1. What is tuck pointing?

Tuck pointing is the task of replenishing and/or restoring the mortar between bricks, blocks, or stones on your property. Tuck pointing can be performed on both vertical and horizontal masonry surfaces. (walls or walkways)

2. Can masonry work be performed in the winter?

Masonry work can be performed in sub-zero temperatures under certain conditions.  There are additives that can be added to allow the cement to properly cure in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius.  You can also build an enclosed space similar to a tent around the area that you are working and install a heating system. Generally, if the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius the water in the cement will freeze before it has time to dry which will damage the final product.

3. What is parging?

Parging is a protective coat of cement which is usually applied over the top of the foundation of a building.  It can be applied to both the exterior and interior of a building.  Parging can also be applied to improve the aesthetic value of a wall.

4. When do I need to replace the bricks on my wall?

You should consider replacing your bricks when you notice deterioration on the face of your bricks.  Even if you notice that one or a small group of bricks has deteriorated it is a good idea to have a repair done. Quite often deterioration starts in a smaller patch and spreads outwards to surrounding bricks over time. 

5. What causes damage to bricks/masonry?

Water is the biggest threat to masonry in Canada.  If there is a leaky downspout or some other factor leading to excessive moisture exposure; water will find its way into the small nooks of your wall or walkway.  In the winter months if your wall is saturated or is holding moisture the water will freeze and expand.  As a result, masonry will often flake, chip, or crack.

6. When should I consider having my chimney repaired?

There are a number of reasons to repair your chimney.  

– If your chimney is noticeably leaning you should look into having it rebuilt.  A leaning chimney poses a safety threat to you and your neighbors.  

– A chimney with deteriorated bricks should also be repaired. Over time this can lead to a situation where bricks are no longer secured to the chimney and eventually become a threat to fall. 

– A damaged chimney cap should also be repaired. The chimney cap is the chimney’s primary protection from moisture.

– If your chimney does not have a proper concrete or stone cap one should be installed.

– If the mortar joints on your chimney are slightly deteriorated you should consider having a professional perform tuck pointing repairs. If the mortar joints are severely deteriorated the structural integrity of the structure may be compromised and a full chimney rebuild might be in order.

– If your chimney is leaking into your house then repairs are needed. This can stem from issues with the cap, flashing, or bricks.

7. Can cracks in my concrete be repaired?

Cracks in concrete can be repaired with two methods.  The crack can be filled with a specially designed cement that is suitable for filling cracks.  A liquid rubberized epoxy can also be used to fill a crack.  In some situations, it may make more sense to remove a small section of the concrete pad and pour new concrete.  

8. Can the gaps between my bricks be repaired with caulking?

Technically if done properly caulking may provide a short-term solution to the water issues your wall is experiencing but it is not what we would recommend.  For starters, it would not match the original look of the wall.  It would be more of an eyesore.  It also would not last as long versus if you were to properly tuck point the wall.  With tuck pointing the color of the mortar can be tinted to better match the mortar on the surrounding areas.  

9 . Can a match be found for my bricks on my century-old house when I have damaged bricks replaced?

There is actually a higher chance that a close (if not exact) match will be available for older houses.  A lot of modern houses built thirty to forty years ago were constructed with bricks that are no longer manufactured.  However, a brick with similar color, texture, or size can often be found.  

10. Can dirty bricks be cleaned?

Dirty bricks can be cleaned of many contaminants.  Most dirt can be cleaned by a detergent, solution, or a power washer.  Certain products are capable of even cleaning paint.  

11. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, automatic deposit, cheque, and all forms of credit card EXCEPT FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS.

12. What are thin stone/brick veneers?

Thin veneers can be made of natural stone, brick, or concrete products.  Thin veneers are thinly sliced versions of standard masonry units that have the same visual appearance.  Think of a thin brick or stone that is applied to a wall like a tile.  Thin veneers can be applied over the top of many surfaces and reduce or eliminate the amount of demolition required when re-facing a building.