Choosing the Most Compatible Kind of Chimney for Your House

When thinking about necessary inclusions in a home, a chimney might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, they can actually be really helpful features to add to a home, especially when it comes to colder countries like Canada.

 

The primary purpose of a chimney is to remove any harmful fumes from the smoke that furnaces and stoves usually produce while turned on. It’s pretty good to constantly use such heaters to make some hot food and keep every occupant in the home warm during freezing weather. 

 

An enclosed space can make the fire burn for a shorter period than it usually would with some draft. Chimneys help provide that very air that will help keep the fire you have burning. That way, you can cozy up to the fireplace a little longer. 

 

However, unbeknownst to some homeowners, there are different chimney types. They contrast a lot in shape, style and intentions in design. Here are three distinct kinds of chimneys that you may find helpful to have in a regular residential property.

 

Masonry Chimneys

 

A masonry chimney roughly refers to the classic chimney depicted in animations and media, where Santa Claus usually slides down sneakily to place some presents. It might not look as comfortable, though, considering the materials a masonry chimney is made of. It can range from poured stone, mixed concrete, solid bricks and cut blocks. 

 

Usually used in conjunction with an open fireplace more than anything, a masonry chimney is suitable for directing the smoke from burning wood away from the living room. The bottom half of it also looks quite charming while being completely durable due to its materials, making it a staple to add to the home. 

 

Factory-Built Chimneys

 

Factory-built chimneys, also commonly known as prefabricated chimneys, are also a runner-up in the kind of chimney you may consider for your home. They’re most recognizable as the toppers of some factories, but there’s a fine selection of contemporary designs that homeowners can choose from and attach to their fireplace.

 

The appeal that factory-built chimneys have is that they provide excellent insulation and double-walling thanks to the sheet metal they’re made out of. They’re much easier to maintain than brick masonry chimney at times but are considerably more fragile and susceptible to any damages if the installation goes wrong. 

 

Stove Chimneys

 

Unlike other masonry chimneys and factory-built chimneys, stove chimneys are a lot more versatile. If you happen to have a wood-burning stove, go and use this type of chimney. Homeowners can choose to attach that same stove chimney to a current chimney to make all the fumes from other avenues of smoke exit the home together.

 

The sight of them can be a little reminiscent of the ambience in a small baking shop or an old medieval tavern. It can be a lovely addition to have that will make your house feel a tad more put together. 

 

Conclusion

 

Knowing these kinds of chimneys might help you make your mind up about what chimney you want to introduce your home to. There isn’t a wrong or right answer as each one holds its own perks and features. 

 

Looking for a masonry company in Toronto? Red Robin Masonry can redo and repair your chimney and fireplaces to help protect your home from snow and severe temperatures. Get a quote today!

Weep Holes: What Are Their Purpose and Impact in Masonry?

Ever noticed the small gaps around the exterior of a brick structure? You may be wondering for a long time now what they are. Those aren’t random gaps designed to mess with your head; there’s a term for those gaps, and they are actually built for a specific purpose.

Known as weep holes, these small gaps provide an opening to let the drainage of moisture. They are about the size of a mortar joint and are particularly designed to provide ventilation and allow the water to escape behind the masonry.

 

Why Are Weep Holes Important?

Too often, homeowners overlook the importance of weep holes. Some even think that these holes will just allow bugs and mice to infiltrate the property. To pacify homeowners’ fears, a ventilated plastic piece can be installed into the holes to prevent pests from making your brickwork their territory.

The reason why these weep holes matter is simple: water should be allowed to escape before it goes to the other areas of the house that may deteriorate eventually. Of course, nobody wants to experience water damage in their homes. It can result in repairs that can be costly.

 

How Are Weep Holes Installed?

Based on the Ontario Building Code‘s requirements, weep holes should be installed in the proper locations on all masonry. Weep holes that are spaced not more than 800 mm apart shall be placed at the bottom of cavity walls and air spaces in masonry veneer walls.

 

Types of Damage Caused by Incorrectly Installed Weep Holes

Damage that is associated with missing or improperly installed weep holes depends on its location. The following are some examples:

  • Efflorescence

Without weep holes, water can accumulate behind the brickwork where there is no easy way to escape. It will soak through the brick’s exterior, and it will start to appear as efflorescence on the brickwork. You can try cleaning the efflorescence before it gets worse.

  • Internal Water Issues

Water will find another way out if it’s not allowed to escape freely. It could flow towards the interior of your home. This is why weeping holes should be properly installed to avoid any water damage inside the house.

  • Spalling Brickwork

Once efflorescence occurs, the brick may crack and peel off. In that case, brick replacement is needed. Any cracked masonry should be given proper attention, and you should find the root cause. One common reason is that weep holes have not been installed correctly. 

  • Bulging Bricks Above Door and Window

Bulging bricks above the door and window are often associated with a rusting lintel. It may seem that the water is causing pressure behind it. The only solution to solve it is by entirely removing the bricks, putting new lintel, and replacing new bricks properly. 

 

Conclusion

 

Whether you are planning to build or purchase a new property, make sure to check the brickwork’s exterior if weep holes are present. It is also helpful to be aware of the damage that improperly installed weep holes can bring. Getting a professional masonry service will help you maintain the structural integrity of your home, so make sure to work with the right company.

If you’re looking for masonry services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry is here to assist. Our professional masons are experienced, knowledgeable, and highly trained to provide clients with exceptional quality products and services. Contact us today!

Home Renovation: What Happens During Foundation Repair?

It’s more common for homeowners to notice aesthetic damage, from roofing to window damage. Since they’re easier to spot, contacting contractors for repairs is done much sooner to prevent further damage. However, some signs of your home’s deterioration aren’t always in the most obvious place. For example, your home’s foundation can keep small yet potentially dangerous vulnerabilities that put you and your home at risk.

 

The process of foundation repair

Foundation repair is necessary for contractors to minimize repair costs and ensure that your structure’s safe to use and occupy. If you don’t repair a building’s foundation problems, it can invite mould and mildew to grow underneath its pier and beams. Additionally, cracks and poor sealing can cause water to seep into and cause rot or deterioration over time. For this reason, it’s vital to undergo foundation repair for the longevity of your building.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the five steps contractors go through to repair your home’s foundation.

 

Step# 1: Initiating prep work

First, your contractors will remove any greenery or utilities that are connected to your home. This allows your contractors to dig holes around your home’s perimeter without damaging any landscaping nearby or plumbing underneath. Your contractor may also break out sections of your concrete slab to maneuver their tools better and assess its condition.

 

Step #2: Assessing signs of damage 

Every home will have different issues with its foundation, from gradual wear and tear or heavy damage due to natural disasters. Because of this, your contractor needs to note damage to the foundation on its exterior or interior piers.

Once the surrounding areas are clear to work with, your contractors will assess if your foundation piers are still durable. If your home only has exterior piers issues, it may not be necessary for contractors to work through your home indoors.

 

Step #3: Stabilizing your foundation

The contractors will gradually lift the exterior piers through hydraulic jacks. This elevates your home’s foundation and allows them to install steel and concrete piers under your home’s foundation for stabilization. They will then lift and correct any complications by applying support cylinders, repairing flatwork, and other necessary treatments to secure your home.

 

Step #4: Covering previously dug out holes

Since the source of damage is already identified, it’s best to shorten the project timeline by doing tasks simultaneously. While some contractors are lifting your home’s foundation, other workers can immediately begin filling in the dug holes from the previous step. It’s generally best to have soil piled higher than its previous amount to give your home’s soil a chance to slowly sink into the dug holes over time. This is a necessary allowance during floods and rains that will inevitably cause the soil to compress. Although the amount of soil may look odd, they will eventually compress over time for a year or more at most.

 

Step #5: Cleaning up the foundation

After removing tarps and replanting debris, the last step involves replanting the relocated vegetation repairing any dug tunnels or damaged concrete driveways.

 

Conclusion

 

Although the process can cost as low as $2,000, your building’s foundation repair treatment can blow past $15,000. While the price can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that the value of keeping safe is priceless. This is why it’s necessary to scout your options and find the right contractor to remedy your building’s needs.

When it comes to your home’s safety and security, you should be picky about who to trust. At Red Robin Masonry, it’s our goal to give our clients the appropriate building solutions for their home’s longevity. If you need home restoration services in Ontario, contact us today at 416-206-8859!

Why You Should Consider Brick for Your Home’s Exterior

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Brick is one of the most popular materials used for property exterior today. It is well-known for its timeless beauty, durability, and longevity. There are a lot of benefits you can get from using brick for your exterior, and in this post, we will discuss them. 

 

Why Brick?

  • Aesthetic Appeal

An obvious benefit of using brick for homes is that they make properties look more beautiful. In turn, it helps increase the property value, which is a significant selling point. 

  • Eco-Friendliness and Increase in Home Value

Bricks are made from clay, which is a natural resource that makes them eco-friendly. Trust that bricks won’t be affected by moisture as they can absorb and release water naturally. Moreover, brick is fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and termite-resistant. All of these features can help decrease homeowner insurance rates. 

  • Variety of Choices

They come in various colours, from white to black, and you can even have multicoloured bricks. You can also choose the texture of the brick face—rough, smooth, or somewhere in between. Furthermore, you can customize the look even more by choosing from various mortar colours. 

  • Durability and Functionality

Bricks are also popular for their durability, and that’s because they don’t break or dent. They are also a powerful insulator that keeps temperatures regulated within the property. You can also expect it to help reduce sound transmission. 

  • Low-Maintenance

Brick exterior requires little maintenance that it only needs occasional washing. You also don’t need to worry about decay or repainting. 

  • Worth the Price

When it comes to its price, it is true that it can be pricey, but it’s going to be worth it! 

 

How About Brick Maintenance? 

As mentioned, brick is low-maintenance, which is also why it’s preferred by many. Here are some easy ways you can maintain your brick siding: 

 

  • Spray the surface with a garden hose. Remember, pressure-washing your brick siding isn’t recommended because the intense water pressure can cause damage to older brick surfaces and joints. 
  • Remove chalk-like stains (efflorescence) with white vinegar. Spray it on the stains, wait 10-15 minutes, and rinse with plain water. 
  • Make sure your home’s foundation is strong. If you have an older home and have foundation issues, movement can cause stress to the brick walls. In turn, this will result in cracks and mortar joints. You can reduce the risk of movement by installing guttering and downspouts that will direct water away and keep it from pooling around the foundation. 
  • Old bricks must be repointed when necessary. After a few decades, the joints can crumble, and to address the issue, you can have the bricks repointed. Brick repointing involves removing a portion of old mortar and refilling the joints with fresh mortar. 

Conclusion

 

Having bricks for your home’s exterior is one of the best decisions you can ever make. With all of these benefits, you can guarantee that using brick material is an excellent investment that will keep your home protected, at the same time, increase its value. Therefore, if you’re trying to decide which siding material to use for your home, consider brick. Although it’s a bit pricier, it’s going to be worth it. After all, everybody loves seeing brick properties! 

If you need brick repair services in Toronto, we can help you here at Red Robin Masonry. Our top priority is to bring you the quality and service you deserve. Get a quote today.