masonry services in Toronto

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!

chimney repair services in Thornhill

Chimney tuckpointing and sweeping are often talked about as being important, but people can overlook chimney flashing. Chimney flashing is actually a very important part of taking care of your chimney and should be a high priority for all homeowners. The following blog post will cover all the nitty-gritty about chimney flashing and why it is such an important part of keeping your home safe.

What is Chimney Flashing? (And Why Is It Important?)

Chimney flashing is a type of metal that is used to protect the chimney from water damage. It is often installed around the chimney to cover the mortar joints and prevent water from penetrating inside the chimney. Metal flashing is designed to withstand fire, extreme heat, and water damage. However, it can easily be damaged or dislodged over time, which can allow water to get inside your chimney.

If water gets inside your chimney, it may cause masonry damage to the chimney itself, which can lead to a dangerous fire hazard. If masonry damage occurs, you will need to look at chimney repair or replacement, which can be an expensive proposition.

How do you Know When Your Flashing is Leaking?

1 – Damage to the Roof and Attic

If you notice that your roof or attic is leaking and you are not sure where the leak is coming from, it is likely coming from your chimney. A good way to confirm this is to check the weather stripping on the top of your chimney. Using a sharp tool, poke at the weather stripping to determine if it is loose. Water will move from one place to another based on the level of pressure. If it is loose and you have not noticed any leaks before, it is likely that the weather stripping is not working.

Leaks in the roof or the attic can add up to a lot of water each year, which will damage the structure of your home. Excessive moisture can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which is harmful to your health and can also add up to a lot of damage. To prevent roof leaks, make sure to hire a professional to do maintenance on your roof.

2 – Mold and Mildew

If you notice mould or mildew in your home, it is likely that water is seeping in through a leaking chimney. This moisture can cause a lot of damage to your home, including mould and mildew growth, which can be very harmful to your health. If you have a leak in your chimney, it is important to take care of it immediately to prevent structural damage or health issues.

3 – Black soot around the Chimney

If you notice black soot around your chimney, it could be due to a cracked or loose top plate. To determine if your top plate is loose, place a small bead of caulking around the top of the chimney, and then use something heavy to press down on it. If it squeezes out, your top plate is loose and needs to be tightened.

Conclusion

Keeping your chimney clean, dry, and well-maintained can prevent a lot of damage and health issues. If you know that your chimney has not been looked at in a while, it is important to schedule a chimney inspection to catch any problems before they develop. Sometimes, these problems can be fixed quickly and easily, but if they are not addressed, the damage can pile up and get to the point where you need to replace parts of your chimney.

If you need chimney repair services in Thornhill, come to Red Robin Masonry. Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most trusted masonry company. Our masonry services include brickwork, chimney work, parging, stonework and much more!

masonry services in Toronto

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!

chimney repair services to Toronto

Chimney Woes: Signs of Chimney Damage and What You Should Do

The original Mary Poppins movie has desensitized the precarious lives of chimney sweepers. As kids, we watched Dick van Dyke sing happily in the film and thought that such a job was easy. Although cleaning chimneys nowadays are no longer as hazardous as before, it is still dangerous. 

If chimneys are so dangerous, why not simply remove them? However, you will miss the advantages that it can offer. Before engaging in chimney removal services, you should continue reading the article.

This blog will enumerate the causes of chimney damage and fires. Hopefully, this knowledge will help prevent such a catastrophe without removing your beautiful chimney. 

Faulty Chimney Construction

The chimney is a significant investment for your home. It can either increase or decrease the value of your home, depending on its design and function. It would spell trouble if it were not correctly constructed, so you need a seasoned masonry company to build it.

 

As a homeowner, you need to make sure that you choose a company that has been in operation for a long time. It will ensure that the chimney is built using suitable materials.

 

If your property already has an existing chimney, the following should be your clue that you need chimney repair services:

 

  • Narrow or shallow footing
  • Loose soil beneath the footing
  • Wrong size or height for the fireplace
  • Low-quality bricks and mortar
  • Improperly installed chimney liner
  • Unfinished smoke chamber

 

Leaky Chimney


The fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. It gives the comfort of a cozy fire during winter. Minus the log fire can help prevent the spread of smoke and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.  

 

A chimney is supposed to channel these gases outside. A leaky chimney will cause a loss of heat and the infiltration of dangerous pollutants. If you have a chimney with cracks, check the metal liner on the interior. The liner is supposed to prevent the leakage of heat and toxic gases.  

 

If you notice a damaged metal liner, you need to contact a qualified chimney repair expert as soon as possible. Of course, the worst-case scenario is a chimney fire. It can burn down the house and ruin the investment you made for your home. You need to engage in chimney repair services as soon as possible if you notice any signs stated earlier.  

 

Addressing Chimney Damage

 

If you have a badly damaged chimney, you need to seek the services of a seasoned mason. It will help you address the issues and save the chimney from further damage. Cleaning and repairing a damaged chimney is expensive. However, it is more costly when a house burns down.  

 

When you choose an experienced company, you can ensure that your chimney will be fixed properly. The repairs usually involve two significant steps: cleaning and fixing. These steps can go hand in hand or separately, depending on the damage.

 

Conclusion


Early detection is the key to chimney damage and fire prevention. If you notice any signs mentioned above, do not hesitate to call for chimney repair services. A reputable company will inspect the chimney and recommend solutions. 

If you need to fix your chimney, you should call Red Robin Masonry. We offer quality chimney repair services to Toronto residents. Do not waste another minute! Call us now to prevent any catastrophe.