4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Try to Do Masonry Repair on Your Own

Whether you're a newbie or someone who's been involved in health clubs for years, there are fitness terms that you should be aware of. It's always interesting to learn the meanings behind each term to determine how they can contribute to your fitness journey. Listed below are ten common fitness terms and their meanings: Cardio Cardio is the short-term for cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory exercise, making the heart pump nutrient-carrying blood and oxygen to the muscles. These exercises are commonly performed on stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical runners. Cardio aims to provide cardiorespiratory health benefits. Burning The word 'burning' in fitness terminology refers to the feeling due to the accumulation of the muscles' metabolic waste, resulting in fatigue. Acidosis, or the change in blood acidity, heightens the levels of hydrogen ions and lactic acid. This condition is experienced when a person feels a burning sensation in the muscles. Burning is also a sign of the recovery period that must allow the body to get rid of the metabolic wastes and replenish new nutrients to the muscles. Plyometrics Plyometrics, also called 'plyos,' is a term used to describe the muscles' physiological impact when doing jump training and other explosive movements. Soviet sport scientists developed plyometric training, which was originally called 'shock training.' It is essential to perform only a few repetitions to achieve the best level of force results possible. Core Training One of the most famous terms when it comes to fitness training is core training. Almost every personal fitness studio provides core training programs. The term 'core' refers to the muscles found in the body's midsection (including the 'six-pack' in some individuals). The core is considered the body's center of gravity. Activities related to core training include lifting an object, walking, moving from a place to another, and other movements that use the rib cage, spine, and pelvis. Metabolic Conditioning Metabolic conditioning is a fitness terminology used to describe a high-intensity exercise done until you experience muscle soreness and being out of breath. Any type of exercise that involves muscle contraction can be considered metabolic conditioning. Even standing from your chair requires your metabolism to energize your muscles. Toning Typically, the goal of fitness training services is to tone up the body and get into shape. The term 'tone' refers to the look of well-defined muscles. It is also a short term for "tonus," a technical word for the state of contraction of normal working muscles. Utilizing the muscles repeatedly on strength training activities will result in contraction, thus, creating a well-defined appearance. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) This term is often used to describe exercises that are done at maximal intensity. It is a cardiovascular exercise, a form of interval training that alternates short periods of intense exercise with little recovery time. For individuals who have been living a sedentary lifestyle or dealing with a chronic medical condition, simply walking for several minutes can be deemed as "high intensity." Mind-Body Mind-body is a common term to describe some types of exercise such as Pilates or yoga. These exercises are done with body weight and require focus to execute difficult sequences of movements. Any physical movement that needs activity patterns, learning, and cognitive focus can be classified as mind-body technically. Muscle Confusion Muscle confusion is a term that describes the physiological impact of organizing exercise programs periodically. Sports scientists in the Soviet Union developed this periodization concept. The idea is that high-intensity exercises must be followed by a period of low-stress exercises. In that way, the body can effectively recover from the various workouts and let the body adapt physiologically. Tabata Named after the Japanese scientist Dr. Isumi Tabata, this term refers to a certain protocol of high-interval fitness training of 20-second intervals. This is followed by a 10-second interval for recovery, performed for eight cycles or a total of 4 minutes. Conclusion Every fitness program aims to help individuals to be a better version of themselves. Choosing to have a healthy body requires persistence, passion, and responsibility. Part of every fitness journey is to be well-rounded with the critical things about your health and wellness routine, starting with knowing the important terms related to health, fitness, and exercise. The Fit Factor Personal Training takes pride in providing exclusive fitness training services. If you're looking for a reliable fitness training program in Wellesley, then we are the best place to visit. Start your fitness journey with us!

One of the perks of owning a brick or a stone house is knowing that your home is sturdy, and it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any structural problems. Although it’s uncommon, it’s still possible that you’ll notice some cracks on your wall over the years of abuse from outdoor elements. When you do, you might wonder if you should take on the repair by yourself or hire expert masonry services.

 

A quick search online might lead you to some DIY videos and home improvement shows, and you might think the job seems easy enough, so there’s no reason for you not to try it. However, here are four reasons that will convince you otherwise:

 

  1. It Can Be Dangerous

 

Keep in mind that masonry is more than merely adding mortar to the cracks. Doing so won’t make the crack disappear, and doing it the wrong way can even be disastrous. First of all, because cracks often appear high, it means you will have to fix them while standing on a ladder.

 

Besides that, there’s always a risk that you might be working on the part of the wall that’s structurally weak, and it could collapse on you. 

 

  1. There Can Be Problems You Won’t Recognize

 

The problems you see, such as cracks, may merely be signs of an underlying issue that you won’t recognize because of your lack of knowledge and experience. This will also be hard if you don’t have the tools needed to detect those problems. It would be better if you call in a pro at the earliest sign of trouble so that they can effectively assess the situation and address it accordingly. 

 

  1. Doing It Yourself May Cost You More

 

You might think that by forgoing professional brick repair services, you’ll be saving some money, but that’s not necessarily true. If you think of how much you’ll need to get all the equipment and materials, all of which you’ll probably not going to use again, you might realize that you’re actually saving more when you hire a pro instead. 

 

Also, consider the possibility that you won’t do it right the first time you give it a go and that you’ll have to redo things. That already means twice the cost. When your expenses for this project keep piling up, you will realize that it doesn’t make any sense to take on a DIY project!

 

  1. Hiring a Pro Means More Efficient Work

 

What a professional contractor can finish in a day could take you a few days or even a week to complete. Do you really have time for that? You may also need more time to practice and be ready for the task. On the other hand, experts have years of experience, so they can do the repair straight away, and they’ll be out of your way sooner than you expected.

 

Conclusion

 

While it might seem exciting to take on a masonry repair on your own, keep in mind that it’s one of those home improvement projects that an experienced contractor better handles. The risk is too big and the expenses too high if you make a mistake. You may not have the experience or knowledge to be sure that you’ll do it correctly, and it could take you days to complete the project. Of course, it’s also essential that you choose the right contractor for the job as well to ensure desirable results!

 

Red Robin Masonry is a trusted masonry company in Toronto that can handle any big or small repair project. Our team can provide you with reliable services at a reasonable rate. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!

4 Signs Your Chimney Is in Dire Need to Be Repointed

While not a task that is done commonly, chimney repointing is a must-do for homeowners that are experiencing problems with the chimney, especially when it comes to issues with its outer parts. If you have never heard of chimney repointing before, it is a process that renews the mortar joints of your chimney, which generally gets decayed or damaged due to the elements. The process involves removing all damaged pointing materials and replacing them with new bonding materials to restore the chimney’s strength and structure. 

That being said, how can you tell if your chimney needs repointing? Here are the signs to look out for:

 

  1. Rusted firebox

While fireboxes are generally safe from any type of moisture, it can still happen. Cracks in the mortar can allow water to seep into the chimney and reach the firebox or even the damper. If you notice that the firebox has started to rust, then the chances are that water has been seeping through the tiny gaps in the cracks of the mortar. 

Note that there can be other causes of a rusted firebox, so it pays to hire a professional to inspect the chimney for the possible causes.

 

  1. Damaged mortar

If you notice that the mortar on your chimney has changed colour, it is a sign that the mortar and bricks are old and need repointing. If the mortar has started to flake or chip off, this can also mean that the mortar has gone brittle and become weak! 

In either case, the signs may point to the fact that the mortar is at risk of water seeping into the chimney. In addition, it also shows that your chimney’s structural integrity is at risk—so be sure to have the chimney repaired immediately if you notice any damage to this particular aspect of your home.

 

  1. Yellowed wallpaper

Any wallpapers around your chimney can start to change colour—particularly to yellow—if the chimney experiences too much moisture. Once again, such moisture may have entered your chimney because of any cracks it may have experienced. 

To fix this problem, call a chimney professional to identify the cause of the moisture, whether it be from cracked mortars or another source that you might not immediately notice. 

 

  1. Large and small cracks

Any cracks on your chimney are signs of trouble, whether it is on the mortar or not. As such, any cracks, whether large or small, should be a red flag that requires immediate attention from a professional. These cracks will allow water to seep into your chimney and damage it, and it can weaken the entire chimney fixture, putting itself and your home at risk of damages. Once again, quickly contact chimney experts to inspect the chimney and have it repointed if necessary!

 

Conclusion

From yellowed wallpaper to flaking mortar, these are all the signs that there is trouble brewing in your chimney and that it needs some repointing to restore its integrity and aesthetics. 

That being said, when working with chimney experts, take the time to research the professionals you are going to work with. Discuss with them the problems you are facing, and what cost you can expect to have the chimney repaired. This way, you will be financially ready to undergo the fix, getting you the repair you need without breaking the bank. 

Red Robin Masonry is a trusted and respected masonry company in Ontario, offering masonry services to keep your home in perfect shape—no matter the weather. If you need chimney repair services, reach out to us today and get your chimney fixed!

 

 

 

Chimney Cracks: What Causes Them And What You Can Do

A chimney is a wonderful thing to have, especially during the cold months. There is nothing like building a cozy fire during winter. This is why making sure that your chimney is in working order before the winter season is crucial. Chimneys are meant to last for a long time, and in general, they usually do. However, if cracks start to form on your chimney, it pays to know if they are only an aesthetic issue or if it is a serious problem that needs attention.

 

Maintaining Your Chimney

If there are cracks on the stone and brick layers of your chimney, there is a good chance that you may be able to fix these cracks yourself. Most of the time, cracks are a maintenance issue that can easily be fixed, as long as you find the damage in time.

Chimney maintenance involves making sure that you are able to repair cracks and make sure that they do not affect the structural integrity of your chimney. If you see that the damage is not extensive, these can easily be repaired. However, if the cracks are large or have smoke residue, you may need to call a masonry repair professional.

 

Why Do Chimney Cracks Form?

 

1 – Lack Of Proper Maintenance

Cracks on chimneys are fairly normal and happen to the most well-maintained chimney. However, if you do not take time to fix small fractures, these may have the tendency to grow until they become too deep to be repaired without the help of a professional. 

 

2 – Freezing And Thawing

Another cause of chimney damage is the freezing and thawing of water that is caught in chimney cracks. As water freezes, it expands. If this happens in between the small crevices of a cracked chimney, it can cause the damage to worsen, leaving a larger hole in its place.

 

3 – Plants and Trees In The Area Near The Chimney

A tree with thick roots that is planted nearby may grow and cause damage to the chimney if its growth isn’t controlled properly. The roots may come to grow under the chimney and ruin the pad that supports the chimney. During harsh weather, the branches of the trees may hit the chimney as they sway in strong wind, causing damage to the structure.

 

4 – Poor Drainage

Poor drainage can affect a chimney because the excess moisture that is left on the brick may cause damage to the foundation. If the foundation is weak, there will be a higher likelihood of cracks and damage to the chimney.

 

Conclusion

If you notice overly large cracks, plants and weeds growing, or smoke stains on your chimney, you may want to consider hiring a masonry specialist to take a look at your chimney and not try to repair it on your own. These are telltale signs that your chimney may be deteriorating and may need more intensive repairs. 

The tips mentioned above will help you maintain your chimney and make sure that no severe damage will affect it. However, if you were not able to properly maintain your chimney, its best that you contact a masonry contractor before the winter months roll in. they will be able to repair your chimney from the inside out, and make sure that you will not face the problem of a broken chimney when you need it the most.

If you are worried about your chimney, Red Robin Masonry offers chimney repair services in the Toronto area. We also offer brick repair services, waterproofing, and other masonry repairs. Don’t wait too long to have the cracks on your chimney checked, contact us today! 

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Brick Bonds

Toronto masonry services

Brick bonds are popular because of their aesthetic effect, but besides that, they have a significant impact on the budget. But first, what is a brick bond? This is a pattern in which bricks are laid. There are various types of brick bonds, and they each have their own look, structural considerations, and installation methods. 

 

How Do they Work

Most brick bonds need bricks of the same size to create a regular and repeatable pattern that can be applied over any size of the area. A lot of bond patterns use a form of interlock method on each brick row to ensure that they are woven together. By doing so, the bond adds strength to the construction that can make a mortared wall even stronger. 

 

Types of Brick Bonds

Here are some of the most common and popular brick bonds used for walls: 

  • Running bond: This is a simple, structural bond for basic wall construction in which bricks are staggered by 1/2 brick from the course above and below in a one-over-two pattern. All the bricks are laid lengthwise with their long sides facing out. 
  • Common bond: This features a running bond pattern with intermittent header bricks that are used for double-thickness walls so that header bricks are flush on the ends with two stretchers laid side by side. 
  • English bond: This is similar to a common bond, but it has an alternating running bond and all header bricks with each course. 
  • Flemish bond: This is where stretched and header bricks alternate in each course. 
  • Stack bond: The stretcher bricks are laid in a grid of identical courses, which are used for decorative interior walls. 

 

Common Paving Brick Bonds

But what about brick paving that is supported by the underlying surface? Brick bonds used for paving are more flexible and decorative, and they can use wood timbers or other materials. 

  • Running bond: This follows the same pattern of a wall brick, but it can be perpendicular, parallel, or diagonal to the length of a path or patio. 
  • Herringbone: This is a simple zigzag pattern, but it needs a cut brick at the end of every course to form a straight line. 
  • Basketweave: This follows a square pattern with the bricks laid side-by-side in pairs. 
  • Pinwheel: Its pattern is easily recognizable because of its repeated assemblies of four bricks that are laid end-to-side to create a square with a half-brick space in its center. 
  • Stacked: This is a square grid of even rows with no staggering between courses. 

 

Conclusion

Make your brickwork stand out and ensure that it lasts for a long time. Find the right masonry service for you today that will help you achieve the type of brick wall or paving for your property. Moreover, they can also help you choose the right type of brick bonds that will suit your property’s needs the most. Whether the brick bonds are for aesthetic purposes or something else, a good brick builder can help you make the right decision. 

Get quality Toronto masonry services now. Here at Red Robin Masonry, we can help you achieve the right brickwork for you. Contact us today!