Masonry questions, answered plainly

No. We look at the job and give you a written quote at no charge. Ask for a quote or call.

Masonry prices depend on the area, the height, access, the materials to be matched and how much damage is hidden. Two jobs that look the same in a photo can be very different amounts of work. A quote based on a visit is more useful than a range that may not fit your house.

We stop, show you what we found and explain the options and the cost before going further. You won’t be surprised by an invoice.

Photos help us understand the job and sometimes give a rough idea, but a firm written quote usually needs a visit. Hidden problems like rusted ties, failed flashing or loose parging often only show up in person.

Most exterior mortar work here runs from about May to October. Canadian masonry practice (CSA A371) calls for cold-weather measures once the air drops below about 4 °C, and nights in Greater Moncton regularly fall below that in spring and late fall. Spring and early summer are the busiest, so it helps to call early. See repointing and Moncton weather for more.

Yes. Urgent repairs, temporary fixes to stop water getting in, interior work, and some jobs under heated enclosures. Winter is also a good time to get a quote and book a spot for spring.

Cement-based mortar sets within a day, but it keeps gaining strength for weeks. The first 24 to 48 hours matter most: the mortar must not freeze, and in sun or wind it shouldn’t dry out too fast, which is why fresh joints are often covered or misted. Lime mortars set more slowly and need protection for several days. Some light staining or colour difference evens out over the first few months as the mortar weathers.

Small repairs often take a day. Repointing a wall or rebuilding a chimney top usually takes several days. Larger stone, wall or patio projects can take one to a few weeks. The quote includes an estimated timeline.

Pointing is finishing the mortar joints when a wall is built. Repointing is removing worn mortar and replacing it. Tuckpointing is a decorative style using a coloured mortar with a fine contrasting line, though many people use the word to mean repointing. See brick repointing.

Mortar should be softer and more breathable than the brick or stone it holds, so the joint wears instead of the masonry. Hard cement mortar on older, softer brick or stone is a leading cause of cracked and spalling masonry. See why the right mortar matters.

The white, powdery deposit on brick, stone or concrete. It’s salts carried to the surface by water. It isn’t harmful in itself and can be brushed off, but if it keeps coming back in the same place it shows a steady water source that should be found. Common sources are covered under why bricks fail.

Generally not. Brick in good condition doesn’t need it, and non-breathable sealers can trap water and cause spalling. Where a water repellent makes sense, it should be a breathable product applied after repairs.

Parging is a coat of mortar on the exposed part of a concrete or block foundation, above the soil. It protects the foundation from weather and gives it a finished look. It is not a basement waterproofing system. See foundation parging.

Most repairs, such as repointing, brick replacement and parging, don’t. Larger work like rebuilding a chimney, taller retaining walls, or structural changes can. Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and the rural areas each have their own rules, so we check what applies to your job. Taller walls are covered on the retaining walls page.

A WETT inspection is done by a certified inspector who checks the wood-burning appliance, flue and clearances. If the inspection lists masonry repairs, such as the crown, brick or joints, that’s the work we do. See chimney masonry and WETT inspections.

A chimney that leans, sheds bricks or has a badly broken crown should be checked soon. Keep people away from the area below it and avoid using the fireplace or stove until it’s been looked at. See chimney repair.