Tuckpointing for Brick Structures: What You Need to Know

Did you know that there are many perks and benefits that come with installing outdoor brick walls and structures? They essentially enhance the aesthetic beauty and increase the value of your property, and they are also durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting. However, they need to be properly taken care of, as they can be subject to wear and tear over time. One way to take care of your brick construction is through tuckpointing.

In this article, we will share what you need to know about tuckpointing and see how this service will benefit your brick structure.

 

What is tuckpointing?

For the uninitiated, tuckpointing involves fixing the damaged mortar joints between bricks. The process typically involves removing the failing mortar and replacing it with a new, strong mortar to reinforce the deteriorated joints. In some cases, the tuckpointing process includes doing the complete wall, spot repairs, or step cracks. Ultimately, it must be carried out by a professional masonry contractor, such as those from Red Robin Masonry!

 

Why is tuckpointing important?

If you’re wondering why tuckpointing is important, here are four main reasons for it:

 

  • Weather protection: One of the primary reasons you need to get tuckpointing is to protect your brick structures from the changing weather conditions and the harsh outdoor elements. Once your walls are cracked, crumbled, or damaged, it’s easy for your bricks to get even worse over time.

 

  • Aesthetic maintenance: If you want your brick walls or structures to maintain their good looks, tuckpointing will do that for you. The last thing you’ll want to have is a brick construction that’s unsightly due to deterioration.

 

  • Functional purpose: If you want to ensure your brick structures’ structural integrity, tuckpointing will work wonders on them. By doing so, you can expect your bricks to become more stable than ever.

 

  • Longer lifespan: If you want your brick structure to last longer than usual, you will need to get a tuckpointing service to ensure its stability and structural integrity amid constant exposure to harsh outdoor elements.

 

When will your brick require tuckpointing?

You may be asking yourself when you must consider tuckpointing for your brick structure. Fret not, as this is straightforward and relatively easy to find out. All it takes is to look at your mortar around the different parts of your brick structure!

If you notice some cracks, crumbles, or holes, you will need to get a tuckpointing service. Keep in mind that holes, cracking, and crumbling are all an indication of long-term decay. Not only are they distracting to look at, but they can also compromise the structural integrity of your property. For this reason, calling masonry professionals becomes imperative.

Here at Red Robin Masonry, our masonry services have guaranteed quality with a full warranty carried out by our expert professionals. When it comes to tuckpointing, we have extensive knowledge to know the best type of mortar to use in every situation!

 

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what tuckpointing is and why it’s important for your brick structures. As such, be sure to check your brick structures regularly and see if you need this service. Most importantly, it’s best to work with a highly reliable masonry contractor to address the mortar issues and keep your brick construction in top shape and condition!

Are you looking for reliable tuckpointing experts for your brick construction? We’ve got you covered! As a leading masonry company in Toronto, we specialize in masonry services, such as tuckpointing, parging, brick repair, chimney and fireplace installation, stonework, and concrete and foundation construction. If you’re looking for masonry contractors, get in touch with us today or request a quote now!

4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Try to Do Masonry Repair on Your Own

Whether you're a newbie or someone who's been involved in health clubs for years, there are fitness terms that you should be aware of. It's always interesting to learn the meanings behind each term to determine how they can contribute to your fitness journey. Listed below are ten common fitness terms and their meanings: Cardio Cardio is the short-term for cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory exercise, making the heart pump nutrient-carrying blood and oxygen to the muscles. These exercises are commonly performed on stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical runners. Cardio aims to provide cardiorespiratory health benefits. Burning The word 'burning' in fitness terminology refers to the feeling due to the accumulation of the muscles' metabolic waste, resulting in fatigue. Acidosis, or the change in blood acidity, heightens the levels of hydrogen ions and lactic acid. This condition is experienced when a person feels a burning sensation in the muscles. Burning is also a sign of the recovery period that must allow the body to get rid of the metabolic wastes and replenish new nutrients to the muscles. Plyometrics Plyometrics, also called 'plyos,' is a term used to describe the muscles' physiological impact when doing jump training and other explosive movements. Soviet sport scientists developed plyometric training, which was originally called 'shock training.' It is essential to perform only a few repetitions to achieve the best level of force results possible. Core Training One of the most famous terms when it comes to fitness training is core training. Almost every personal fitness studio provides core training programs. The term 'core' refers to the muscles found in the body's midsection (including the 'six-pack' in some individuals). The core is considered the body's center of gravity. Activities related to core training include lifting an object, walking, moving from a place to another, and other movements that use the rib cage, spine, and pelvis. Metabolic Conditioning Metabolic conditioning is a fitness terminology used to describe a high-intensity exercise done until you experience muscle soreness and being out of breath. Any type of exercise that involves muscle contraction can be considered metabolic conditioning. Even standing from your chair requires your metabolism to energize your muscles. Toning Typically, the goal of fitness training services is to tone up the body and get into shape. The term 'tone' refers to the look of well-defined muscles. It is also a short term for "tonus," a technical word for the state of contraction of normal working muscles. Utilizing the muscles repeatedly on strength training activities will result in contraction, thus, creating a well-defined appearance. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) This term is often used to describe exercises that are done at maximal intensity. It is a cardiovascular exercise, a form of interval training that alternates short periods of intense exercise with little recovery time. For individuals who have been living a sedentary lifestyle or dealing with a chronic medical condition, simply walking for several minutes can be deemed as "high intensity." Mind-Body Mind-body is a common term to describe some types of exercise such as Pilates or yoga. These exercises are done with body weight and require focus to execute difficult sequences of movements. Any physical movement that needs activity patterns, learning, and cognitive focus can be classified as mind-body technically. Muscle Confusion Muscle confusion is a term that describes the physiological impact of organizing exercise programs periodically. Sports scientists in the Soviet Union developed this periodization concept. The idea is that high-intensity exercises must be followed by a period of low-stress exercises. In that way, the body can effectively recover from the various workouts and let the body adapt physiologically. Tabata Named after the Japanese scientist Dr. Isumi Tabata, this term refers to a certain protocol of high-interval fitness training of 20-second intervals. This is followed by a 10-second interval for recovery, performed for eight cycles or a total of 4 minutes. Conclusion Every fitness program aims to help individuals to be a better version of themselves. Choosing to have a healthy body requires persistence, passion, and responsibility. Part of every fitness journey is to be well-rounded with the critical things about your health and wellness routine, starting with knowing the important terms related to health, fitness, and exercise. The Fit Factor Personal Training takes pride in providing exclusive fitness training services. If you're looking for a reliable fitness training program in Wellesley, then we are the best place to visit. Start your fitness journey with us!

One of the perks of owning a brick or a stone house is knowing that your home is sturdy, and it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any structural problems. Although it’s uncommon, it’s still possible that you’ll notice some cracks on your wall over the years of abuse from outdoor elements. When you do, you might wonder if you should take on the repair by yourself or hire expert masonry services.

 

A quick search online might lead you to some DIY videos and home improvement shows, and you might think the job seems easy enough, so there’s no reason for you not to try it. However, here are four reasons that will convince you otherwise:

 

  1. It Can Be Dangerous

 

Keep in mind that masonry is more than merely adding mortar to the cracks. Doing so won’t make the crack disappear, and doing it the wrong way can even be disastrous. First of all, because cracks often appear high, it means you will have to fix them while standing on a ladder.

 

Besides that, there’s always a risk that you might be working on the part of the wall that’s structurally weak, and it could collapse on you. 

 

  1. There Can Be Problems You Won’t Recognize

 

The problems you see, such as cracks, may merely be signs of an underlying issue that you won’t recognize because of your lack of knowledge and experience. This will also be hard if you don’t have the tools needed to detect those problems. It would be better if you call in a pro at the earliest sign of trouble so that they can effectively assess the situation and address it accordingly. 

 

  1. Doing It Yourself May Cost You More

 

You might think that by forgoing professional brick repair services, you’ll be saving some money, but that’s not necessarily true. If you think of how much you’ll need to get all the equipment and materials, all of which you’ll probably not going to use again, you might realize that you’re actually saving more when you hire a pro instead. 

 

Also, consider the possibility that you won’t do it right the first time you give it a go and that you’ll have to redo things. That already means twice the cost. When your expenses for this project keep piling up, you will realize that it doesn’t make any sense to take on a DIY project!

 

  1. Hiring a Pro Means More Efficient Work

 

What a professional contractor can finish in a day could take you a few days or even a week to complete. Do you really have time for that? You may also need more time to practice and be ready for the task. On the other hand, experts have years of experience, so they can do the repair straight away, and they’ll be out of your way sooner than you expected.

 

Conclusion

 

While it might seem exciting to take on a masonry repair on your own, keep in mind that it’s one of those home improvement projects that an experienced contractor better handles. The risk is too big and the expenses too high if you make a mistake. You may not have the experience or knowledge to be sure that you’ll do it correctly, and it could take you days to complete the project. Of course, it’s also essential that you choose the right contractor for the job as well to ensure desirable results!

 

Red Robin Masonry is a trusted masonry company in Toronto that can handle any big or small repair project. Our team can provide you with reliable services at a reasonable rate. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Brick Bonds

Toronto masonry services

Brick bonds are popular because of their aesthetic effect, but besides that, they have a significant impact on the budget. But first, what is a brick bond? This is a pattern in which bricks are laid. There are various types of brick bonds, and they each have their own look, structural considerations, and installation methods. 

 

How Do they Work

Most brick bonds need bricks of the same size to create a regular and repeatable pattern that can be applied over any size of the area. A lot of bond patterns use a form of interlock method on each brick row to ensure that they are woven together. By doing so, the bond adds strength to the construction that can make a mortared wall even stronger. 

 

Types of Brick Bonds

Here are some of the most common and popular brick bonds used for walls: 

  • Running bond: This is a simple, structural bond for basic wall construction in which bricks are staggered by 1/2 brick from the course above and below in a one-over-two pattern. All the bricks are laid lengthwise with their long sides facing out. 
  • Common bond: This features a running bond pattern with intermittent header bricks that are used for double-thickness walls so that header bricks are flush on the ends with two stretchers laid side by side. 
  • English bond: This is similar to a common bond, but it has an alternating running bond and all header bricks with each course. 
  • Flemish bond: This is where stretched and header bricks alternate in each course. 
  • Stack bond: The stretcher bricks are laid in a grid of identical courses, which are used for decorative interior walls. 

 

Common Paving Brick Bonds

But what about brick paving that is supported by the underlying surface? Brick bonds used for paving are more flexible and decorative, and they can use wood timbers or other materials. 

  • Running bond: This follows the same pattern of a wall brick, but it can be perpendicular, parallel, or diagonal to the length of a path or patio. 
  • Herringbone: This is a simple zigzag pattern, but it needs a cut brick at the end of every course to form a straight line. 
  • Basketweave: This follows a square pattern with the bricks laid side-by-side in pairs. 
  • Pinwheel: Its pattern is easily recognizable because of its repeated assemblies of four bricks that are laid end-to-side to create a square with a half-brick space in its center. 
  • Stacked: This is a square grid of even rows with no staggering between courses. 

 

Conclusion

Make your brickwork stand out and ensure that it lasts for a long time. Find the right masonry service for you today that will help you achieve the type of brick wall or paving for your property. Moreover, they can also help you choose the right type of brick bonds that will suit your property’s needs the most. Whether the brick bonds are for aesthetic purposes or something else, a good brick builder can help you make the right decision. 

Get quality Toronto masonry services now. Here at Red Robin Masonry, we can help you achieve the right brickwork for you. Contact us today!

3 Common Masonry Damages and How to Fix Them

Masonry builds are known for their structural integrity and longevity, primarily due to many masons’ craftsmanship and practical knowledge. The problem is, as time goes on, structures tend to become more deformed and susceptible to collapse, especially if not well-maintained. That’s why you, as a residential or commercial property owner, should be mindful of the different repairs that may affect your masonry. 

This article will discuss three common issues you can expect from your mason buildings, namely chimneys, brick walls, stone walkways, and the like. Take this as an opportunity to look after your safety, welfare, and property assets. This way, you can use your living or commercial space for a long time without having to worry about complex damages and repair costs. 

  • Displaced bricks and stones

Displacement is a serious common issue among poorly managed masonry because it can easily fall apart, endangering the people and objects around it. That’s why you need to call professional mason contractors immediately to address the issue as soon as possible. It would also be best to evacuate everything within proximity of the displaced masonry structure until it is repaired. 

The good news about mason displacement is you can do routine maintenance checks to address the minor issues before they worsen. This way, you can preserve your build during intense temperature changes, erosion caused by moisture and heat, and tremors, allowing you to account for everyone’s safety and well-being. 

  • Cracks in masonry

Unlike other damages, you can mistake cracks that need fixing for natural imperfections caused by weather conditions. You can only tell the different cracking apart if you are well-versed in masonry builds. For instance, cracked bricks with leaks often signify that you need to fix these damages. That’s why it’s often customary to have buildings inspected to ensure you can make well-informed decisions to address what has to be repaired and not. 

As such, hire a masonry contractor to guide you through your structure’s inspection, enabling you to understand better what to do to safeguard your property. You can also request your contractor to explain what you have to watch out for, like damages and natural conditions, to know how to avoid any building-related mishaps. This way, you can save money and enjoy your property! 

  • Major-to-minor leaks

You can expect leakages to appear in your masonry buildings if the general weather and temperature in your community are frigid, moist, and has many instances of rainfall or snow. Other elements you have to look out for are moss and mildew, two water-borne organisms that can further damage your masonry builds. 

Leaks can also be a sign of structural integrity issues hidden inside the structure. If you hose it down, you may also be indirectly affecting its longevity since you are introducing water to the bricks, absorbing the moisture and resulting in leaks. 

Fortunately, you can address these issues with caulk and waterproofing solutions. Just make sure that your hired contractor has significant experience with masonry to look after your structure properly after the damages are addressed. You can also request maintenance, cleaning advice, and routine inspections. 

Conclusion 

Masonry building is a popular choice among residential and commercial properties because of its iconic style and impressive longevity. However, you can expect damages to manifest if you aren’t well-oriented on damages. Fortunately, you now know practical ideas for your guidance. Get your maintenance and repair checks done today! 

Are you in need of professional masonry services in Toronto to repair your structures? We at Red Robin Masonry can provide you with that. We are your dedicated team of mason tradespeople, offering you the best, cost-effective solutions to fix and maintain your buildings’ safety and great condition. Request your masonry quote from us to better understand what you need and how to preserve your property assets!

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!