Latest Blog Posts
Cleaning and Maintaining a Chimney – What You Should Know
Your house chimney is one of the more vulnerable parts of a house.…
August 11, 2020/by AaronThe Positive Impacts Waterproofing Concrete in Your Home
If you have masonry and other cement-based materials in your…
August 4, 2020/by AaronWhat to Know When Building Flagstone Patios and Walkways
Of all the investments you will make in your lifetime, one of…
July 28, 2020/by AaronThe Different Types of Foundation for Your House
While it may not come as a surprise to know that a strong foundation…
July 21, 2020/by Aaron3 Masonry Issues to Watch Out For – What to Know
One of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life…
July 14, 2020/by Aaron4 Tell-Tale Signs Your Retaining Walls Need to Be Repaired
Retaining walls play a crucial role in landscaping. They serve…
July 7, 2020/by Aaron5 Benefits of Installing Masonry in Your Home Construction
Masonry is a type of stonework that involves the process of laying…
June 30, 2020/by Aaron4 Signs of a Faulty Foundation in Your Home’s Structure
The foundation is a critical part of your house that always needs…
June 23, 2020/by Aaron4 Reasons It’s Important to Clean Your Chimney Regularly
Almost every house in Canada depends on fireplaces, wood stoves,…
June 16, 2020/by AaronHome-Improvement Project: 5 Ways to Waterproof Your Home
When building or renovating a home, it’s easy to get lost in…
June 9, 2020/by AaronWhen Is the Best Time of Year for a Foundation Repair – Our Guide
If you suspect a problem or are on the hunt for a new home, it’s…
June 2, 2020/by AaronWhat Homeowners Should Know About Parging – Our Guide
It is often said that the home is where your heart is, as it's…
May 26, 2020/by Aaron
Cleaning and Maintaining a Chimney – What You Should Know
Your house chimney is one of the more vulnerable parts of a house. Since it is located outside the house, it is more exposed to weather and temperatures. This frequent exposure to intense climate and season change can weaken or bring wear and tear to your chimney system. Whether you constantly use your chimney or not, it is essential to clean it regularly.
Problems That Can Occur in Your Chimney
Here is the most common rationale why homeowners don’t think that inspection and maintenance of chimneys are not necessary—“I don’t use the system that much.” Most homeowners think that just because they’re not using their chimneys, it remains in good condition. However, several problems can happen even in a not functioning chimney:
If you follow that mindset, then you need to rethink your ways. Regular inspections can help you resolve the problems immediately. Since it won’t be easy for you to identify any issues in your chimney, it is important to hire professionals to deal with this concern. They have the appropriate tools and knowledge to make the checkup thorough and efficient.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Chimney
Here are the reasons to convince you that chimney cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance.
The Best Time to Clean Your Chimney
For recent home buyers, you need to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. The authority needs to check your chimney first before you use it. For other homeowners, the ideal time to check up a chimney is every summer or early fall, or before you use your chimney in burning and heating the place.
Have your chimney checked at least once a year—and don’t try to skip it. Although there is a recommended period for chimney cleaning, this service is available all-year-round.
Apart from the chimney, you should also have other connected systems cleaned up regularly, such as the fireplace, stove, heating appliances, and furnace.
Conclusion
Before firing up your chimney again, you have to ensure it is safe for use. Add regular inspection and maintenance of your chimney in your annual schedule, so you don’t forget. Neglecting this vital duty would end you up with more repair expenses or a chimney fire.
For chimney repair services in Toronto, contact us at Red Robin Masonry. All our chimney repairs comply with the current building and safety codes. We can also help you clean, rebuild, and make your chimneys work.
The Positive Impacts Waterproofing Concrete in Your Home
If you have masonry and other cement-based materials in your home, you will largely benefit from the benefits of waterproofing. This process is mostly done to secure the overall condition of the cinder blocks or cemented pavements by keeping water out. In fact, some professional masonry companies in Canada are emphasizing its necessity.
In other countries, masonry builds are required to be fitted with waterproofing. This is due to its benefits in longevity and general safety. If you are currently considering waterproofing, this guide will help you understand why it’s worth the investment. It will also show you pre-conditioning guidelines to facilitate the success of the service.
Positive Impacts of Waterproofing Concrete
The following impacts are the reasons that most masonry experts and building owners alike are turning to concrete waterproofing:
1. Energy Cost and Living Cost
Since HVAC systems are a staple in every Canadian home, waterproofing is a huge convenience when you suddenly have to turn up your unit. This is because unwaterproofed concrete has subtle cracks that let air escape. Thus, it takes longer for your space to adjust the temperature. In the long run, this will increase the usage and your electricity consumption.
On the other hand, waterproofed concrete translates to easier temperature control and less energy consumption in the long run. It is also a long-term investment that can significantly decrease your daily living cost. This is why most Canadian families also invest in it to save more money on top of its benefits in the wellbeing of their household.
2. Overall Health And Wellbeing
Speaking of saving and wellbeing, waterproofed concrete acts as a layer of protection against harmful mould that grows in wet cement. They are characterized as little black specs that can trigger respiratory diseases, like allergic rhinitis and asthma. Prolonged exposure to the mould also leads to viral infection and flare-ups on the skin. These health hazards are part of the reason why waterproofed concrete is more preferred in most masonry builds.
3. Safeguarding Your Home
Aside from the many health concerns, waterproofing also prevents cement erosion or the gradual weakening or degradation of your structure. In contrast, no proofing leaves room for stray water to seep in, be absorbed, promote mould growth, and eat away at your structure. Again, this is another reason why masonry builders recommend this step.
Another reason to waterproof your concrete is also helpful in securing the cemented walls in your basement. This prevents stray water from finding its way into the bottom of your home, which can cause flooding. Overall, the structural integrity of your home and your security largely benefit from this.
4. Home Value
As you safeguard home, waterproofing also adds to the resale value of your home. If you are looking to retire instead or keep living there, the service also secures that, as the structure will hold for a very long time. The long-term benefit of investing in waterproofing is like building a solid foundation on your home. Additionally, cemented products and structures themselves are also made stable and resistant to common wear and tear.
Pre-Conditioning Your Home for Waterproofing Concrete
The following guidelines are what you must adhere to if you are looking to waterproof your concrete:
Conclusion
In the event that you want to prolong the longevity of your structure, consider the many benefits and recommendations regarding waterproofing for your home. That way, you can ensure great results and get the most out of your home.
In need of a professional masonry company in Ontario? We are Red Robin Masonry, your professional team offering you first-class services to upgrade your home. Build strong structures with us and invest in quality builds today!
What to Know When Building Flagstone Patios and Walkways
Of all the investments you will make in your lifetime, one of the biggest ones you’ll be spending on would be the construction of your home. For that reason, you would want to make sure that it results into the home of your dreams, complete with all the features you need to enjoy a satisfying life.
With that said, one part of the house that you should put heavy consideration into would be your patios and walkways. Not only will they affect your home’s curb appeal and push up your property’s value significantly, but walking home to see a stunning walkway and patio will make you feel proud whenever you walk on it.
As such, you would want to make sure your patio and walkways are done right. With that in mind, whether you’re installing a new patio and walkways or you’re renovating your old one, then consider using flagstones for an even better aesthetic finish.
Here is what you need to know about flagstones and how to make the most out of it.
What are flagstones?
Stones are named depending on their size, shape, type, and more. The term “flagstone” is directed at stones that are split into flat layers, generally around one to three inches each. Stones that are used to create flagstones include slate, sandstone, and limestone, and since no stone is exactly alike, it helps achieve a natural look. This makes it a perfect choice for any home that wants a natural and relaxing feel to it.
What should be considered when choosing flagstones?
There are a fair few things you need to keep in mind when going about selecting flagstones.
The first consideration you need to make is how a particular set of flagstones will fit into your home’s aesthetics. While flagstones are quite versatile in fitting into different looks, make sure it is the look you want to achieve.
The second consideration you must make is whether or not the flagstone is from a local source. This is important because a store can run out of a particular stone quite quickly, especially if it is not from a local source. You would want something available locally, ensuring that you have plenty of access to the stones you need to maintain the same look through the years.
The third and final consideration to make is what you are going to do on the flagstones itself. For example, is it simply for walking on? Is there any family member that uses a wheelchair? Making these types of considerations will ensure your flagstone path and patio works well for whomever uses it.
How do I use flagstones for the patio and walkway?
For patios and walkways, consider using flagstones that are at least an inch thick. With those, you can either lay them directly on the ground or pour in some other material, like sand, to put the stones on. If you want to work with thinner slabs, they need to be laid on concrete to prevent it from breaking or cracking.
Your flagstone path will have some spaces in between the slabs. You can fill that with different things, from gravel to small plants. If you want a “tighter” pathway, you can fill the gaps with mortar instead. This helps create a smooth surface, which is ideal for patios but not crucial for walkways.
Conclusion
Now that you have familiarized yourself with flagstones and how you can pick the right ones and use them properly, go ahead and start planning! Not only are flagstones extremely durable—meaning that your patio and walkways will last an incredibly long time—but they also look stunning. We promise that your time and effort will be worth it, as you finally lay down the final stone, seal it in place, and sit back to enjoy the beautiful fixture.
Are you having trouble building flagstone walkways and patios? We have got your back! Red Robin Masonry is a masonry company in Toronto, offering a variety of services, including building flagstone patios and walkways. Get in touch with us today!