Are you planning a masonry project?

In Quebec, masonry chimneys face relentless exposure to harsh weather. Between fall rainfall, winter blizzards, and extreme temperature fluctuations, bricks and mortar joints undergo numerous freeze-thaw cycles every year. Over time, water seeps into the porous mortar, freezes, expands, and can cause the brickwork to crack and deteriorate from within.

In Quebec, brick cladding is a defining architectural feature. Whether it is a 1970s bungalow in the Québec City area, a century-old plex with a red-brick facade in Montréal, or a heritage commercial building, masonry offers remarkable durability. However, while clay brick can last for more than a century, the mortar that binds the masonry units gradually deteriorates over time and is affected by weather (wind and precipitation).

Masonry and bricklaying are more than a skill, they are a craft. When it comes to the requirements for working with concrete and brick, you’ll need to work with a person who has specific training. These materials are especially difficult to manipulate, and thus, it’s almost always best to work with a professional.  Of course, working with a mason or bricklayer will leave you with lifelong structures and pieces, adding to the individuality and resale value of your home.