Toronto, a city built with brick.
Brick repair is common in this city. Take a stroll through Toronto, and you’ll find a mix of brick buildings that tell a fascinating story of the city’s architectural journey. From the early days when red-brick structures marked a shift towards sturdiness in York to the intricate brickwork of the Victorian era, each building reflects a different chapter in Toronto’s history. The industrial surge left behind robust warehouses and factories, blending functionality with style. Post-war suburbs boast charming brick bungalows, and the latter part of the 20th century brought a cool mix of tradition and modernity. Today, amidst the city’s hustle, brick buildings still stand strong, especially in revamped areas like Cabbagetown and the Annex, showcasing Toronto’s commitment to preserving its diverse architectural story. In Toronto, it’s not just about buildings; it’s about the red bricks that echo the city’s journey, giving each street its own unique tale.
The local Toronto environment and causes of brick deterioration
In Toronto, moisture will deteriorate bricks through a combination of freeze-thaw cycles and salt damage. During winter, water can permeate into the porous structure of bricks. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, exerting pressure on the pores of the brick and mortar. This cyclical process of freezing and thawing can lead to spalling of the mortar and the brick, potentially causing structural damage over time.
Additionally, salts such as road salts commonly used in winter to melt snow and ice can exacerbate the deterioration. These salts contain chlorides, which can penetrate the brick and mortar. As the water evaporates, the salt residue is left behind, contributing to a process called salt crystallization in the pores of the masonry. These salt crystals grow putting additional pressure on the brick, accelerating the deterioration process until the pores crack and spalling becomes evident. Faulty gutters and downspouts can also introduce a large volume of moisture onto brick walls which can expose brick to salt crystallization and freeze thaw cycles.
Overall, the freeze-thaw cycles and salt damage induced by water infiltration can compromise the integrity of bricks in Toronto, necessitating proper maintenance and restoration efforts to mitigate potential structural issues.
Repairing brick in Toronto
Repairing brick in Toronto is different than repairing brick in the UK for instance. Some masonry contractors in Toronto have tried repairing brick with patching compounds and mortars in the past. That may work elsewhere but this approach does not tend to last in the harsh Toronto environment. We have come across these patches and have seen them prematurely fail and been required to restore the brickwork properly. The right way to repair brick that is showing signs of deterioration is to remove and replace that brick with a healthy suitable matching brick. This ensures the longest lasting result. We can guarantee that brickwork that has been repaired in this manner will last beyond our lifetime.
Before repairing brick in your home
Before you hire a masonry contractor to repair the brick in your home it is important to evaluate the cause of the deterioration in the first place. If a faulty gutter or downspout is to blame, fixing that ahead of time will ensure the repair will last. Another common issue we see are improper flashing. Sills and capstones that don’t have a drip edge or just don’t function properly are also on the list. Ground around the home that slopes towards the building can also be a culprit. I advise people to grab an umbrella and go outside the next time it’s raining and inspect how the house sheds water. Moisture is the driver of deterioration. Ensuring the least amount of moisture reaches your masonry is a solid plan.
Repairing brick the right way
Identifying brick to be repaired
The first step in brick repair is to highlight the brick that need repairing. This may seem like an easy task but it can be deceiving. You are faced with a wall that has multiple areas of deterioration. It is beneficial to the client to ensure all the brick in the process of deterioration be replaced. Some brick can look healthy but when you tap them you realise the face is about to pop off due to salt attack. Replacing all the deteriorated brick saves the client money in future repairs. Especially when costly scaffolding is involved.
Removing deteriorated brick
When doing brick replacement our approach is dictated by the age of the building and the original construction methods. In older buildings that were built using lime mortar we will use a reciprocating saw to carefully cut out the mortar joints thus freeing the brick. This is a very clean and non destructive method for brick replacement. If the building is more modern and contains portland cement based mortars it may be necessary to use a breaker hammer. Using this tool we focus on the deteriorated brick and chip them out of the wall being careful to avoid damaging healthy brick. Replacing individual brick on modern brick walls is tricky and time consuming due to the hard nature of modern mortars and brick.
Brick replacement
After the brick has been removed it’s time to make mortar and commence brick replacement. We always attempt to match the original brick and mortar as closely as possible when repairing brickwork. If the wall was constructed with lime mortar we use the same to do the repairs. We match the colour with a combination of natural earth pigments. When it comes to brick selection we either use new matching brick or reclaimed brick if we have them available. Most of the brick used in Toronto are what we refer to as Ontario size brick. Those measurements are 2.5″ x 4″ x 8.5″. On older Victorian brickwork you may find that the size of the brick can vary from these dimensions by 1/4″. When inserting the brick we ensure it is flaid lush with the brick around it and the mortar joint is tooled to match the existing mortar joints.
Choosing the right masonry company in Toronto
When hiring a masonry company for brick repair in Toronto, several key considerations can ensure a successful and reliable restoration. Firstly, expertise in dealing with older structures is crucial, as Toronto boasts a rich architectural history, and understanding the nuances of different styles of construction is essential. Look for a company with a proven track record in brick repair, specifically focusing on projects involving historical homes or buildings. A keen eye for analyzing existing mortar and selecting appropriate materials is a sign of a competent masonry team. Additionally, inquire about their familiarity with traditional techniques and modern methods to seamlessly integrate repairs while maintaining the original aesthetic appeal. It’s advisable to check for certifications and customer reviews and referals, ensuring the chosen company has a reputation for quality work and client satisfaction. Ultimately, a reliable masonry company for brick repair in Toronto should combine experience, expertise, and a commitment to preserving the city’s architectural heritage.
If you own a brick building in Toronto and need brick repair contact us now for a consultation and quote.