Both masonry materials, brick and concrete block, have the potential to create a strong and durable wall structure in both residential and commercial construction. The long-term performance of a masonry wall, however, is influenced by various factors such as exposure to moisture, the supporting structure, and the quality of the mortar joints.
Father and Son Masonry & Curbing Ltd. is a brick masonry and block work company serving the Lower Mainland of B.C. We do brick walls, brick veneers, and structural block work, as well as other masonry-related work.
We can evaluate the type of work required and let you know what needs to be done.
Bricks and concrete blocks are both masonry units. Brick masonry is primarily used in wall finishes, divisions and partitions, details and various architectural features, and fireplaces. Concrete blocks, being larger units are used primarily in retaining walls and larger divisions and partitions, as well as foundations.
The type of work to be done will depend on the design of the wall, construction requirements, the materials to be used, and the conditions on site.
We do brick and block work, as well as masonry repair and restoration.
Brick walls may be used to divide a garden, to define the boundaries of a property, and for other architectural masonry features.
The performance and longevity of a brick wall will depend on a number of factors.
The supporting base of a wall needs to be sufficient and the mortar needs to be even and of the right consistency. There needs to be uniform joint spacing as well.
Bricks need to be laid in a particular pattern. While doing so, alignment and level of the wall need to be maintained.
Brick walls made outside need to have appropriate drainage and damp proofing, especially in Surrey's climate which is relatively wet.
We do brick wall installation both for residential and commercial use, depending on the conditions of the project.
A brick veneer is a thin brick facing over a wall. It can be seen both on residential and commercial buildings. It creates an aesthetic appeal to a wall, and doesn't have to be the main structure of the wall.
Brick veneers consist of a backing wall or structure, masonry ties and various other components to manage moisture which are embedded in the wall being constructed.
To prevent moisture from getting trapped behind the brick veneer, adequate wall clearances, correct flashing, and drainage openings are some of the things that have to be incorporated during the construction of the wall.
In line with the conditions of the project, we do the brick masonry of residential and commercial walls which includes the installation of brick veneer.
Block work is fairly easy to work with as block sizes and shapes are constant. Block work may be used for partitions and foundations. Block work may include utility areas as well.
Concrete masonry units may be made with mortar and joints and tied with reinforcement and other components, subject to the requirements of the project.
We provide concrete block work for residential and commercial projects, as called out in project plans and specification.
Structural block work is different from decorative masonry as it has different provisions for reinforcement, load transfer and wall thickness. Foundations also need to be designed to handle the loads. The design and construction details must be prepared by an appropriate qualified person before installation. Our work includes setting structural concrete masonry units as called out in project documents.
There are many reasons that existing masonry can deteriorate, including the effects of moisture, age and settlement. Deterioration of mortar joints can lead to movement of masonry units and cracking. Other signs of deterioration can be spalling, a rough surface, loose mortar and masonry units that have moved out of position. Repair of deteriorated mortar joints can be accomplished through replacement of the bricks and mortar. Repair of hairline cracks, and other minor cracks, can also be done. The method of repair will depend upon the reason of deterioration. Using original masonry units for repair of older structures can add to the historic nature of the structure. We perform brick and masonry repairs.
There are many locations of masonry in a structure, including the walls, doors and windows, and other decorative masonry.
Property owners may need masonry repairs or new masonry installations. Existing masonry may need to be replaced due to the effects of aging and the elements. The mortar joints may also need to be replaced. Residential structures that are 15-20 years old may have masonry that requires replacement due to aging. Moisture may penetrate the masonry and cause further problems. Replacement of masonry should be a last resort. In many cases, localized repairs to mortar joints can help improve existing masonry.
Some residential masonry work may include:
In Surrey, with the climate being relatively wet, managing the moisture in the masonry is important. If the source of the moisture is addressed, the masonry can improve. Water can get into the joints of brick and mortar and freeze, causing even more deterioration.
Brick and block work can be used together in the same structure. Brick work is also commonly used in the building facades and entrances. Our masonry services include new commercial masonry construction and repairs.
Commercial work includes brick and concrete block masonry walls, other partitions and other structural work, brick veneer, and other work, as shown in approved construction documents.
The result of brick and block masonry work depends on three things. These are the supporting surface, the materials and the method of installation. Being keen on all these can make the difference in the final product.
Father and Son Masonry ensures that the work done meets the requirements of the project.
There are several factors that affect masonry work. The site of installation or repair of masonry work should be assessed. What type of wall is being built. What materials are to be used. What specification is the wall to be built to. What type of foundation is the wall to be built on. What is the nature of the repair work. Is there movement of the masonry. Are there moisture conditions.
The selection of materials depends on purpose. For restoration work, materials used should be compatible to existing masonry.
Surface and site preparation should be done before new masonry work is done. For repair work, existing work should be protected.
Bricks and blocks are installed in accordance to plans and specifications.
Estimates of the work are made to ensure correct spacing and alignment of units, bonds, and joints.
Masonry work is reviewed to see if additional finishing work is required and the work area is cleaned.
Once the work is completed, the entire project is reviewed to ensure there are no visible alignment problems, and the work has been completed. A close visual inspection is performed to determine if the quality of the joints is acceptable.
Masonry, including brick, can deteriorate due to long-term exposure to moisture, old and failed mortar, settlement, and freeze-thaw cycles. Older homes may contain masonry of different types, and less common wall details, which require special consideration when a repair is made.
Mortar joints can be repaired by the process of repointing. In this process the old mortar is removed to an appropriate depth and new mortar is placed in the joints. Repairing mortar joints will not affect the stability of the wall, and generally does not require the wall to be rebuilt. The repointing, however, should be done as part of repairs to the wall or to the exterior elements, as required.
We install structural blockwork if the project has the design and specification documents.
Yes, we do brick and block work for commercial, as well as residential and multi-unit properties in Surrey and other parts of the Lower Mainland.