6 Signs Your Brickwork is Already Beyond Repair

Brickwork is crucial to the integrity of your home, but over time it can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, physical abuse, and other factors. Whether you notice cracks running along the walls or other signs of damage, it might be time to fix your brickwork before more serious damage occurs. However, sometimes even a simple repair just wouldn’t do it. Check out the following signs that your bricks need a replacement.

Cracks on Corners

Cracks in the corner of a wall or on a building are common problems. Though it’s a little hard to do, try to touch the crack with your finger. A sharp and solid crack will feel sharp on your finger too. That kind of crack means a serious problem. Likewise, a diagonal line to the corner usually means that the foundation is not solid, so the wall is likely to collapse. Make sure that the crack has not deteriorated further before calling a pro to fix the problem.

Missing Bricks

Missing bricks from your wall can sometimes mean that your entire wall is about to collapse. If you notice that some of your bricks are missing, you may want to check for cracks around those areas. It is possible that the larger cracks have already been discovered, and the bricks were already removed to prevent problems.

Bad or Loose Mortar

Loose or bad mortar can be a sign of a more serious problem. It’s a sign that your wall is not properly tied to the foundation of your home. It can also mean that your foundation has shifted or is no longer solid. It’s a sign that a professional should look at it, so never wait for the problem to get worse.

Crumbling of Stucco or Plaster

Plaster and stucco are common in old homes or in homes with Mediterranean-style architecture. They can last for over a century, but if cracks start to form, it’s a sign that your wall is too weak to support your home. It’s a sign that a professional should look into it and make sure that the wall is properly tied to the foundation.

Mildew on Bricks

The presence of mould or mildew on your bricks indicates that there is something honeycombing your bricks. It’s a sign that you need to look deeper into the problem. Mould is often a precursor to serious damage like mud and drywall damage, as well as termite damage. The most effective solution for mildew is to replace your bricks entirely.

Overall Deterioration

It is easy to hide the imperfections of a wall just by putting a coat of paint on it, but even that won’t cover everything. Old and worn-out bricks can be an eyesore, but they can also be a sign that your home is about to collapse. The wall may be too weak to support the roof, especially if it’s a large home. Make sure that you get a professional to look into it as soon as possible to prevent any bigger problems.

Conclusion

If your brickwork is damaged, it’s best to immediately have it repaired before it gets worse or, better yet, replace the bricks if necessary. The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay, and you might have to pay a lot more to fix the problem. Consider hiring a professional if you notice any of these signs and if you aren’t sure what the right solution is.

Red Robin Masonry is an award-winning company with over 30 years of experience as a contractor. Whenever you need brick repair services in Toronto, our team is here to help. Contact us today to request a quote.

Spalling Bricks: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Brick masonry is a beautiful thing to behold. That’s why many homeowners choose masonry for their homes. Unfortunately, it can be prone to damage like every other home. For masonry, spalling is a common occurrence.

Spalling is when brick masonry deteriorates to the point where considerably big amounts of brick are falling down from the structure itself. The crack starts out small, but if left unattended, it can grow bigger. Aside from that, the spalling can spread to other locations on a surface, which is why it should be fixed as soon as it happens.

So how can you fix spalling bricks? We have listed everything you need to know below.

What Causes Spalling

Like other forms of home damage, many things contribute to spalling. However, the most common source of damage is water. After all, water erodes rocks, which bricks are made of. In turn, it weakens the masonry, especially if there’s water trapped in the structure itself.

How can water enter masonry? Well, there are several ways. Rainwater hitting the masonry, poor drainage, and wet soil are some of the most common. Moisture is also something that becomes a problem because it can weaken the masonry as well.

Many homeowners turn to non-breathable sealants to prevent water from entering the masonry, but what they don’t know is that it can do more harm than good. If sealants are applied, the water inside can’t escape anymore, which can cause spalling.

Common Areas Where Spalling Can Occur

If your home is made with masonry, there are common areas where spalling often occurs. These include:

• Underneath window sills
• On walls, specifically the lower half
• Around doors and stairs
• Near or around downspouts and drainage systems
• On bricks that are covered with soil or dirt

Fixing Spalled Bricks

The best way for you to determine how much damage has been done by the spalling is to tap on the affected areas, then take note where the damage appears to cease. If the spalling extends about three quarters of the structure, then extra measures need to be taken when it comes to repairs.

As long as the problem isn’t beyond repair, any experienced mason can fix it. Usually, repairs are done by replacing bricks and mortar. The repairs have to be done with precision and the proper tools, and the replacement bricks and mortar should also match the rest of the structure. In some cases, though, repairs are done by simply reusing and turning the affected bricks around, provided that other sides are free from damage.

Before letting your mason work on repairs though, make sure to properly identify and remedy the cause of the problem. If you don’t do this, spalling may still happen even if repairs are done.

Spalling Prevention

Once repairs have been done, you should take it upon yourself to prevent the issue from ever happening again. You can install high-quality water systems that prevent water from reaching masonry structures. Using breathable sealants will work as well.

Conclusion

Spalling can be a daunting thought for a homeowner with a brick home, and seeing the damage is even scarier. Luckily, there are many experienced masons who can handle the problem flawlessly. Aside from that, there are also ways that the homeowner can prevent spalling from happening.

Red Robin Masonry prides itself on being the best provider of quality brick repair services in Toronto. If you notice that your home has small damages, don’t delay because it will just grow bigger. Contact us immediately and let us solve the problem before it gets worse!

The Better Option: Concrete vs. Stone

Concrete and stone are useful for many things when it comes to paving driveways, making walkways, building patios, and constructing retaining walls. If you are interested in finding out which one of these two popular materials would be the best for your next project, we’re about to finally discuss it and reach a verdict.

Now, let’s assess all the factors into consideration before arriving at a final conclusion. Which is the better option for your construction project: concrete or stone?

Understanding Stone

Stone is not manufactured in a factory, but is rather produced from several natural ingredients that are slowly formed in the ground over thousands of years. Pavers made of natural stone have a quality that is difficult to ignore.

There are several explanations behind the premium price that often comes with stone materials.  First, supply is limited. It takes many thousands of years for stone to form in the ground. And second, the stone quarries must be excavated out of the earth. While the initial price is more expensive for stone, it may require less upkeep because of the variety of strengths, such as granite’s low porosity and high durability, which makes it largely resistant to stains.

There are certain factors to consider when utilizing natural stone for a retaining wall, pillars, or other kinds of upright structures. One good example is that between the stones there are usually tiny holes and cracks, meaning drainage may become an issue. Instead of using towering retaining walls, which are more costly, stone uses shorter retaining walls which are less expensive.

Some stones, such as granite, have varied capabilities, which may lead to a more lasting end product if used in place of concrete. Both concrete and stone may require sealants to keep them from deteriorating.

A striking feature of stone is that it seems stunningly different every time and its classic appearance cannot ever go out of style. If you don’t want to use mortar or specific connections, consider stone to form retaining walls. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that stone is unsuitable for heavier traffic or larger walls.

Understanding Concrete

Concrete is not made of natural materials and is formed at a manufacturing plant by using various raw materials mixed together. Cement, aggregate, pigments, and dyes are combined to make concrete. Since concrete pavers cost less to make, they are an inexpensive alternative.

While concrete typically costs less to acquire and install compared to stone, it may turn out to be more expensive in the long run. The former is more likely to break and will exhibit cracks in time. Concrete is cheaper to build, but it costs more in terms of routine care, as cracks and other evidence of wear and tear must be filled in. Even so, the material maintains its strength for a very long period if it is well maintained and kept in good shape.

Although concrete is affordable, it also comes in multiple colour and shape options. Concrete, however, cannot appear the same as natural and ancient stones. Concrete is also vulnerable to cracks, and constant repair is required.

The Verdict (Conclusion)

Since purchasing and installing concrete is cheaper, it does not imply that you do not have any extra expenditures to bear. Cracks are common in concrete, and this adds to the overall cost of upkeep. Additionally, stone will start at a higher price, but it will offer a distinctive aesthetic that you can not get elsewhere. It is likely to be durable as well, which means your patio will look good for a long time.

Putting these two materials side-by-side, it may be difficult to come up with a final verdict. But ultimately, this is a decision you’ll have to make based on the task at hand, and on your particular tastes. Trying to discuss concrete or stone materials with masonry specialists can help you decide on the finest option.

Are you looking for masonry services in Toronto? Red Robin Masonry has a track record of being the best in the field. We offer you first-class tools, industry expertise, and well-trained professionals. Don’t hesitate to call us and get your FREE estimate today!