they have the skills to carry out the task effectively.

Plus, if they find a wall that needs to be parged, but it is not in a suitable condition, they can quickly fix the problem first. For example, if they find a severely damaged chimney, they will have the chimney fully repaired before parging it.

Conclusion

As you can see, parging plays a vital role in your construction project. It helps protect masonry work from unnecessary risk, and it provides a smooth finish that looks aesthetically pleasing.

That said, while you can do parging by yourself, it is a skill that takes a long time to perfect. We recommend that you work with a skilled mason to do the job. They can identify which surfaces need to be parged, and they can make sure the job is done with the best results.

Red Robin Masonry is a masonry company that offers various services from brick repair, parging, and more to satisfy your construction needs. If you are looking for parging services in Toronto, reach out to us right away!

6 Benefits of Having a Retaining Wall in Your Yard

6 Benefits of Having a Retaining Wall in Your Yard

Retaining walls in your yard is a feature worth integrating. There are so many benefits that you can get out of this partition, such as structural support, and it can even make your yard more functional and beautiful. Because of this, if you’re thinking of ways to transform your yard, this type of wall is well worth considering.

In this article, we will share six benefits that you can get from building a retaining wall in your yard:

It Keeps Soil In Place

A retaining wall will help keep the soil in place as it acts as a barrier that prevents the soil from sliding forward in a landslide. Moreover, rain can exacerbate soil degradation, which makes a retaining wall an excellent solution to prevent this from happening. With this structure, you get an additional safety feature on your property.

It Helps Flood Control

Retaining walls are considered useful in flood control in the form of water drainage aimed at preventing flooding. Additionally, a retaining wall helps reduce gradients that allow water to soak into the soil instead of it running off the surface.

It Reduces Maintenance Needs

Since a retaining wall can help prevent erosion and keep your soil in place, this means that there will be little maintenance work involved. As a result, there’s no need to worry about soil replacement, plants that get washed away in erosion, and other issues. That way, you get to cut down on some of the labour that you have to do in your yard.

It Makes Garden More Functional

Hills and mounds are excellent features in your yard, but they are huge space-eaters. Some homeowners want to create terraces using retaining walls to add more functional space to the yard that can also be used for planting. Likewise, terracing creates an attractive facade for the yard that will showcase various features. You can also make the partition double as a seating wall.

It Beautifies The Garden

Depending on the height and material used, retaining walls can be an attractive structure in the yard, which will help boost its aesthetics. There is something beautiful with a touch of concrete or stone alongside a natural landscape that is simply unexplained.

It Adds Value To Your Property

The fact that retaining walls can beautify and make your yard more functional are reasons enough to boost your property’s value. Also, if you will be putting up your house for sale, most homebuyers will be thrilled that they don’t have to worry about building retaining walls themselves, which can be an added bonus that will make them give a higher offer to your property.

Keep in mind that your yard is an essential selling point, which is why you make sure to pay attention to this, especially when you have plans to sell your property.

Conclusion

If you want to make your yard stand out, be more functional, and provide you with more value, a retaining wall is an excellent solution. The six benefits mentioned are reasons enough for you to have it built in your property. Let your creativity shine through as you have this installed because there is no right way to install it—you can have it anywhere you like in your yard.

Are you interested in having a retaining wall built in your yard? We have got you covered! We offer reliable masonry services in Toronto, and our masons at Red Robin Masonry are some of the best in the city. Connect with us today and request a quote!

4 Common Chimney Problems That You Need to Fix Immediately

4 Common Chimney Problems That You Need to Fix Immediately

Not all homes have chimneys, but the ones that do need to be maintained regularly. Failure to do so can lead to a variety of problems, such as blockages and cracking. Such issues can compromise the chimney’s structural integrity. Not only does this lead to respiratory and safety hazards, but it can also be detrimental to the home’s value.

If you have a chimney at home, it pays to know what kind of problems you may face. This knowledge will help you identify any chimney problems and get them fixed before it is too late.

1. Creosote accumulation

When you burn wood, creosote builds up along the chimney’s inner linings. This substance can pose a lot of problems if it is left to sit. For example, it can cause chimney fires and lead to inefficient wood burning. Getting into contact with creosote also irritates the eyes and skin, and it can damage your lungs if breathed in.

As you can see, creosote is nothing but trouble. For that reason, it is vital that you maintain your chimney and clean it to remove any harmful buildup as soon as possible.

2. Loose masonry

While masonry is meant to provide a durable and reliable chimney construction, it does experience problems after a while. For instance, the constant exposure to heat can cause the masonry to loosen. If left unaddressed, this can lead to bits of the chimney breaking off and even a collapse in worse cases.

To ensure the masonry remains intact and structurally sound, having it checked by an expert is the way to go. Typically, you need to do this before winter to ensure it will last throughout the season and after winter to see whether any damage has occurred.

3. Damaged cap

The cap on the chimney is there to not only add aesthetic value to the construction but also keep the outside elements from entering. A damaged cap can cause rainwater to seep into the chimney, more specifically the flue. This can lead to various issues that can grow worse when winter arrives.

If you discover a damaged cap on your chimney, have it analyzed by an expert right away. They will inspect the chimney for any problems and fix the cap to avoid further problems.

4. Fractured flue

The flue acts as a duct for the smoke from your fireplace to exit your home properly. It is also one of the most common places for problems to occur. While there may be different kinds of issues, the most common one is a fracture or a crack. A fractured flue may be a sign of more serious problems that your chimney needs fixing.

A fractured flue can only be fixed by the hands of experts. For that reason, hire a professional to inspect and repair your flue if required.

Conclusion

All of these problems take time to occur, and if left unchecked, can grow to the point that the chimney may need to be knocked down and completely replaced. To avoid such an unnecessary waste of time and money, make sure that you get your chimney inspected regularly. Have it checked out by a professional often, and do not waste time calling one to fix the chimney if you discover a problem!

Red Robin Masonry are experts at maintaining your home. If you need chimney repair services in Mississauga, reach out to us right away!

5 Common House Maintainance Issues and How to Fix Them

5 Common House Maintainance Issues and How to Fix Them

When you own a home, you have the freedom to customize it as you wish. You also have the responsibility to keep it clean and well-maintained so that you can protect yourself and your household from any hazards. Damage can happen due to many different reasons and in various parts of your house, but it is normal and expected.

While living in your house, you might encounter pest infestations, plumbing leaks, or electrical problems. Most issues are easy to resolve if you know how to spot the warning signs and get the right professional help. These are the things you need to know to keep your house in perfect shape from top to bottom:

 

Your roof and chimney

Your roof protects you from the harsh elements and keeps your entire house dry. However, there are vulnerable areas of your roofing that you should look after. Find a safe way to access your roof, or ask for a contractor to inspect it for you. If you have shingles, check the cement backing to make sure they adhere to the roof.

The chimney can also deteriorate over time and with repeated exposure to strong winds, hail, or debris. Ensure the collar–the metal skirt at its base covering the joint between the chimney and the roof–is secure against your roof’s surface. You also need to ensure that the lining or the flue is intact to prevent fires or damage to the bricks.

 

Interior walls

Demising walls around your home are usually hollow. The gaps in the partitions allow electrical wiring and plumbing to pass through so you can access utilities in different parts of your house. Unfortunately, these areas are great hiding areas for unwelcome guests like termites and ants. To keep your walls free of pests, you need to ensure there are no moisture sources, and there are no cracks where they can enter. Termites make their way from your yard when you track in dirt from the outside. Inspect your walls frequently for signs of bulging or buckling. You should also look out for water rings or discoloration patches that could indicate a leak happening within. When you keep your walls dry, you can avoid insect colonies setting up shop.

 

Flooring and carpeting

Depending on what type of flooring you have, you may need frequent cleaning. If you have tiles, you need to have them re-grouted every two years to keep them looking clean. Polish your wood floors every few months to preserve their sheen and smooth out any scratches. Keep a lookout also for trembling or creaking floorboards–these may be signs that the supports need repair and reinforcement.

 

The exterior walls

Your exterior walls are bound to receive a lot of abuse from harsh weather elements. If you have siding, you will need to regularly inspect the sections to see if the adhesive material remains strong so they can continue to provide insulation and protection from debris. Painted areas of the exterior tend to peel over time from exposure to rain and snow. Set aside a budget to give your house a refreshed paint job every two to three years so you can keep up your curb appeal.

 

The basement

One of the most critical areas to maintain in your house is its foundation. A home with excellent masonry work of brick and stone will stand for many years. However, you will need to take steps to preserve its integrity over time. Inspect your basement walls every few months to look for cracks or holes where pests and water may come through. If you notice loose bricks or boulders coming off, call a foundation repair specialist to help you seal the walls and get them back to their original state.

Keeping your house in top condition is an ongoing process. It will require vigilance on your part to look out for the red flags. Look for a trusted home restoration service capable of working with various construction materials, especially brick and stone, for your exterior. Once you have the right partner, keeping your home in livable condition will be easy.

Do you need home restoration services in the Greater Toronto Area? We offer help with brick, masonry, waterproofing, and other problem areas you may have at home. Visit our website to see our full lineup of award-winning services. Request a free quotation for home repair today.