Understanding Masonry Maintenance in London Ontario
Maintaining your London Ontario home's brickwork is essential for both structural integrity and curb appeal, especially given our region's challenging climate. Two common professional masonry services are brick repair and tuckpointing, but many London homeowners confuse these distinct processes that require specialized expertise.
What is Professional Brick Repair in London Ontario?
Professional brick repair involves addressing damaged, cracked, or deteriorating bricks by:
- Removing and replacing individual damaged bricks with matching materials
- Patching spalled or chipped bricks using specialized techniques
- Addressing structural issues in the masonry with expert assessment
- Fixing larger sections of damaged brickwork common in London Ontario's historic homes
This process focuses on the bricks themselves rather than just the mortar joints, requiring skilled London Ontario masonry contractors.
What is Professional Tuckpointing in London Ontario?
Tuckpointing (sometimes called repointing) is a specialized technique that focuses on the mortar joints between bricks:
- Removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks using proper tools and techniques
- Replacing it with fresh mortar that matches the original color and composition for London Ontario's historic homes
- Creating a clean, uniform appearance across the mortar joints
- Preventing water infiltration through compromised mortar - crucial for London's wet climate
This process extends the life of your masonry by maintaining the integrity of the mortar joints, especially important for London Ontario homes facing freeze-thaw cycles.
When to Choose Brick Repair
Consider brick repair when:
- Individual bricks are cracked, broken, or spalling
- Sections of brick have been damaged by impact
- Bricks show signs of deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles
- There are structural issues with the masonry wall
When to Choose Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is appropriate when:
- Mortar joints are eroding or crumbling
- The mortar has recessed more than 1/4 inch from the brick face
- You notice water infiltration through mortar joints
- The bricks themselves are in good condition
The LancasterFBC Professional Approach
Our London Ontario masonry experts evaluate each project individually to determine whether brick repair, tuckpointing, or a combination of both is needed. We match historical mortar compositions and brick types to ensure seamless repairs that preserve your London Ontario home's character while providing lasting protection against our region's challenging weather conditions.
Contact LancasterFBC for a professional assessment of your brick and mortar needs in London, Ontario. Our experienced team provides comprehensive masonry services tailored to your home's specific requirements.