Brick Repair When there is no Brick Match- You've Got Options

Brick Replacements

Front entryways, below windows and chimney tops often require maintenance and brick repairs. Our frequent wetting cycles of freezing and thawing in Ottawa can cause brick exposed to moisture to spall and disintegrate affecting the integrity of your masonry. De-icing salts spread at entryways can also wreak havoc on adjacent brickwork causing it to erode rapidly. To restore your masonry, the most effective solutions is to cut out and replace the effected bricks with new brick.

Unfortunately, brick manufacturing can sometimes be a lot like fashion where certain sizes, textures and colours of brick come in and out of style quickly. Often times brick that needs to be replaced does not have a readily available brick match that is still in production. This is when alternative replacement options need to be considered.

Brick Swapping

One option to consider is if there is an area on your home's exterior that is concealed by an evergreen shrub, a deck or an AC unit where the original brick is still in good shape. Those bricks can be cut out and used as replacements in the areas that are visible and in need of repair. In the concealed area, the next closest brick match can be installed as it is not typically seen and won't diminish the look of the home.

Accent Band with Renaissance Stone

A common occurance for chimney repair Ottawa is when the top of an old masonry chimney cap is cracked and causes the top three or so courses of brick to be damaged. Often the chimney is still structurally sound aside from the top three courses of brick. If there is no available match, an increasing popular choice is installing a band of Arriscraft Renaissance Stone at the top of the chimney.

Chimney Repair using Birchbark Smooth Renaissance Stone

This manufactured stone comes in varying heights that can cover 2-4 courses of brickwork getting your chimney restored and back up to code height. Many Chimneys repaired in Ottawa have a different brick installed to replace the damage ones which is an eye sore and looks patched. With an accent band of Renaissance stone, your chimney is not only fully restored, it also looks refined and polished. The stone comes in varying colours and in a smooth or rocked face to suit the aesthetic needs of the home.

Adair Limestone

Adair Limstone Sample from Arriscraft

Areas that are frequently exposed to moisture, high traffic and de-icing salts, benefit greatly from swapping clay bricks with Adair Limestone. It is a dense, natural stone that resists moisture penetration and can handle much more abuse. Its hard to beat the look of natural stone especially with the blue vein patterns that run through each unique piece of Adair Limestone.

This stone is a great option for front entryways and porchs as it can transform the elegance of your home's entrance without any serious renovations. It is the most expensive option however given its durability and refined appeal, it is highly recommended.

Get Masonry Repaired by a Licensed Professional

If you are looking to get brick repair, or chimney repair work done on your home in Ottawa, feel free to contact Kavanagh Masonry on the Request a Quote page or Call 613-859-5090 to get in touch with a licensed Brick and Stone Mason that can come up with the best solution for your home's needs.