Category Archives: Chimney Repair

03
May
The Masonry Season Well Under Way!
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The Masonry Season Well Under Way!

Every year, the question we ask at Wilkens Masonry is: when can we get back to work!? The main barrier we face in the masonry repair and restoration industry is the weather. For larger jobs, we can avoid the cold and wet weather of the winter months by closing jobs in with a series of tarps and scaffolding and then install job site heaters. For smaller repair jobs, the cost would be too high. So, we find ourselves waking up in March and April, and checking the weather before we even have our first cup of coffee.

This year though, we’ve had a streak of good luck! The masonry season has begun and we are off and running. The weather turned in our favour at the beginning of April and we are finally able to get to all of our wonderful customers who have been waiting for Mother Nature to play ball! We are so happy to be back at it and can’t wait for the weather to get warmer and warmer.

What To Look For On My House

Now that the weather has stabilized, it is a good time to take a walk around your home and look for signs of brick, mortar and other forms of masonry deterioration. Look for discolourations that show where water has saturated the wall. Identify areas where the brick and mortar appear to be softer or seem to be flaking off. These are spots on the wall that are being effected by the weather and, while the cause of the deterioration needs to be addressed, reinforcing the masonry is a good idea.

Honesty And Ethics With Your Quote

The trades and restoration, with masonry as no exception, are home to all types of people and companies. When dealing with any company, you should always trust your feelings with the person who is trying to sell you on having them perform your work. There are many outfits that can do good work, but they aren’t always  a pleasure to deal with. At Wilkens, we aim to show you that honesty and ethics in the world of masonry are not forgotten concepts or simply a banner to add to your website’s homepage. These are two ideas that are at our very core and philosophy as a company. You can learn more about us here

Give us a Call for a Free Estimate!

At Wilkens masonry, our estimates are always free. We serve the Toronto and Hamilton areas. We will come by and give you an honest assessment coupled with a fair price for the services we deliver. Also, if the scope of work is something we don’t cover, we can always point you in the right direction of a company that can service your needs.

Check us out on Homestars and Google! You can also Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation or call us at 416 425 8055.

 

23
Feb
Small Masonry Repairs Toronto And Hamilton
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Small Masonry Repairs Toronto And Hamilton

There is no shortage of masonry restoration companies in Toronto and Hamilton. Masonry is an age old trade, people have been laying bricks as long as homes have been properly made. However, many companies seek larger, longer jobs to keep them busy for greater periods of time. It is a fair need as many companies have larger crews that they want to keep busy. It is because of this that not every company though, unlike Wilkens, will perform small repairs.

Big Repairs vs Small Repairs

Many people are on the hunt for a masonry contractor that can help them with a quick fix. Not everyone has it within their budget to hire a company to do a full rebuild of a chimney, or replace hundreds of bricks. Not everyone has the luxury of restoring their masonry to its former glory. This means that small repairs are something sought after.

The nature of the industry, however, is that some contractors won’t even come and take a look when they hear that all you need is a few holes filled or a few bricks replaced. Wilkens Masonry is known as a leader in the small repairs part of masonry. Our trained masons can be in an out in a few hours and we can do it for a fair price that won’t break your budget. A few holes tuckpointed, some spalling bricks replaced, a small section of your foundation parged or your chimney repaired rather than fully rebuilt, we are your guys.

For the record though, while we are more than happy to come out for the small things, we will also come out for the bigger jobs.

Give Us A Call For A Free Estimate!

At Wilkens masonry, our estimates are always free. We serve the Toronto and Hamilton areas. We will come by and give you an honest assessment coupled with a fair price for the services we deliver. Also, if the scope of work is something we don’t cover, we can always point you in the right direction of a company that can service your needs.

Check us out on Homestars and Google! You can also Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation or call us at 416 425 8055.

 

13
Feb
Is It Too Cold For Masonry Repairs?
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Is It Too Cold For Masonry Repairs?

Many people in Toronto, Hamilton and the surrounding areas wait until the spring season has undoubtedly arrived to turn their attention to home repairs. However, living in southern Ontario means that we often have warm weather spells throughout the winter. If you have a small masonry repair such as a chimney repair, a few bricks to replace or some tuckpointing to be done, you may want to reach out to Wilkens Masonry and have the work done before the rush of the warmer months.

Does Temperature Matter?

For mortar to be mixed, you add water to a mixture of sand and masonry cement. If the temperature is below zero, it means that the water can freeze and the mortar will not be able to “cure” properly (this is the chemical process by which mortar and concrete become hard. Sometimes, in a pinch, you can add a liquid that speeds up the curing process and allows the mortar to be worked with at colder temperatures. However, this can alter the look of the mortar and make it harder to do aesthetic work. Speaking to the masonry estimator can help you determine what course of action to take and weather or not the brick replacement, tuckpointing, chimney repair, parging or other masonry repair needs to be done.

Are Masonry Companies Open Throughout The Winter?

While we cannot speak for the responsiveness of other Toronto and Hamilton based masonry restoration companies, Wilkens is open year round. We will come out and take a look at the work you may need done and provide an honest opinion on the importance and process of the project. If it’s too cold we will let you know and we will help find a solution to ensure you are well taken care of.

Give us a Call for a Free Estimate!

At Wilkens Masonry, our estimates are always free. We serve the Toronto and Hamilton areas. We will come by and give you an honest assessment coupled with a fair price for the services we deliver. Also, if the scope of work is something we don’t cover, we can always point you in the right direction of a company that can service your needs.

Check us out on Homestars and Google! You can also Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation or call us at 416 425 8055.

08
Feb
Homestars Hamilton
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Wilkens Masonry Is Now On Homestars Hamilton!

Wilkens Contracting Inc. has been built on quality and referrals since 1977. Most of our leads for masonry restoration, brick repair and replacement, tuckpointing and chimney repair has come from word of mouth and returning customers, throughout that time period. Now, with our recent expansion into the wonderful city of Hamilton, we are proud to be listed on Homestars. We are planning on a broadened relationship with the home renovations website Homestars as one of the ways that the good people of Hamilton, Burlington and the surrounding areas will find us and bring us out for a free estimate.

What Will Wilkens Masonry Be Offering In Hamilton?

Our services to the people of Hamilton will be all things masonry restoration! We want to give you a free estimate, at your convenience, for your brick restoration and repairs, your tuckpointing and repointing, your new masonry openings, your chimney repair and rebuilds and much more! Hamilton is a booming city that we are excited to grow with and serve.

How Does Homestars Work?

Homestars has a brilliant system for helping people find reliable, verified companies for their home renovation and repair needs. The first option, if you are seeking a trained masonry restoration specialist, you can go on Homestars and put out a general call for a reliable contractor. Homestars will send your posting to the companies in the designated area that fit your needs and give them the option to reach out to you.

The next way that you can use Homestars is as a directory for contractors who you can read about, vet and contact all on your own. Homestars has rated the companies based on a variety of categories to give you the control in choosing the contractor, such as Wilkens, for your project.

Give us a Call for a Free Estimate!

At Wilkens masonry, our estimates are always free. We serve the Toronto and Hamilton areas. We will come by and give you an honest assessment coupled with a fair price for the services we deliver. Also, if the scope of work is something we don’t cover, we can always point you in the right direction of a company that can service your needs.

Check us out on Homestars and Google! Watch our short video on Youtube. You can also Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation or call us at 416 425 8055.

 

 

22
Aug
Wilkens is Family Owned and Operated Since 1977
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The Beginning of Wilkens Masonry

Since the beginning, Wilkens Masonry has strived to be a company the people of Toronto, Hamilton and the surrounding areas can rely on. We have always been family owned and operated and have a vision for the future which includes the expansion of our quality services into more regions of Southwestern Ontario.

Family Owned and Operated

Our owner, Ernie Wilkens, has worked hard over the past decades to build a company his children could be proud to be a part of. Olivia Wilkens, Ernie’s daughter, is the office manager and oversees all administrative parts of Wilkens. Richard Harris, Ernie’s nephew, is our lead estimator. Jake Wilkens, Ernie’s son, is our head mason. The rest of our team, while not bearing our last name, is very much a part of the family!

What Can Wilkens Masonry Do For You

Wilkens Masonry is your one stop shop for chimney rebuild and restoration, fireplace restoration, tuckpointing or repointing and all forms of brick repair and restoration. We serve the Greater Toronto Area as well as Hamilton and Burlington.

We are fully insured, our estimates are free and we can work closely with you or a hired general contractor to make sure that our quote will fit in with any blueprints or plans that may exist.

Wilkens Masonry Is Now In Hamilton

Wilkens Masonry has officially set up shop in Hamilton, Ontario! We have been serving Toronto for 45 years and are excited to be in a new city where we can build our reputation as a full-service masonry restoration company. Get in touch for a free estimate to discuss your repointing, tuckpointing, parging, brick repair and chimney repair.

We are fully insured, our estimates are free and we can work closely with you or a hired general contractor to make sure that our quote will fit in with any blueprints or plans that may exist.

Check us out on Homestars and Google! You can also Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation or call us at 416 425 8055.

09
Sep
Why Your Chimney Should Be Domed
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What Is A Chimney Dome?

A chimney dome is a relatively easy and generally inexpensive way to ensure proper water runoff on the top of your chimney. It is comprised of masonry cement and an adhesive admixture (glue) that increases the bond between the dome and the chimney top or crown.

Why Dome Your Chimney?

By adding a slope of masonry cement around your flue tile and chimney liner, you prevent water from sitting on the crown. In the late fall and early spring months, when water freezes at night and thaws in the day time, water stuck on top of your chimney can cause erosion and even form cracks. Also, the added cement secures the individual parts of the crown.

How Often Do You Need To Dome Your Chimney?

There is no set duration that a dome will last. It all depends on the individual chimney’s exposure to weather, as well as the health of the rest of the chimney. Chimney’s should be inspected every so often in order to get ahead of any further damage that may be caused by improper water runoff.

Why You Should Hire A Mason To Dome Your Chimney

Repairing the crown of your chimney can be a relatively quick job, but should be handled by someone properly trained in working at heights. Many chimneys can be difficult to access and require scaffold, taller than average ladders and proper harnesses to be worked on. Beyond that, you want an expert who knows the proper repair techniques for each specific job, each individual chimney requires it’s own custom dome.

How Do I Know If My Chimney Needs To Be Domed?

While most home owners have no easy access to the tops of their chimneys, you may be able to tell from the ground if your chimney needs to be properly domed. Water leaking into your fireplace can be a sign that repair is needed. Check your fireplace for water during heavy rain.

Get Your Toronto Chimney Repaired 

Call Wilkens Masonry at 416 425 8055 or request a free estimate online. We will respond right away and have someone evaluate your masonry needs with a no obligation quote. Family owned & operated for over 40 years, we are proud to be one of Toronto’s oldest masonry companies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10
Jul
Why should I check my chimney in Toronto?
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Why should I check my chimney in Toronto?

Your chimney provides protection against fire hazards, and the firebox has the same function. With regular chimney inspections and proper maintenance, you are helping to prevent a dangerous fire and avoiding repairs much more expensive than the cost of preventative measures. For chimney restorations, upgrades, and inspections, call Wilkens Contracting today! If you have been asking why you should get your chimney checked in your home in Toronto, then this article is for you!

Keeps your home and family safe

There is nothing more important than keeping your home and family safe while enjoying the fireplace or wood stove in the cooler months. Your chimney is an important ventilation system that allows smoke, toxins and dangerous fumes to escape the home. A clean chimney means a safer, more efficient fireplace and home heating appliance.

More efficient home heating

Also, your fireplace efficiency decreases when additional creosote is deposited in the chimney. The additional circulation of cooler air reduces energy efficiency requiring you to burn more wood and other fossil fuels, more often to stay warm. Also, small birds, rodents and insects can clog the flue preventing the escape of toxic fumes. And since the toxic fumes have difficulty escaping a clogged chimney, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, AKA the silent killer also increases.

Prevent unforeseen chimney repairs

A wood-burning fireplace can reach temperatures of 1100°F or more. This creates ash, bits of wood, soot and other particles that are by-products of the combustion process that can cover the flue liner, smoke shelf, damper and masonry with dirt, grime and contaminants. Professional chimney cleaning helps to reduce wear and tear on these components so you can prevent costly chimney repairs from having to replace them prematurely.

So, why should you have the chimney checked in your Toronto home? The answers are written in stone, or should we say brick! For chimneys and brick restoration, repair, or upgrading, contact Wilkens Contracting today! Click here to find our contact information or to speak with a representative.

 

 

 

 

 

02
May
New Chimneys In Toronto
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New Chimneys In Toronto

The use of chimneys dates back to the 11th and 12th century Europe, and since then, have become a staple to any home with a fireplace. They play an essential role in releasing smoke and toxins into the air, instead of the house, and help to keep the fireplace functioning correctly. If you have been using your fireplace extensively this past winter, and are looking to repair, build new chimneys for your Toronto home, then we here at Wilkens Contracting can help. To learn more about our chimney services, please continue to read through this article before giving us a call today!

Canadian Climate

With the harsh Canadian winters behind us for another year, now is the time to check the state of your chimney and enlist the help of professionals to ensure its integrity. As chimneys are open to environmental damage 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, making sure your chimney is structurally sound, and in a good enough state to use, is essential to the safety of your home. If your chimney is in poor condition, and you fear for the protection of your home, then we can help repair or build you a new one!

Safety First

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining, or repairing and rebuilding chimneys, safety should be the primary concern of all involved. Producing a pleasing aesthetic is an integral part of what we do, but when it comes to the safety and proper functioning of a chimney, this is always first and foremost in our minds.

Poorly maintained chimneys that are used can lead to fires that burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. An estimated 25,000 chimney fires happened in America in one year, resulting in an accumulated $120 million in damage. Therefore, making sure your chimney is in good working order before using it, is essential. If you notice that your chimney is in ill repair, and you would like to use it, then please enlist the help of professionals, like us here at Wilkens Contracting, to make sure it is up to the job!

Contact Us

This is the perfect season to check the state, and safety, of your chimney, and enlist the help of our professional team at Wilkens Contracting to build your new chimneys in Toronto!

Please click here to find our contact information online, and let us know how we can help you attain a beautiful and functioning chimney that you can safely enjoy for many years to come.

23
Dec
Quality Chimney Repair in My Area
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Quality Chimney Repair In My Area

With the onset of winter, Toronto homes are turning to their fireplaces and heating systems to stay warm this season. Have you noticed the state of your chimney leaves something to be desired? Are you unable to use it this winter as it has fallen into disrepair? Wilkens Contracting offers quality chimney repair to the Toronto area, and beyond, to help those who need to keep warm this winter!

 Continue to read through this article to learn how our masonry company can help you this season.

 Expert Knowledge

Wilkens Contracting has been servicing Toronto since our establishment in 1977. We are a fully licensed and insured family based company that aims to treat every client as if they were part of the family! All work is performed by our own team, thoroughly trained and wholly qualified to take on any masonry job you may need help completing.

 When you hire our company, for all of your masonry needs, you will obtain friendly and professional help, that will be able to extend the life of your chimney for many more decades to come. Whatever you may need; tuck pointing, replacing flue tiles, re-cementing chimney crowns, brick restoration, and more, our expert team has you covered.

 Don’t just take our word for it, check out our testimonials to hear from our previously satisfied clients.

No Pressure

Unfortunately, chimney repair fraud is a very real thing. It is essential to understand this before contracting someone or some company to do the work for you. Some will attempt to frighten you into hiring them, using terms like carbon monoxide poisoning or house fires to pressure you into making a quick decision.

If you feel as if you are being pushed or harassed into making a decision, then make the decision to push them out the door and look for someone else. With Wilkens Contracting, we will communicate with you openly and honestly about what your chimney or masonry repair would need, how much it would cost, and how long it would take.

 Free Estimate

We offer a free masonry estimate to all of our potential clients as a way to show our sincerity at transparency. Just provide us with your contact information and what you are looking to have repaired or replaced on your chimney, and we will get back to you in a timely manner.

Contact us online or visit our facility in person to get your repairs and builds underway with Wilkens Contracting today!

 

 

03
Nov
New Chimney in Toronto
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New Chimney in Toronto with Wilkens Contracting

Chimneys serve multiple functions within a structure- they provide a passageway for the smoke to escape, assist with the buildings heating process, add aesthetic to the structure as a whole and have been an asset to our homes for centuries. If you are in need of a new chimney in the Toronto area, look to us here at Wilkens Contracting to receive the best care on the market!

Causes of Deterioration

Toronto chimneys fall into disrepair due to two main reasons: the elements and the exhaust of the heating system. With Canadian winter coming on quickly, you should look to the integrity of your chimney now more than ever. The wear and tear from our weather, combined with the required heating to ward off such weather, Toronto chimneys see a lot of use during the colder seasons.

When the warm exhaust of the furnace or boiler coincides with the cold air from outside, condensation collects along the exposed chimney and the base of the roof. This ongoing moisture deteriorates the brick causing crumbling or spalling of the material. If left too long, the stack can begin to rot, making it essential to repair or rebuild to continue to serve its purpose adequately.

Chimneys mainly need repair on the outside of the home, atop the roof, as that is where they are vulnerable to the elements. Wilkens Contracting understands this type of elemental damage in the Toronto area and can provide you with a new chimney that can withstand the region’s harsh weather.

Corbel Conundrum

Many people hold to the belief that the design of the top part of your chimney is to blame for the deterioration of the entity as a whole. That older designs of chimneys cannot withstand modern heating and should be substituted with concrete caps as a means to offset the damage caused. This is simply not true.

Companies push the use of precast concrete caps, a product produced after the 1950s. Wilkens Contracting understands that many Toronto homes were built before the 1950s, and as such, should receive chimney care and products that match the time period and design of the structure. Here at Wilken Contracting, we believe that placing a corbel top on your new chimney will keep the historical integrity of your Toronto home while still serving the function they were initially designed for, without compromising the effectiveness and performance of the overall chimney.

Next time you are in an older part of the Toronto area, take a look at the chimneys and notice the use of the corbel designs! With decades of experience in the Toronto area, Wilkens Contracting knows what materials and designs are needed in the case of a new chimney or chimney repairs.

Contact us today to find out more about what our company can do for you and your chimney needs.

 

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