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Masonry Restoration

TUCK POINTING

Tuck pointing is one of the finest ways in which to reclaim the aesthetic value of your brick work, whether we are talking about a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional property. There are multiple and weighted values involved with brick and masonry work, and everyone adores the traditional, if not sometimes rustic appearance of this material. Beyond the great aesthetic value involved in brick and stone is their long-lasting durability. The nature of mortar as a binding, connecting agent, however, means it does not last as long. Regardless, we help with any issue you may have with your building's masonry work.
Between the value of aesthetic beauty and structural soundness, we help achieve this win-win for your building.

Tuck pointing is not easy work, yet it is easy to involve plenty of mishaps that completely go against to purpose of the job in the first place. The original purpose of this masonry practice was developed in late 18th century England to yield a cleaner look, utilizing the color of mortar to give the impression of finer brickwork. As you know, here in TORONTO and surrounding areas, our towns feature a wonderful and wide variety of old, character-rich brick and mortar work. It is a testament to our culture, architecture and residents that we have retained and utilized this fire-resistant material. Some property owners, however, want to retain the old character of their walls while giving their home, business or institution a makeover.

That is where tuck pointing comes in, but that is not the only benefit to this renovation work. Mortar is not as durable as the brick and stone in which it creates a solid bonding. Over time, it will begin to decay. Dust and weather also takes a toll on both mortar and brick, lessening the appeal of one and the function of the other. For optimal beauty and performance, we recommend the cleaning and refilling of mortar joints roughly every 20 years or so.

Tuck pointing, with a skilled, experienced and steady hand creates a stronger wall while maximizing the look of sometimes less-than-spectacular work. The process of this masonry involves precision; we employ thorough focus with our hand tools, or a saw, in removing deteriorated mortar, cutting away to yield a sound surface. All excessive material, dust and debris, is washed away during the tuck pointing process. We then re-point mortar joints with any variety of colors, techniques and finishes. It is up to you regarding what look you are trying to achieve. However you go about it, you can gain peace of mind in knowing that your walls are stronger.

Additionally, throughout the tuck pointing process, we make sure to cut only the necessary affected mortar; we do not work against any of the bricks. There are varying depths for this, and how deep we cut depends upon the level of restoration you request. .We are very happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation for what styles and materials will work best on your walls.

Spalling Bricks
Spalling bricks are the result of deterioration of the brick surface that is caused by moisture. This can occur on the inside or the outside of your chimney. If unrepaired, pieces of the brick facing can fall and cause more damage to the chimney.

Chimney Rebuilds
Sometimes the damage to a chimney is so severe that the only reasonable option is to rebuild it. A chimney rebuild can consist of the entire chimney for just a portion depending on the extent of the damage. Once the rebuild is done we recommend waterproofing to protect your investment.

Brick Masonry
Brick masonry deals with the fundamental building blocks of your building that are a permanent feature, both in terms of structural integrity and aesthetic value. This makes it doubly important to find and retain the services of a company featuring consummate professionals for both of these very weighted factors for your home, business, public or otherwise institutional building for which you are responsible. Throughout the years we have learned tried, tested and true techniques that you can only get with experience.

This work includes the structural integrity of your building, as well as its aesthetic value, so we encourage you to seek only the best professional work.

Cracked or Crumbling Crowns
The chimney crown is the cement slab that tops off the bricks on your chimney. With age and weather exposure this crown can crack. If the cracks are not sealed, water penetrates the crown causing moisture damage to the crown itself and the bricks below. Left unrepaired the result of the moisture damage will be spalling bricks and eventually the crown will crumble.

All masonry erodes because of water. An important maintenance project to keep the value of your home is the repair of mortar joints. Brick can last 100 years, but the life of mortar joints varies depending upon materials used and exposure.

Your best safeguard is an annual inspection of your brick and mortar. Look for:

Repointing brick masonry must be done periodically and fixing deteriorated mortar joints is an effective and long-lasting way to decrease water entry into brickwork. Deterioration of mortar joints, cracks and debonded joints are a common means of water entry into brick masonry walls.
We carefully identify only defective joints to repoint. Original joints in good condition are preferable over repointed joints. Hairline cracks, crumbling mortar, cracks between brick and mortar and mortar erosion require repointing. We perform masonry repair throughout TORONTO AND SORROUNDING AREAS.
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OUR CUSTOM STONE & BRICK MASONRY SERVICES INCLUDE: