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Technical Archive

Masonry Insights

Expert tips, guides, and industry knowledge from the Fix My Brick team

REF-HAM-25
10 MIN READ

Masonry Guide for Westdale, Hamilton | Fix My Brick

Your guide to brick repair and tuckpointing in Westdale, Hamilton. Learn why 1920s homes are hitting their 100-year maintenance cycle—and what to do about it.

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REF-BRI-25
10 MIN READ

6 Brick Bond Patterns in Ontario Homes (And Why They Matter for Repairs)

Learn to identify running bond, Flemish bond, and other brick patterns. Understand how your pattern affects repairs and costs.

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REF-COM-25
8 MIN READ

5 Common Commercial Brick Problems: A Property Manager's Severity Guide

Identify efflorescence, spalling, lintel failure and other commercial brick issues. Learn severity levels and when to call for repairs.

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REF-RET-25
8 MIN READ

Retaining Wall Problems: Warning Signs and When to Call a Mason

Cracking, leaning, or water issues with your retaining wall? This guide helps you identify the problem, assess urgency, and find the right professional.

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REF-SPA-25
11 MIN READ

Why Your Brick Is Flaking Off (And What to Do About It)

Water freezes in your brick and pushes the surface apart. Here's why spalling happens in Ontario, and how to tell if it needs urgent repair.

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REF-CHI-25
10 MIN READ

When Chimney Removal Makes Sense

Most chimneys we remove have been problems for years. Here's how to know if removal makes sense for your Ontario home—and what the process actually looks like.

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REF-FOU-25
19 MIN READ

Foundation Crack Types: A Mason's Guide to What You're Really Looking At

As a mason who's assessed hundreds of foundation cracks across Southern Ontario, I'll walk you through what each type means, what we can fix, and when you need a structural engineer instead.

Full Report
REF-CHI-25
12 MIN READ

Chimney Repair vs Rebuild? How to Know the Difference

Not sure if your chimney needs repair or a rebuild? Learn how damage location determines scope—and how to avoid paying for more work than you need.

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REF-LEA-25
8 MIN READ

Why Is My Chimney Leaking? 5 Entry Points to Check

Water stains near the chimney? The stain isn't where the water got in. Learn the 5 common entry points and how to trace the real source.

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REF-CHI-25
10 MIN READ

Chimney Crown Repair Guide for Ontario Homeowners

Not sure if your chimney crown needs repair or replacement? Learn the warning signs, why crowns fail, and what a lasting fix looks like.

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REF-FLA-25
9 MIN READ

Flagstone Repair: Common Problems, Causes, and Next Steps for Ontario Homes

Loose or cracked flagstone? Learn the common causes, what's urgent, and what a lasting repair typically involves—from a mason who's seen hundreds of Ontario patios.

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REF-HIR-25
15 MIN READ

How to Hire a Brick Repair Contractor: Ontario Homeowner's Guide

Hiring the wrong brick contractor can cost thousands in redo work. This guide shows how Ontario homeowners can verify credentials, compare quotes properly, and spot red flags early—backed by insights from 210 customer reviews.

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