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09
Dec
What Does Brick Replacement Involve?
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What Does Brick Replacement Involve?

Brick replacement in Toronto, Hamilton, Burllington and Oakville is a part of home restoration and upkeep that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point in their lives. Cold weather brings a lot of moisture and sub zero temperatures.  When brick and masonry is saturated with water and the temperature goes below zero, the expansion of the water leads to deterioration that gets worse and worse as it happens more and more.

Figuring Out Which Bricks To Replace

Often, there are bricks that are borderline in need of replacement, and figuring out exactly which bricks to replace is one of the difficulties of brick replacement in general. Our first job is to  ensure that the bricks we are breaking out of the wall are absolutely in need of replacement while leaving in bricks that may have some surface wear but, for the sake of budget, do not need to be replaced at this time.

Removing The Bricks

Using a handheld jackhammer or, if the mortar surrounding the bricks in soft enough, a carbide blade saw, the bricks are removed while limiting the damage to surrounding, healthy bricks, as much as possible. Also, we can only remove a certain amount of bricks at a time without having bricks above the area of replacement shifting or falling. Bricks support their counterparts above on a 45 degree angle and, depending on how many bricks are needed to be replaced, the project has to be done in stages to allow the new bricks to set and become load bearing.

Get in touch for a free estimate!

Give us a call or visit our WEBSITE to set up a free quote for the brick replacement you may need. You can also check out or glowing reviews on HOMESTARS and GOOGLE. We look forward to hearing from you!

Original Wilkens Team

14
Nov
Wilkens Masonry and Burlington Today
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Wilkens Masonry and Burlington Today

As we have been expanding our services to Hamilton, Oakville and, of course, Burlington, we are making an effort to establish ourselves in the local community. Our main advertising outlet is via flyers (very old fashioned and fitting with our 48 year old company) and, of course internet leads.

We want our clients to be able to easily find us online and our new collaboration is with the online magazine, Burlington Today. This is a local news and media outlet for the Burlington area. It is a reliable and trusted source for people to get the news and get in touch with all sorts of professional service companies. You can find us listed in their directory and reach out to us for a free quote.

Masonry Services We Offer

At Wilkens Masonry, we offer all sorts of masonry services such as parging, repointing and tuckpointing, brick replacement, chimney repair and chimney rebuilds. We offer free site visits as well as free quotes. Often, we will show clients that much of the work they might be considering is not a priority and they can usually tackle their masonry maintenance as well as other projects they may have thought had to be put off due to financial constraints.

Our Masonry Service Area

While Wilkens Masonry is based in Toronto, we service much more than the big city. Our service area includes much of Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton and, of course, Burlington. We would love to here from you!

Get in touch for a free estimate

People have always been looking for honest, reliable and talented tradesmen to take care of their homes. Wilkens would like an opportunity to meet with you and offer our educated advice for all projects. Our motto is “Quality, Built on Referrals”. Get in touch with us at our office by calling 416 425 8055 or check out our WEBSITE. You can also read our glowing reviews on HOMESTARS as well as on GOOGLE. Also, check out our listing on Burlington Today.

Original Wilkens Team

05
Nov
Brick Repair Toronto
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Brick Repair In Toronto

Brick repair in Toronto is an industry that has existed since the first buildings were erected in Southern Ontario so long ago. Brick and stone homes were the best choice for people trying to secure themselves against the harsh weather of the Canadian winters. Brick walls do well for hundreds of years, but when certain parts of the wall become overly or disproportionately saturated, they can show early and unpleasant signs of deterioration. Fast forward to today, and most Toronto homes are in need of some level of brick repair. This can be brick replacement, tuckpointing or repointing, chimney rebuilds and repair, parging etc.

The Quoting Process

Generally, a reputable masonry company will offer free quotes and site visits. If you call Wilkens and speak to our office manager, Connor, he will take down your basic information so that we can come and see what you might need in the way of brick repair and then be able to contact you afterwards. If you require an appointment, our estimators Richard and Jake will be the ones to contact you. Once a site visit has been completed, we will write up a quote or estimate and send it to you ASAP. You can review and contact us at your earliest convenience, coordinating with us if there is a time crunch or schedule you are trying to work with.

A Family Run Firm

Wilkens Masonry has been family run since it’s beginning in 1977. A second generation has taken the reins and hopes to emulate the honesty and quality work that has established one of Toronto’s oldest brick repair companies. Family run businesses generally come with a certain responsibility and pride and Wilkens Masonry is no exception.

GEt in touch for a free estimate

Check out our WEBSITE or take a look at our reviews on HOMESTARS and GOOGLE to see what we’re all about. For all of your masonry needs (brick repair, brick replacement, tuckpointing, repointing, parging, chimney repair and chimney rebuild) we are the company for you. Offering friendly advice and free estimates for 47 years.

Award for Best of Homestars 2024

29
Oct
Masonry Repair in Etobicoke
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Masonry Repair in Etobicoke

Masonry repair is something that, in the GTHA, most home owners will have to think about at some point in the near future. Northern weather is extremely trying on brick and masonry walls and, while most houses can withstand it for decades, many homes are in need of some restoration.

Snow and ice deteriorates bricks and mortar when it has been exposed for too long. Freezing water expands and pushes the mortar and clay apart. This increases exponentially as the years wear on and eventually can become a problem for your home. This problem can manifest aesthetically, in how well your home is sealed and, eventually, structurally.

It is always a good idea to get your home in Etobicoke checked out for any masonry repair or restoration it may need.

Types of Masonry and Brick Repair In Etobicoke

The types of homes in Etobicoke are varied in brick selection and age. South Etobicoke has many homes that are “newer”. This “newer” means that the homes are only about 70-80 years old. This is still plenty of time to have a need for brick replacement, repointing or tuckpointing, parging and, of course, chimney repair or replacement.

In the more northern areas of Etobicoke, the homes are a couple decades older and we find that, that extra 20 years definitely makes a difference. Old, soft brick shows signs of deterioration even quicker in areas where water has pooled or disproportionately saturated parts of a home. So, pretty much every part of Etobicoke will have homes in need of some level of masonry repair, ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand in cost.

Get a Free Estimate

If you get in touch with us at our office or reach out to us via our WEBSITE, we can set you up with a free estimate. It is always a good idea to have someone come and look around your home and figure out ways to make your beautiful Etobicoke home last for another hundred years and more. Check out our photos and reviews on GOOGLE and HOMESTARS to see what our other customers are saying.

 

 

23
Oct
Masonry Repair in Bloor West Village
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Masonry Repair in Bloor West Village

There are many wonderful neighbourhoods in Toronto. Bloor West Village is no exception. Vibrant restaurants, wonderful schools and, of course, beautiful old brick houses. From Jane to Keele and Queensway to St Clair, most houses are pushing 100 years old, and are often in need of at least a small amount of masonry restoration or repair.

Brick replacement, tuckpointing or repointing, parging and chimney rebuilds are the main types of work needed on the old houses in Bloor West Village. Harsh Canadian weather and the freeze/thaw cycle that it brings can slowly deteriorate bricks and mortar. It can be just a small amount of deterioration at first. If, for example, a downspout overflows in the weeks of winter thaw, it can speed up deterioration and create a more urgent need for restoration.

Getting A Free Estimate

When you notice something out of the ordinary on the walls and masonry structures of your home, the best thing to do is, at first, a little bit of research. Using the internet to find a reliable contractor can be tricky. It’s hard to determine if a company’s reputation is genuine or manufactured. Once you feel that you have found one, most likely they offer free estimates.

The contractor will come out, hopefully in a timely manner, and discuss the problems you may or may not have with your home. If the contractor is honest, they will not be too pushy on things and explain the nuances of the various types of work your home may need. Most homes need at least a little bit of work, but if the story being told is that you have a short period of time, all of a sudden, too get something addressed before you have a serious problem, you should take a breath and seek a second opinion.

At Wilkens, we have built up a reputatation (just check out our reviews on Google and Homestars) and can be relied on you deliver an honest  assessment followed by a fair quote.

Hiring Local

Wilkens Masonry serves most areas of the GTA as well as Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga. However, the founder of the company, Ernie Wilkens, raised his family in Bloor West Village for 25 years with his children attending Humberside and Runnymede schools. Our yellow vehicles are still a regular staple in the area and our head of sales, Ernie’s nephew Richard, resides in the Junction, just a stones throw away from the main drag of Bloor West Village.

We have an appreciation for the neighbourhood and the pride people have for their homes and we hope to be a part of keeping those homes in tact for many more years to come.

Contact Us For a Free quote

You can peruse our website galleries and fill out a free estimate request form HERE. We offer plenty of free advice and our family run business is here to help as we have been for the past 47 years.

Original Wilkens Team

11
Oct
Masonry Repair In High Park
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Masonry Repair In High Park

High Park is one of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods. It is filled with beautiful old homes with gorgeous brick walls that, often, need a lot of tender love and care. Canada’s harsh winters batter the bricks and mortar of the walls and chimneys. Often, homeowners in the High Park area are in search of a good masonry restoration contractor who can help them keep their home in ship shape.

Brick Replacement and Repointing

The most common form of restoration needed in High Park is brick replacement and repointing of the old deteriorated mortar. A close match to the brick types of this neighbourhood are readily available and with just a small amount of mortar colour and tint, a good blend can be found when repointing as well. Brick replacement and repointing are a necessary way to keep your home from needing large repairs and having the integrity of it’s structure challenged.

Chimney Repair and Rebuilds

The other, common, need for High Park homes in Toronto is repair or, in some cases, a rebuild of the chimney. Chimneys tend to deal with the worst of the weather as they are exposed on all sides and are the first point of your home to be hit by snow and rain. Plenty of chimneys can last for many decades. Fifty to one hundred year old chimneys are readily found. But, with the homes in High Park getting on in age, many chimneys are in need of at least some minor repair, and many more are in need of a full rebuild from the roofline up. Wilkens will offer a fair assessment of the need for a repair or rebuild and walk you through the process for both.

Get in touch For a free estimate

Give us a call at the office or visit us on our WEBSITE to organize a time for us to swing by and take a look at any masonry restoration you may need around your home. We offer professional services for brick replacement, repointing, chimney repair and rebuild as well as other masonry restoration needs. You can check out our reviews on GOOGLE and HOMESTARS to hear what other satisfied customers have to say.

15
Aug
Masonry Contractors In Hamilton
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Masonry Contractors in Hamilton

Hamilton is a city filled with thousands of century old brick homes. These homes have been battered by intense Canadian weather for so long, that many of them are in need of masonry repair or restoration. This means tuckpointing or repointing, parging, brick replacement and chimney repair. For all of these projects, it is important to find and contact a trusted and reliable masonry contractor.

Types Of Masonry Contractors

There are generally three types of masonry contractors. First, there are contractors who take on large jobs such as new home builds, additions etc. Then there are the contractors who specialize in the smaller jobs. These are the restoration masons. Their bread and butter is fixing the deteriorated mortar of your home, a process known as repointing, replacing damaged bricks and fixing or rebuilding your chimney. Lastly, there are the individual contractors who generally work alone and don’t have a properly established company.

What Type Of Masonry Contractor Should I Choose?

When it comes to the average home owner, the mid sized masonry contractor is generally going to be the way to go. If a company is too large, they may not take your :smaller” project seriously and will consider it an add on and not something that they want to show clients. If you hire an individual who is not properly established, you may have a worker who isn’t properly insured or who doesn’t have all of the necessary tools and supplies to perform the work properly.

Wilkens Masonry is a good example of a mid sized masonry contractor. We make a name for ourselves with the small to medium sized repair jobs. Rebuilding chimneys, parging, repointing and brick replacement is what we do. We are also a family company who’s name and reputation drives our business. We strive for friendly, competent work performance as well as reliable customer service before, during and after the completion of the work order.

Get in touch!

We would love to hear from you regarding your masonry needs. We can be contacted via our WEBSITE and our reviews can be seen on GOOGLE or HOMESTARS. We are family owned and operated and our estimates are always free. We look forward to hearing from you!

Brick Repair Before and After

09
Aug
Chimney Repair Toronto
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Chimney Repair Toronto

Chimney’s in Toronto are constantly being bombarded by intense, polarizing weather. Heat and rain from our humid summers. Sleet, snow and ice from our frigid winters. This causes a lot of deterioration on the average chimney, and leads to a lot of needed repair as well as a full chimney rebuild in many cases.

Homeowners are faced with the task of keeping an eye on their chimney, which isn’t always possible depending on it’s location, and maintaining the chimney so that it never becomes a liability.

Repair Or Rebuild

If a chimney has a slight amount of deterioration in the cap or perhaps some of the mortar joints are showing signs of wear, a basic repair can be performed on a chimney. This is usually done in the form of repointing, which is adding in mortar to the deep joints and holes that may have manifested. Adding concrete to the dome portion of the chimney that allows for water run off is also a common practice. It secures the flue tiles and makes sure that rain sheds properly off the cap.

If the chimney has a curve to it, or so many of the joints are deteriorated to the point of a structural problem, a rebuild is always necessary. Sometimes a few brick faces have actually fallen off the chimney. Many people want to replace only the obvious bricks, but this is usually a bad idea as the few brick faces are usually the tip of the ice berg. If you started hammering away at one or two obvious bricks, often a can of worms is opened up and you are forced into a rebuild in the end.

Get In Touch For A Free Quote!

Wilkens Masonry is a family company and has been since 1977. For 47 years we have strived to build a reputation as an honest, reliable and talented group of masons. Visit our WEBSITE or check our our reviews on GOOGLE or HOMESTARS and get in touch for a free, no obligation quote!

Before and After Chimney Rebuild

 

29
Jul
Brick Restoration Toronto
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Brick Restoration Toronto

Brick restoration in Toronto is an extremely important subject. Most homeowners find that some portion of their house has a section of brick exposed to the harsh elements of Southern Ontario.

Brick walls are battered each year in the colder stretches of the late and early months and are often in need of restoration. It is hard to know exactly how far to go when restoring the average brick wall. Should you rebuild the entire thing? Should you do a small patch job? The answer is hard to be sure of, but we will do our best to help answer it.

Brick Replacement

Brick replacement is exactly what it sounds like. When a brick becomes so deteriorated that it is no longer structurally sound and perhaps creating a larger problem on a wall, the brick can be removed and a new one can be put there in it’s stead. This can be easy, or extremely difficult.

If a brick is “newer”, under around 50 years old, it can be harder to remove from the wall and replacing bricks can be more tedious and therefore more costly. If is older and softer, bricks can be taken out in no time at all. Sometimes the bricks are cut out of the wall with plunge blades on a tool called the Arbortech, or it can be chiseled out with a hand held jackhammer.

The masonry company that you request an estimate from would judge on site the degree of difficulty in taking out the bricks.

Parging Bricks

Parging bricks is a “band-aid” solution. It is a coat of reinforced mortar that is intended to hold deteriorating bricks together for a short amount of time until the problem has to be properly addressed. Parging is not a structural solution for deteriorating masonry and should always be considered a temporary solution.

Accessing The Work Area

If the bricks that need to be restored are near the ground, the work is made much more easy. If scaffolding or ladders are required, the scope of work is greatly increased due to the added labour needed and at the level of safety now required to perform the restorative work safely.

Get In TOuch for a free quote!

The easiest course of action, if you have deteriorating brick that you think needs to be restored, is to contact us at Wilkens Masonry and have us come take a look, free of charge. We will give you detailed insight into the process of the work and exactly what is needed and why. Visit our website and fill out our form. In the meantime, check out or reviews on HOMESTARS and GOOGLE.

23
Jul
Cost Of Chimney Repair Toronto
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Cost Of Chimney Repair Toronto

The cost of chimney repair in Toronto varies greatly depending on many factors. First off is the access available to the chimney. If the chimney is on a one or two storey home and has a cleared area below from which to put up a ladder or build scaffolding, this means less cost for access. If a complicated scaffolding setup is required, the cost can go up.

Scaffolding Or Ladders

The safest way to access anything at heights is with scaffolding as opposed to ladders. Ladders are a good solution if the repair needed on a chimney is small and can be done with one hand. If the mason is intelligent and cautious with his approach, he can get up and down safely and perform a small brick patch or pointing repair using only a ladder. Where a significant amount of work is needed, such as a chimney rebuild, scaffolding is a necessity. Hundreds of pounds of rubble and debris will have to be safely lowered. The same amount of new bricks and mortar, if not more, will have to be hoisted back up and safely reinstalled during the rebuild. This greatly increases the amount of labour involved and in turn increases the price.

Is It Worth Repairing or Rebuilding My Chimney?

The answer is almost always yes to whether or not you should have your chimney repaired or rebuilt. Chimneys vent harmful gases and smoke up and away from a home. If the chimney is in use and in disrepair, it is imperative that it be taken care of. Pieces of debris can occasionally fall away from a chimney, which is a safety hazard in its own right, and the venting capabilities of the chimney can be compromised. If the chimney is no longer in use, it still needs to be repaired or torn down to avoid any safety issues.

Give Us a call or visit our website for a free estimate

You can reach us at 416 425 8055 or visit our WEBSITE and FILL OUT OUR FORM to line yourself up for a free quote. You can also read our reviews on HOMESTARS and GOOGLE

Request an Estimate

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Service Area

WE SERVICE ALL AREAS OF:
-HAMILTON
-BURLINGTON
-OAKVILLE
-MISSISSAUGA

Click the image below to view our service area for Toronto:

TORONTO