4 Major Ways to Effectively Repair Your Chimney in Winter

chimney repair services in toronto

Winter chimney repair is tricky. The mortar compounds that hold bricks together don’t set up in cold weather as well as in warm weather. If your chimney has significant brick damage and needs partial or complete rebuilding, you’ll need a lot of mortar.

Another challenge with repairing chimneys during the cold months is that frozen moisture within the masonry makes it challenging to diagnose the extent of water damage. It’s easier for technicians to assess damage after the normal freeze-thaw winter cycle is over. However, there are solutions you can make before the season ends.

So, how can you overcome such challenges and pursue chimney repairs during colder seasons? Here are four major ways to effectively repair your chimney in winter:

Use Temporary Fixes

The first strategy is to provide a temporary fix to keep the rain and cold out and then complete the repairs in spring. During the cold months, apply chimney caps to keep water out. Also, use a chimney shoe to prevent wind from pushing water into the flue.

You can fill gaps between the chimney and roof using metal flashing to keep the cold out. If you live in a tornado or hurricane-prone area, you may wish to consider a temporary plywood roof over the chimney if there is any chance of high winds during the cold months.

Another option is to use a plastic canopy that fits over the top of your chimney during the cold months. It’s sturdy enough to keep the rain out. You can also pull it down to keep the moisture out once spring arrives, and then you can remove it for the summer.

Hire Chimney Repair Companies With Insulated Trucks

Much of the issue with chimney repair is the environmental conditions and the difficulty they provide. However, there’s still a workaround if you need emergency major repairs during Winter.

You can hire a chimney repair company with insulated trucks with heaters to keep the temperature inside the truck and the technician’s work area warm. When working in such conditions, the work area is safer, and the work becomes easier to do.

Inject Thawing Compound Into Mortar

The first way to get around mortar compound issues is to use a thawing compound instead. The product is specifically designed to thaw frozen mortar and brick. It’s pumped into the wall area where the repair is being done, and then it’s set with a mortar gun.

This is the preferred way to repair chimneys during the frigid winter months because it has the least mortar. The thawing compound performs well in a wide range of temperatures. This compound also has a watertight sealant on the inside of the brick. This will prevent water infiltration into the brick for a long time.

Cold weather mortars are made to be used in below-freezing temperatures. The mortar is made for use up to minus 20 degrees, so it’s the perfect product for a winter chimney repair job.

Make Sure You’re Using the Right Tools

Chimneys have many different parts, each of which serves a specific purpose. To safely and effectively execute a chimney repair, it’s vital to use the right tools. A wide chisel is used to mortar up a crack, while a close chisel is used to re-point a broken joint. The proper hammer taps the two parts together.

There’s no reason for unnecessary risks when repairing a chimney during the winter. If you want your chimney in winter-ready condition, you should use the right tools and know-how to use them and how best to maintain them.

Conclusion

The key to successfully repairing your chimney in winter is not to let the conditions around you get in the way of doing good work. Even though snow and ice are part of the job, you can still make it through the winter season without taking unnecessary risks.

Don’t be discouraged by frigid weather. You can protect yourself and your chimney with proper tools and a little bit of experience.

For chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry is the most reputable masonry company in Toronto. If you want to build a brick wall, a chimney or a fireplace, parge, stonework, and more, we can help you. Call us today!

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know about Chimney Repointing

Chimneys play integral roles in many homes’ ventilation systems. After all, the chimney is the part of the house where fireplace smoke and gasses pass through. Unfortunately, chimneys don’t receive the love they deserve from most homeowners, many believing they don’t require care and maintenance.

Of course, this shouldn’t be the case. Like other parts of your home, your chimney needs maintenance to ensure that it is safe and functional. One maintenance procedure you should consider is tuckpointing or repointing.

Before explaining this procedure further, this guide will first walk you through various signs your chimney needs tuckpointing or repointing.

1. Drywall Damage

One sure sign of a damaged chimney is damaged drywall.

If the outside of your chimney consists of brick, and you notice holes or cracks in the mortar that connects the bricks, this indicates that the chimney’s inner surfaces have cracked or deteriorated.

This damage usually results from water damage, too. Over time, water will get into cracks in the mortar, and these cracks will grow wider and wider through the years.

Eventually, these cracks will get so big that they will begin to damage the drywall on the interior of your house.

2. Crackling Noise

Chimneys produce a high amount of heat and pressure. The mortar that holds these bricks together will begin to crack in some cases.

When this happens, you may hear a rattling, crackling, or even popping noise.

You can typically notice these noises around the fireplace. However, depending on the size of your chimney, you may also hear the noise throughout your home.

This popping noise happens when excess pressure escapes from the mortar. You may need chimney repair before you hear the popping noise.

3. Spalling Brickwork

Spalling refers to the process in which exterior brickwork begins to deteriorate.

As moisture makes its way into your chimney, it will begin to wear away the mortar that holds the bricks together.

In time, these bricks will begin to shed chunks of material.

If you notice that your chimney has started to spall, it is time to get your chimney fixed.

What Is Tuckpointing or Repointing?

Now that you know the various signs you need chimney repair, it’s time to look at chimney tuckpointing or repointing.

Tuckpointing or repointing is a chimney repair method used to replace the deteriorated mortar between bricks or other masonry units. You should note that mortar allows the bricks on your chimney to hold together. In some cases, the mortar will begin to deteriorate and crack.

When this happens, you need to get your chimney repointed. Tuckpointing or repointing requires a person to remove the old mortar between the bricks, clean out the area, and replace the mortar with a new one.

How Do You Tuckpoint or Repoint?

If you believe that your chimney needs tuckpointing or repointing, it’s time to look for a professional who can repair your chimney for you.

Before you hire a professional, you must look for a reputable contractor. While it’s possible to do some of the tuckpointing or repointing yourself, we don’t recommend this.

This is because repointing your chimney incorrectly can cause serious problems. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may end up making the situation worse.

Red Robin Masonry can assist you in this endeavour. We offer chimney repair services, including tuckpointing in Toronto. We have many years of experience, and we always provide high-quality work. If you’re ready to get started on your chimney repair project, give us a call today!

How to Take Care of Bricks and Make Them Last for Years

Bricks can last for decades. It’s one of the reasons they’re among the most popular building materials. Whether for walls or for pavements, any masonry company in Toronto will tell you that bricks are a good choice, whether for walls or for pavements.

That said, they do come with their setbacks. Bricks can get marred by environmental conditions. The good news is, there are things that you can do to take care of your bricks and make them last for a long time. Your reliable masonry company in Toronto shares some tips for you:

Perform Regular Inspection

The more time your bricks have been in your walls or pavements, the more likely they are to show signs of wear and tear. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect your bricks regularly. At the very least, you should check them after every rain. Naturally, you have to do this more often if you live in a place that suffers from severe weather conditions like high humidity, for one.

If you’re inspecting your bricks, look for signs of chipping or cracking. If you find any of these, it’s best that you get your trusted masonry company in Toronto to inspect the structure. They’ll know what to do and how to do it.

Check for Water Damage

Drains get clogged easily. Overflowing gutters can also cause water to pool in unexpected areas. If water gets pooled on your brick surfaces, the brick sealer might get compromised. The result? Your brick will get worn out faster.

Don’t let this happen. Keep an eye out for water damage.

Address Mold, Moss, and Mildew

Fungal growths, mosses, and mildews can thrive on brick surfaces. The more time they have, the more likely they are to grow. These growths not only make your bricks look unsightly, but they also make it easier for water to damage your brick sealant.

Eliminating mold and mildew from your brick surfaces is as simple as spraying them with vinegar. However, don’t forget to mix it with water first. This way, you’ll be able to cut down on the amount of vinegar you’ll use.

Clean the Bricks Regularly

You don’t have to clean your bricks with harsh chemicals. All you have to do is rinse your bricks with a sponge. Avoid using a stiff brush. Never use soap.

Of course, the frequency depends on your activity in the space. If, for example, you’re using the area frequently and you know that there’s more moisture build-up, then you’ll have to do it more frequently.

Conclusion

Bricks are worth the trouble. They add character to your space, they look beautiful, and they’re surprisingly durable. However, they need a little more attention than other building materials.

Taking care of your bricks is easy. There are a few things you have to remember and do, and you’re good to go. If your bricks are already showing signs of wear, it’s time to call your trusted masonry company in Toronto. They’ll know how to take care of your bricks, and they’ll know what to do to make it last for a long time.

Red Robin Masonry is an established masonry company in Toronto that offers an array of services, including brick repair. Contact us today to find out more about our services!

5 Things You Need to Consider When It Comes to Tuckpointing

5 Things You Need to Consider When It Comes to Tuckpointing

Brick, stone, or block can survive for up to a century. The mortar joints typically endure 20 to 30 years, depending on their exposure to various environmental conditions. Tuckpointing is one of the most prevalent types of mending at the moment. If you notice cracks in your mortar or indications of water damage, you may wonder, “Do I need to get my mortar joints fixed, and when is a good time to start fixing them?” This is an excellent question with an easy response. The following is a list of the most crucial things to know about tuckpointing.

1. What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing, in general, refers to the actions used while doing maintenance and subsequent repairs on mortar joints in brick or stone walls. This is accomplished mainly by grinding or raking out the old mortar up to a particular depth. Following that, the free area is filled with fresh, strong mortar. This is a labour-intensive operation, and a competent masonry business should not have difficulty advising customers when such services are required.

2. When is it Necessary to Tuckpoint?

Old mortar joints are crucial to the stability of walls, but they are also more susceptible to damage caused by weather elements that eventually lead to water getting into cracks in the mortar. This can trigger an array of problems, including moulds. It can also cause damage to the brick and stone, but more so to the mortar itself. Tuckpointing is an excellent way of reinforcing the mortar and making it stronger. From time to time, one needs to inspect their mortar joints to determine when a tuckpointing job is necessary. This is not a complicated process. You just need to look at the colour of the mortar or grout. If it is darker or black, then it means that the mortar needs to be tuckpointed.

3. How to Find the Best Masonry Contractor 

You can find a great masonry contractor who can carry out tuckpointing services by simply searching on the web or asking people who have worked with this or similar services in the past for recommendations. Do not forget to check the references that the mason may have provided to assess if what they are telling you is accurate. One of the best approaches that you can take is to do some due diligence and see if the masonry firm has been in operation for a while. You can also call your local Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints against them.

4. When Is It Too Late to Do Tuckpointing?

When you notice your walls becoming loose, you know it’s too late to tuckpoint. In this instance, the only way to alleviate the issue may be to tear down the entire wall and install a new one. Without question, this is a process that many individuals find too expensive. It is critical to detect if your wall needs such treatments early on by contacting a professional before the problem arises. You will save both time and money as a result of this. Again, if you are unsure whether your walls require such treatments, simply contact a professional.

5. Other Reasons to Do Tuckpointing

It is vital to remember that tuckpointing does not only serve to fix damaged mortar joints. More importantly, it can act as a preventive measure for some of the most common issues that affect masonry walls, such as water damage, mould growth, and weak and loose mortar joints.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Tuckpointing is a critical process you need to tackle if you want to renovate your wall. It is also a process that you can undertake as a preventive measure for other problems as well.

Red Robin Masonry is the most respected and trusted masonry company in Ontario. Our services include chimney and fireplace services, tuckpointing, parging, brickwork, stonework, and concrete and foundation services. If you’re looking for brick repair services in Scarborough, give us a call at 416-206-8859 and ask for a quote today!

Look Out for These Chimney Repair Warning Signs

Look Out for These Chimney Repair Warning Signs

While a chimney is a strong and safe structure, it’s worth noting that everything ages inside your home. This means that repairs are due now and then as problems arise due to usage. With that said, a damaged chimney should be repaired as soon as possible.

Read on to discover the chimney repair warning signs you should be looking out for.

The White Stains and Efflorescence 

Efflorescence is a white stain on a chimney. Cleaning the stain does not address the issue of moisture, which contributes to the white residue. Efflorescence in masonry indicates a high level of moisture. If left unattended, the chimney will most likely deteriorate prematurely, causing a variety of other issues.

The Rust and Corrosion

Rusting on your firebox or damper indicates that there is too much moisture in your chimney. While the damper may not appear to be rusted, it may be rusted if it does not seal or function properly.

If there is enough moisture in your chimney to cause rusting, you may also experience serious damage, such as cracked flue tiles. Using a special camera, inspect the flue lining to ensure that the chimney system is not compromised, which could result in a house fire.

The Aging Mortar Joints 

Repair damaged mortar joints between the masonry of the chimney as soon as possible. The masonry will deteriorate over time due to mortar deterioration, exposing it to increased moisture. During cold weather, excess moisture can freeze inside masonry cracks. Cracking in bricks, rocks, and cement can be exacerbated by moisture. The deteriorated mortar could cause the entire chimney to collapse.

The Shaling

If you notice small pieces of chimney tile accumulating in the fireplace, the flue is most likely damaged. The flue lining is critical to a fireplace and chimney’s safety. As a result, an annual chimney inspection is essential. Professional chimney sweeps can inspect your flue lining for any hidden problems. For example, if the tiles are cracked but not crumbling, a chimney system breach is unlikely to be visible.

The Spalling

The presence of masonry fragments at the structure’s base indicates spalling outside of the chimney. Masonry can peel, pop, or flake when exposed to moisture. Replacing damaged masonry keeps the chimney from collapsing and crumbling further.

The Wallpaper Damage 

Damaged wallpaper near your chimney can also be an indication of damage. Moisture in the chimney usually wreaks havoc on the wallpaper. Before using the fireplace, make any necessary repairs to the chimney or flue.

The Chimney Crown Damage

Inspecting the chimney crown, like inspecting damaged mortar joints, will necessitate climbing to the roof. The crown protects the chimney from bad weather. Water may seep into the crown, causing the cracks to expand. Water can seep in between the chimney and the flue lining, causing spalling and shaling.

Conclusion

A damaged chimney can cause a myriad of problems for your home, such as a fire. This may also risk the health and safety of your family. So, be a responsible homeowner and maintain your space or have damages repaired as early as you detect a warning sign. This way, you can get peace of mind and improve your home life quality!

For the best chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry offers first-class tools, industry expertise, and well-trained professionals. Request your FREE quote today!