Historic Masonry

Restoring Brick Homes
Done Right

Practical guidance on tuckpointing, brick cleaning, moisture control, and working with heritage-certified masonry contractors across Canada.

Historic brick home exterior showing original masonry details

Guides & Reference

Three areas where older brick structures most commonly need attention — with information on methods, materials, and local considerations.

Tuckpointing work on a brick wall Mortar & Joints

Tuckpointing: A Practical Overview

How mortar joints deteriorate, when tuckpointing is appropriate, and what to look for in the process — including materials used in older Canadian homes.

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Brick wall showing repair work and cleaning areas Cleaning

Brick Cleaning Methods Compared

From chemical washes to pressure washing and poultice techniques — a review of common approaches, their risks, and when each applies to historic surfaces.

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Sandy Hill Ottawa historic brick residential neighbourhood Moisture Control

Managing Moisture in Historic Brick Walls

Spalling, efflorescence, and freeze-thaw damage are common in Canada's climate. This article covers causes, diagnostics, and repair sequences.

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Finding Qualified Masonry Contractors in Canada

Working on a designated heritage property or an older brick home involves specific material and technique requirements. Not every masonry contractor has experience with lime-based mortars or soft historic brick.

Provincial heritage offices, the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines, and local heritage preservation societies are good starting points for finding contractors familiar with conservation-grade repairs.

Central Experimental Farm Ottawa heritage brick building

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