3 Tips About Fixing Brick Cracks

Dealing with brick cracks may seem like a minor issue, but there may be an underlying cause that needs your immediate attention. For instance, the cracks may indicate that your masonry is about to collapse due to the uneven weight distribution. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your safety and avoid paying for costly damages. But what exactly should you do to address brick cracks? 

This article will discuss three practical tips that will help you deal with your brick masonry’s fissures, allowing you to look after your property assets as a long-term investment. Take this as an opportunity to become a more responsible property owner as you mitigate possible threats. 

 

Take preventative measures during the construction process

Besides addressing the immediate matter at hand, you can think of ways to avoid brick cracks during the brick and mortar construction phase. Pay attention to how the masons work to build each structure to prevent structural complications. These extra measures are called preventive maintenance in the professional construction industry. 

In brick masonry, there must be gaps between bricks placed in regular intervals, particularly ⅜ and ½ inch wide. They must be adhered to with backer rods and held together by caulk. 

Practicing these preventive maintenance measures can reduce the possibility of bricks from cracking since structural integrity with the finished masonry is particularly reinforced to prevent moisture build-up. This way, you can prevent spending more on upfront costs for repairs and maintenance solutions! 

 

Be mindful of discoloration

Bricks tend to become deeper in color when exposed to intense sunlight and snow for long periods. However, it can also be a sign that your brick structure is weathering away, especially if your mason didn’t specify anything about bricks naturally changing their shade over time. It is a popular aesthetic feature among many homeowners who are fans of the rustic style. 

As such, it’s highly recommended to contact a local brick mason repair service as soon as possible because discoloration is often hard to determine whether it’s an aesthetic feature or a structural issue. Additionally, don’t forget to self-inspect the brick for cracks, as seeing them may indicate a problem with the amount of water trapped inside the bricks. 

 

Consider brick restorations for older structures

When your brick masonry is considered a historical structure, it may be worth more to restore it than simply patch up the cracks because it may add value and intrigue to your property. You may also want to preserve it merely for the sentimental qualities it has as a history enthusiast. Whatever your motivation may be, you need to address the cracks properly and carefully. 

The best way to address brick cracks with older buildings is to call a professional masonry company that has the experience and tools necessary to preserve the structure’s aesthetic value while working to prolong its durability. Don’t forget to consider insurance, maintenance, and other related costs to keep your unique masonry standing. 

 

Conclusion 

Seeing cracks within your brick masonry can be worrying, especially when you don’t know how to deal with it effectively. Fortunately, you now do and can take action immediately. So remember all the formerly mentioned tips and safeguard your property and other assets! 

Are you looking for professional brick repair services in Scarborough? We at Red Robin Masonry can provide you with that. We are your dedicated team of masonry professionals, offering you the best solutions to fix your brick cracks and other related issues. Claim your free quote today to help you make cost-effective repairs to preserve your property! 

4 Fireplace and Chimney Care Tips to Avoid Winter Problems

Many people were not ready for the winter season because it came earlier than originally anticipated. Although most homes have heating systems that help combat the cold, a great many households still heavily rely on their fireplaces to provide heat and warmth throughout the home. 

Winters have become increasingly colder in the past years. The key to keeping the cold out of the house is the proper maintenance of your fireplace. Here are a few tips to ensure that your fireplace continues to do its job at keeping your home warm and cozy.

 

5 Fireplace And Chimney Care Tips To Avoid Winter Problems

If your home is reliant on your fireplace for warmth and comfort during the cold winter months, it is important that you keep your chimney and fireplace in good working condition. 

 

1 – Check Your Chimney Cap

Summertime is the best time of the year to inspect your chimney cap for damage. However, if it is already past fall and you have not had it inspected, it is never too late to do it. The care of your chimney and fireplace should start with the top of your chimney. There are more chances that this part of the chimney will have sustained more damage than the fireplace or the chimney itself, so it is wise to check on it before any other part. Check to see if any birds have built any nests on your chimney cap, or if it has sustained any water damage, and fix these problems before you light a fire below.

 

2 – Keep Your Firebox Clean

It will come as no surprise that the firebox is one of the dirtiest parts of the chimney. Although the chimney cap should be the part that you check first, the firebox should be the part that you clean the most. There will be remnants of previous fires left in the firebox, including any chemical debris from anything other than wood that you put into the fire. It is essential that you clean your firebox after every fire to ensure that it doesn’t get too dirty.

 

3 – Make Sure Your Chimney Liner Isn’t Worn Out

Chimney liners may become a fire hazard if they develop cracks and holes over time. Having regular checks on your chimney liner will help avoid chimney fires as well as let you know when it is time to replace it. Homeowners often are unaware of damages to their chimney liner, so having a professional check your chimney before lighting a fire in your fireplace is crucial to the safety of your home.

 

4 – Watch Out For The Effects Of Winter

There are effects of winter that can specifically affect your chimney. For example, the Stack Effect and the constant freezing and thawing can do a number on its components. The Stack Effect refers to how uneven temperatures and air pressure work inside your chimney. It may cause a backdraft of smoke or cold air to enter your home if you aren’t careful. 

 

Conclusion

Before you start decorating your home for the holidays, it is important to do a thorough check on your chimney first. Check for damage on its inner lining and on the chimney cap before the winter season begins. If you do not know how to get started on this, there are companies that are purely dedicated to fixing masonry issues and maintaining these parts of your home.

At Red Robin Masonry, we understand that investment but also the stresses that come along with maintaining it. It’s often hard to find a tradesperson or contractor you can trust. If you are looking for masonry services in Toronto, give us a call, and we will see how we can best help you.

Masonry Work during the Winter, Things You Should Know

Wintertime is fast approaching, and you may be concerned about your masonry work. It may be because you realized that you need a chimney for access to a reliable fireplace or that you may also need stone walls to keep intruders away from your property. Whatever your reason is, you must know the facts to ensure that all the resources you will invest in your masonry projects will be put to fair use. Fortunately, for you, we have just the information you need! 

In this article, we will share all the essential information you need to know about doing any mason-related projects for your property. First, we will address whether or not you can do these projects without any issues. Then, we will talk about the types of viable projects to do during the winter. Take this as an opportunity to invest in your household and keep your family safe and happy! 

The Truth About Doing Masonry During the Winter

The general rule of thumb for masons during the winter season is to rest because it’s mostly impractical to do any services since snow and harsh breezes can easily affect work quality. However, these are also misconceptions. The truth is you can still do masonry during the winter, though you need to have professional expertise and tools to ensure utmost success. 

Many masons are discouraged from doing projects during the colder months because of its drawbacks on mortar mixing—an essential process in the industry. Ideally, you want to mix mortar with anti-freeze material, usually undertaken during warmer temperatures, at above zero degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent white bleed marks and corrosion from happening.

However, there are some experienced masons who know how to mortar mix even during the winter. The key is to make small batches in a heated space, like your garage or indoors with your heating cranked up. This process does require more assistance than usual, as masons do need their appendices to bring them the mortar mix by batch to work on the project.

As such, your masonry project can continue during the winter months, but you need to be willing to adapt. On top of that, you may also have to wait for the warmer months to ensure that your masonry is treated with the utmost care and attention. The point here is that you must know what types of projects can be done and consult with your local masonry company to make well-informed decisions. 

Possible Masonry Projects for the Winter  

Consider the following winter projects for your property and consult further with professional masons. That way, these experts can advise whether or not the current weather conditions and materials at hand can lead to the success of your project: 

  • Fireplace remodelling: Masons can enhance your home’s heating capabilities by working on your fireplace, but the indoor space must be warm, and there must be ample space for mortar mixing and bricklaying. 
  • Masonry inspecting: There is a period during late winter when you can request your local mason to check the surfaces, as long as properly exposed and the weather conditions are ideal for estimates regarding remedial work. Booking inspections enable you to fast track your masonry project and prepare all the key resources needed.
  • Retro-fitting brick or block in-fills for wall and door openings: This masonry service can easily be accomplished during the colder months since masons only need to install metal beams to support the upper building’s foundations. That way, the project can easily be completed by making openings within blocks or bricks.

Conclusion 

Masonry during the winter months can be challenging, but now you know that there are ways around it. Fortunately, you now have a better understanding to ensure each project’s successful completion. You just need to consult with your local mason to provide you with the best solutions. 

Are you looking for professional masonry services in Toronto for your property? We at Red Robin Masonry can provide you with that. We are your experienced team of contractors, equipped to help you maintain your space in any season! Contact us today to get your masonry done for your convenience!

Parging Repair for Your Property’s Exterior Walls

In the construction process, parging is a vital process that is meant to coat the exterior walls of a foundation using protective cement. With this in place, your foundation will not only benefit from a protective coat of mortar, but it will also achieve an aesthetically-pleasing finish.

However, as time goes by, this mortar mix may become subject to wear and tear as your property gets older. As a result, you are more likely to see some cracks and other visible damage, causing the finish to gradually come off. For this reason, a parging repair is necessary, which doesn’t only apply to newly built homes but also existing ones.

In this article, we will share our guide to parging repair for your property’s exterior walls and how it can be done with professional parging services in Toronto.

What parging repair entails

As discussed above, parging refers to the motor mixture applied to your property’s outside walls for protection and aesthetics. This makes walls not easily prone to damages brought by the outdoor elements. In fact, it creates protective layers on the walls to ensure they last longer. On the other hand, a parging repair is exactly what it sounds like. As your parged walls get damaged over time, you need to have them fixed to restore their beauty and overall functionality.

Why parging repair is necessary

Despite the protection that parging provides, remember that these exterior walls aren’t designed to last forever. The time will come when they have some damages, especially if your property is already old. If left unattended, the impact might extend to the house floors and compromise your property’s structural integrity. This is mainly because it’s inevitable for water leaks to accumulate on worn-out walls, wooden floors, and other parts of the house. For this reason, getting a parging repair is imperative to ensure your exterior walls are in top shape and working condition.

Our parging repair guide

If you want to take on a parging repair, follow our simple and practical steps below:

How to get started

  • Get rid of the damaged parging using a cold chisel and a mallet, which will only take about an hour or so. Do not apply a new layer of parging on top of an old layer.
  • Buy cement and sand in advance and store these materials in a dry and cool place for future mixture and application. Also, set aside all the tools you may need for parging.

How to chisel away

  • Use the chisel and mallet to get rid of cracked mortar from the walls of the foundation.
  • Scrub the walls using a brush with metallic bristles to remove dust and debris.
  • Mix sand and cement in the correct ratio (one part of cement mixed with two parts of sand).
  • Add a waterproof powder into the mortar mixture to prevent water from being absorbed into the walls.
  • Once the mortar has been mixed well with a spade, use a trowel to spread it on the foundation walls.

Conclusion

At this point, you now have a bigger idea of what parging repair entails and how to perform it. To that end, be sure to follow the key steps outlined above to ensure that your exterior walls are completely protected, visually appealing, and will last for as long as possible! Ultimately, relying on expert workmanship is best because they have the experience and equipment to perform the job professionally and efficiently!

Are you looking for parging services such as repair for your exterior walls? You’ve come to the right place, as we’re a leading masonry company in Toronto. If you’re looking for top-notch masonry services, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

When To Know It Is Time to Get Masonry Work Done

Whether you live in a condominium or a house, for as long as there are brick or stone walls, at some point, you will need a mason. The same goes for commercial buildings that have walls made of either brick or stone. There are plenty of brick repair services in Toronto alone, because in Canada, the brick or stone wall structure can be significantly damaged by exposure to the elements over time.

Masonry issues can be quite damaging in general, and depending on the location and severity of the issues, there can be disastrous consequences. Extreme loss of heat, foundation problems, and water infiltration are just some of the issues that can arise, which will make your structure unsafe in the long run.

What are some warning signs of wear and tear on masonry? Here are some ways to know when it is time to get masonry services in Toronto, or wherever you are in Canada, done.

Bulging brick

Also known as bowed brick, this occurs when the outer wall caves in around a certain area, or can be seen jutting out. The most common cause for this is moisture having seeped in behind the brick. Moisture can adversely affect the wall in two ways: warping concrete and bricks, forcing them to push out, or softening wood and plaster behind the brick, rebuilding that particular section of the outer wall.

Compacted bricks

If you see a brick that seems to have lost its original shape, looking either bowed or cracked, you’ve found a compacted brick. There are several problems that arise from those, such as opening a hole wherein water can pass through. Most of all, a single compacted brick can lead to more because the adjacent bricks no longer receive the pressure they need. When you get a mason, the affected bricks will be replaced, and other recommendations will be made.

Cracks in vertical corners

There are far more troublesome foundation cracks than these, as they are generally from natural expansion. There is no need to worry about any walls collapsing. The biggest issue is that they allow water to seep in when the rains are heavy, leading to bowed brick. Left unfixed, the damage can extend from the outer wall to the inner wall. Getting a professional mason will repair it using either of the two ways, both of which are rather inexpensive.

Efflorescence and staining

Early efflorescence, which is the presence of soluble salts that are rising through concrete and coming out of the outer pores as stains, can be treated with a thorough pressure wash. Left untreated for too long, the stain converts into calcium carbonate, which a mason will have to come and treat with special chemicals.

Conclusion

It is important to keep an eye on your brick and stone walls as there are several signs that make professional masonry services necessary. More than anything, it is key to know when it is time to call in a professional who can nip the problem in the bud while it’s early.

We understand that your home is likely the biggest investment in your life. If you’re looking for reliable Toronto masonry services, contact Red Robin Masonry today!

An Ontario Homeowner’s Guide to Dealing With Bulging Bricks

After living in your home for a while now, you’ve most likely roamed around long frequently enough to the point where you know the different bits and bobs of the property.

From that weird stain on the driveway to the bathroom door that always makes noise, you’re wondering if there are any kinks of your home that you don’t know about yet. Over time, you’ve probably tried to remedy the issues or leave them be because they add character to your property.

Among the different signs and tiny little defects that you can run into when taking care of your home, however, there’s one that you shouldn’t overlook: Bulging bricks.

What is a bulging brick?

Best defined as a common masonry issue faced by most homeowners and professionals alike, a bulging brick is a problem and a warning sign of a much bigger problem in a wall or path.

Caused by water seeping through the mortar joints of a stone or brick wall, this problem is easily identifiable by the effect that infiltrated water swells cause, leading to the “bulging look.” In rare cases this same effect happens when the anchors holding the wall together end up rusting and causing the wall itself to loosen under pressure.

Here are some of the most common reasons bricks end up bulging from brick walls:

  • Excess humidity in the wall cavities causing ice to form during the winter
  • Deteriorating mortar joints allowing too much water to seep in
  • Excess rust on anchors causing the wall to become loose
  • Cracks in the wall

When does the problem typically occur?

Cases of bulging bricks are reported most frequently during the winter months. Although the problem takes place all throughout the year, bulging bricks are more frequent during colder times because of the mix of elements that cause everything to line up and allow moisture to penetrate mortar joints and wall anchors.

However, it is worth noting that experiencing such a problem during winter must be acted on right away because the problem can worsen and cause the whole wall to collapse!

If you suspect that you’re experiencing a bulging brick in your wall, feel free to call Ontario’s foremost masonry contractors at Red Robin Masonry for a speedy inspection!

How can you spot a bulging brick?

When it comes to spotting this costly problem before your wall completely collapses, the first sign to watch out for is an unusual swelling on the brick or stone wall itself.

Considering the significant amount of condensation that takes place during the colder months of the year, the amount of movement that a bulging brick goes through will be too noticeable to fully ignore. Apart from the presence of a swell in the wall, however, another clear sign of a bulging brick is when the windows are no longer leveled with a brick, or they seem higher up than they usually would.

Is it possible to prevent a masonry wall from bulging with paint?

At Red Robin Masonry, we often get inquiries from concerned homeowners regarding whether they can prevent brick wall swelling by painting the wall to “waterproof” it. In short, you must not do it because it’s a terrible idea, especially when you consider the masonry and structural side of things!

Admittedly, it may seem like a smarter idea to waterproof a brick wall by painting it because it “addresses” the root cause of a bulging brick. Although a fresh coat of paint will prevent water from seeping in the crevices, it also prevents moisture build-ups on the inside from making their way out, inadvertently accelerating the deterioration of your wall’s joints and anchors.

Conclusion

Among the seemingly-minor problems that your home can experience, none possibly bear a greater need to be assessed and properly dealt with than a bulging brick. Through this guide’s help, you can remedy the problem at hand in a more well-informed manner in no time and ensure that no unsightly or costly complications occur!

Are you looking for a brick repair service in Toronto for your bulging brick problem at home? Get in touch with the leaders in Toronto masonry services to see how we can help!

All You Need to Know About Tuckpointing

All You Need to Know About Tuckpointing

Although many brick properties are advertised to last for a long time, nothing will last forever. Bricks use mortar to fill the joints, and over time, the mortar deteriorates despite the bricks still in good shape. In this case, you will have nothing much to worry about because you don’t have to replace your bricks; the only step is to opt for tuckpointing.

Tuckpointing is used to enhance masonry’s appearance, which involves the removal of a portion of the deteriorating mortar to fill the joints with a new one. A thin line of putty is applied down the joint center to create an illusion that the narrow joints are well-maintained. This process may apply to any type of brick structure, but it’s more common on historical brick homes wherein owners want to recapture the original thin joints’ appearance.

The Downsides Of Mortar

There are many reasons mortar joints fail. The most likely cause is extreme temperatures paired with moisture, pressure from the building’s weight, or faulty manufacturing.

Moreover, the mortar’s lifespan is less than 30 years, which is notably shorter than the bricks. Do note that bricks can last a hundred years, which is why people who don’t know about the process of installing bricks are surprised that they need repairs or replacement over time. However, keep in mind that it is not the bricks that require the replacement, but the mortar joints.

With that said, it’s also vital to know that mortar joints are weaker than bricks, which is why you will usually see cracks in the joints but not in the bricks. Typically, you don’t need to repair those hairline cracks, yet they’re a strong indicator that the joints are deteriorating, and it would be an excellent idea to address the issue right away before you are left with extensive damages.

The Importance Of Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing will prevent extensive damage from your brick structure, which will eventually lead to bigger structural problems you really don’t want to deal with. When the mortar joints are damaged, the surrounding bricks will also sustain additional pressure, which will lead to further destruction. Without opting for tuckpointing, you will put your property at risk of significant structural damage that will cost you lots of money and time.

One vital point to remember about tuckpointing is that regardless of how handy you are in the house if you don’t have experience and the right tools, don’t attempt to fix the damage alone. If the process isn’t done properly, it can cause new problems for your home. Additionally, you may not even have the time for this as the process is labour-intensive and requires precision to ensure a job well done. With that, make sure to leave the job to professionals instead.

Conclusion

Your brick structure can still be saved with tuckpointing, despite the mortar joints deteriorating. The process will guarantee you that your structure will be safe and sound and ready to face more years ahead. Just make sure to let the professionals handle this—performing the task by yourself may only create further damage that will cost you more money in the long run.

Suppose you notice signs that your mortar joints are deteriorating. In that case, it’s time to call a professional to inspect the issue and do the necessary repair before it turns into a big problem.

If you are looking for quality masonry services in Toronto, Ontario, then you have come to the right place. Red Robin Masonry is an award-winning masonry company for 11 years now, and we offer the best tuckpointing job to meet your home’s needs. Get in touch with us today for a quote!

Everything You Need to Know About Brick Repointing

If you ever thought that your bricks will look after themselves once they’re installed, you’ll be in for a surprise when things go awry on that side of the house. Despite being a sturdy material that can potentially outlive you, it still incurs significant damage over time. What needs the most attention is the material that holds them together to keep them in good order and ensure that outdoor elements don’t enter your home. When you notice deterioration on a brick, it’s best to get a brick repointing done.

Get To Know Brick Repointing

This method involves the removal of a portion of the deteriorated mortar and redoing the joints with a new one. It helps prevent further water infiltration through the mortar and behind the wall. With brick repointing, it will make your wall look good as new without the physical damages.

The Right Time For Brick Repointing

As mentioned, it is not the brick itself that becomes a problem over time but what holds them together, which is the mortar. When you notice the mortar joints around the bricks starting to look worn or torn out, with visible cracking and crumbling, it’s time to have them repointed.

If you didn’t notice it first, then the next tell-tale sign is if the water is coming through the mortar or behind the wall, which will likely end up in costlier repairs. Moreover, if this is not addressed immediately, portions of the wall can detach from the rest of the structure and put your and your family’s safety at risk.

DIY Brick Repointing

If you want to try out a DIY project, you can do brick repointing by yourself. Here are several easy steps to follow:

  • Plan ahead: Before you start the project, it is vital to have a solid plan first. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, ensure safety by installing scaffolds and wall anchors, and gather essential permits.
  • Prepare the equipment: Use an electric grinder to remove the damaged mortar. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a hammer and chisel instead. Scrape the mortar joints to a depth of 2 to 2.5 times the thickness of the joint. You will need to remove the mortar from both adjacent masonry surfaces and the ones that are no longer adhering to the surface. If the mortar is ruined at a greater depth, it is best to remove the brick entirely, clean it, and reinstall it.
  • Apply the mortar: Before you apply mortar, be sure to humidify the brick’s surface so that it doesn’t lose its water by capillarity on contact with a dry brick surface. Apply pressure and compact the mortar in the slits. Then, make sure not to add anything to the mortar’s formula.
  • Seal the joints: Add the finishing touches to the joints by choosing a style that you like and sealing the joints.
  • Dry and clean it: When you’re done, let the mortar dry, which will take about three days. After that, you can clean the joints for proper finishing.

Conclusion

Brick repointing is an easy task if you have experience. Yet, that doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself, especially if you are doubtful of your abilities. For this reason, it’s essential to call a professional masonry company instead and ask them to check for any issues on your bricks so that you can address them right away. Remember, deteriorating joints can turn into a huge problem when not fixed during the first signs of wear and tear.

If you are looking for quality brick repair services in Ontario, then you have come to the right place! Our experts at Red Robin Masonry are qualified professionals and utilize advanced tools and equipment to get the job done right. Get in touch with us today for a quote!

6 Benefits of Having a Retaining Wall in Your Yard

6 Benefits of Having a Retaining Wall in Your Yard

Retaining walls in your yard is a feature worth integrating. There are so many benefits that you can get out of this partition, such as structural support, and it can even make your yard more functional and beautiful. Because of this, if you’re thinking of ways to transform your yard, this type of wall is well worth considering.

In this article, we will share six benefits that you can get from building a retaining wall in your yard:

It Keeps Soil In Place

A retaining wall will help keep the soil in place as it acts as a barrier that prevents the soil from sliding forward in a landslide. Moreover, rain can exacerbate soil degradation, which makes a retaining wall an excellent solution to prevent this from happening. With this structure, you get an additional safety feature on your property.

It Helps Flood Control

Retaining walls are considered useful in flood control in the form of water drainage aimed at preventing flooding. Additionally, a retaining wall helps reduce gradients that allow water to soak into the soil instead of it running off the surface.

It Reduces Maintenance Needs

Since a retaining wall can help prevent erosion and keep your soil in place, this means that there will be little maintenance work involved. As a result, there’s no need to worry about soil replacement, plants that get washed away in erosion, and other issues. That way, you get to cut down on some of the labour that you have to do in your yard.

It Makes Garden More Functional

Hills and mounds are excellent features in your yard, but they are huge space-eaters. Some homeowners want to create terraces using retaining walls to add more functional space to the yard that can also be used for planting. Likewise, terracing creates an attractive facade for the yard that will showcase various features. You can also make the partition double as a seating wall.

It Beautifies The Garden

Depending on the height and material used, retaining walls can be an attractive structure in the yard, which will help boost its aesthetics. There is something beautiful with a touch of concrete or stone alongside a natural landscape that is simply unexplained.

It Adds Value To Your Property

The fact that retaining walls can beautify and make your yard more functional are reasons enough to boost your property’s value. Also, if you will be putting up your house for sale, most homebuyers will be thrilled that they don’t have to worry about building retaining walls themselves, which can be an added bonus that will make them give a higher offer to your property.

Keep in mind that your yard is an essential selling point, which is why you make sure to pay attention to this, especially when you have plans to sell your property.

Conclusion

If you want to make your yard stand out, be more functional, and provide you with more value, a retaining wall is an excellent solution. The six benefits mentioned are reasons enough for you to have it built in your property. Let your creativity shine through as you have this installed because there is no right way to install it—you can have it anywhere you like in your yard.

Are you interested in having a retaining wall built in your yard? We have got you covered! We offer reliable masonry services in Toronto, and our masons at Red Robin Masonry are some of the best in the city. Connect with us today and request a quote!

3 Masonry Issues to Watch Out For – What to Know

3 Masonry Issues to Watch Out For - What to Know

One of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life is the purchase and upkeep of your home. Taking care of your home entails quite a number of things, like making sure the pipes are running smoothly, that your household appliances are functioning properly, and that your fixtures are all properly installed. Maintaining these can be quite stressful—especially if you forget to inspect your home for any masonry repair work!

Any cracks or issues in your walls need to be repaired as soon as possible—you wouldn’t want to wait for these to get worse, after all! The cost of repairs can blow up to really expensive levels if left to deteriorate, which is why the sooner you act, the less you’ll spend.

Here are three masonry issues you’ll need to keep an eye on:

Shelf Angle Spalling

Shelf angle spalling is one of the most common issues homeowners will run into. A shelf angle is an L-shaped piece of metal that is inserted behind a row of bricks. It helps distribute the weight of the bricks between the house and the ground.

Spalling, on the other hand, is what happens when the surface of the brick beings to chip, which tends to occur when it rubs too much against the shelf angle. Too much corrosion or damage on the shelf angle will prevent it from fully distributing the weight of the bricks, thus placing your walls at the risk of collapsing.

If your walls are old or in a deteriorated state, be sure to have it inspected. Preventive maintenance is key, after all, as this masonry repair job can be quite lengthy to work on.

Crumbling Mortar

The disintegration of mortar joints between bricks will cause them to collapse and rub against each other, which will badly affect the integrity of your walls. This constant friction will eventually cause extensive damage and changes to its shape, thus resulting in loose or misshapen bricks. In larger numbers, these can be very dangerous for your home.

It’s important to catch this in its early stages, as a mason can easily replace or strengthen the existing mortar. If it’s caught too late, you may have to reconstruct the entire wall—which greatly increases the expenses you’ll have to shelve out for.

Of course, not everyone knows how to identify crumbling mortar. If you’re not too certain, consulting a masonry repair expert is your best bet. They’ll be able to give you an overview of the status of your masonry and attend to any issues before it’s too late.

Efflorescence

This problem can be tricky—it’s unavoidable, especially if you live in an area that’s gloomy and rainy. Efflorescence happens when soluble salts in the concrete rise to the surface and take on a stain-like appearance. Cold and damp weather, or anything that causes condensation, is often the culprit of this.

If you begin to see tiny spots of efflorescence, all you need to do is to pressure wash the concrete thoroughly. While it sounds simple, it has to be done carefully and meticulously. If you leave the stains on for too long, they can’t be removed even through pressure washing, as they’ll transform into calcium carbonate. Instead, you will have to use certain chemicals like muriatic acid—which should definitely be handled by professionals!

Bottom line

Catching problems before they worsen is always a good idea, which is why it’s crucial to know the most basic problems your masonry can get affected by. Even if your walls seem to be in tip-top shape, it would be beneficial to you and your home to call masonry services to inspect them. They might be able to spot something you missed, thus saving you even more money in repairs in the long run.

Red Robin Masonry is a masonry company in Toronto, Canada. We offer restoration and masonry services to make sure your structures are sturdy and well-maintained. Have some walls that need checking? Get in touch with us, and we’ll see how we can help you!