As durable as your brickwork may be, the time will come that it will require some repairs or perhaps even a replacement. But when will this happen, and how will you know when it’s time? Read on and find out as Red Robin Masonry, a trusted masonry company in Toronto shares what you need to know:

 

The Usual Lifespan of Brick and Mortar

 

Brick and mortar are susceptible to wear and tear, especially when they are exposed to the elements like the sun, rain, and snow. What’s more, they are also affected by the high salt content in the air, not to mention the various chemicals that can be found in soil and groundwater. In addition, they are affected by the freeze-thaw cycle. All these factors contribute to the general wear and tear that bricks and mortar undergo as they age.

 

At the same time, the quality of the bricks and mortar you use can also affect the life expectancy of your brickwork. It’s no secret that high-quality bricks and mortar in the market will surely last longer. However, if you’re on a budget, you can opt for cheaper bricks and mortar that are short-lived.

 

So how long do your bricks and mortar last? High-quality brickwork can last about 80 years or so. Cheap brickwork, on the other hand, can only last for about 40 years.

 

Warning Signs of Damage to Your Brick and Mortar

 

Cracks

 

The first sign of brickwork wear and tear is when the brick joints begin to crack. This may happen because the mortar used to fill the joints has dried up and shrunk. 

 

Holes

 

If you find holes on the brickwork, that’s usually a sign of pests like carpenter ants. Occasionally, the termites will also bore holes into the brickwork. They then lay their eggs in these holes. If left undisturbed, the eggs will grow into grubs which will hatch into the adult carpenter ants.

 

Crumbling Mortar

 

The mortar is the glue that holds the brick and the brickwork together. If the mortar starts to crumble, that’s a sign of brickwork damage. You can also try to tap or knock your brickwork with your knuckle to see if the mortar is well-glued. Ideally, only the brick will sound, indicating that the mortar is still in good condition.

 

Water Damage

 

If you notice that there are wet spots in bricks and mortar, that could be because of a leaking pipe in the basement or a garden hose used in the backyard. Another possible reason is that there are no weep holes in the brick wall. These weep holes will allow water to drip out of the walls instead of penetrating the wall and damaging the brickwork.

 

Conclusion

 

When you notice damage to your brickwork, it is best to have it fixed right away by a reliable masonry company in Toronto to avoid further damage. The longer you wait to deal with it, the more time it will take to repair it, and the more money you will spend on professional services. At some point, the damage will become too severe to be fixed, so you may need to replace the brickwork instead of repairing it. It’s a lot more cost-effective to deal with the problem early on.

 

Red Robin Masonry offers masonry services in Toronto that you can depend on. Whether you need services for brickwork, stonework, or others, our experienced pros can handle your project efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Masonry is a stunning feature of your house, but it is susceptible to damage from natural processes like the shifting and settling of the soil. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your property is well-maintained. However, the damage caused by nature is often hidden and hard to detect, which makes it difficult for you to determine whether your home has major problems with its masonry.

 

Instead of attempting to do any masonry operation on your own, it is strongly recommended that you get the assistance of a professional mason. They can quickly identify major problems and keep you from wasting your time and money on a project that won’t be worth your investment.

 

A stone masonry repair is one of the most important things to consider if you own a property with a stone foundation. Before you begin the process of restoring your stone masonry foundation, here are some noticeable indicators that you need a masonry expert to help you out.

1. Mortar That Is Deteriorating or Missing

A damaged or missing mortar is an instant and obvious indicator that you need the assistance of a professional mason. If there is a visible gap between the stones, then the mortar is likely deteriorating. This is especially common if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain and snow. 

 

The water easily permeates between the mortar and the stones and acts as an eroding agent to break down the mortar. Without mortar, the bricks and stones could fall and cause further damage to your property.

2. Stone Bricks that Are Sticking Out

This is another indicator that you need a masonry expert. Stone bricks that are sticking out from the sides of your house are not stable and could fall off during strong winds or heavy rains. Regardless of the type of stones that you have, it is not recommended that you remove them yourself.

 

If the stones are pointing out, then the masonry is leaning and might not be able to withstand the weight of the house, which could result in a collapsed building.

3. Remodelling Your House

Adding on to your house may mean that you will have to deal with a masonry repair. You may want to build another room or construct a garage. To make a foundation in the right spot, you need to have the proper masonry foundation. If you cannot create one, you will need to consult with a professional mason.

4. Walls Are Starting to Show Signs of Cracking

Small cracks in the walls of your house may not seem like much, but they can pose a significant problem. The cracks indicate that you are dealing with a more substantial foundation problem. If you also notice that the gaps in the cracks have grown larger, then you are facing severe problems with your masonry. 

5. The Brick Is Too Damaged to Repair

If you have already tried the DIY approach to repairing your masonry and have only made it worse, then you need to have a masonry contractor complete the work. Attempting a masonry repair yourself may seem like a good idea, but it is not worth the time, effort, and money if it is not done correctly.

Conclusion

Attempting to repair the masonry on your own can have a chance that you will do more damage than good. Masonry is a delicate process and requires specific training and practice. Having a professional repair of your masonry will help ensure that your home is not further compromised.

 

Are you looking for masonry services in Toronto? Get yours done by Red Robin Masonry, Toronto’s most trusted masonry company! Our masons are knowledgeable, experienced, and adequately trained in providing clients with an exceptional quality of service. Contact us today!