Concrete vs. Brick Parging: The Big Picture
Both concrete and brick parging serve the same purpose—protecting and finishing foundation surfaces. The key difference is their composition and how they bond to specific substrates.
Concrete parging (cement-based, often with polymers) is optimized for concrete and modern masonry. Brick parging (lime-based mortars) is traditional and works well with older clay brick and heritage masonry.
Choosing the right material ensures longevity, prevents compatibility issues, and reduces repair headaches down the road.
Material Composition
Concrete Parging
Typically a blend of Portland cement, sand, and often polymer or acrylic modifiers:
- Higher Portland cement content (20–40%)
- Fine aggregate (sand) for smooth finish
- Polymer or acrylic latex for adhesion and flexibility
- Often includes air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance
- Faster setting (4–7 days)
Best for: Poured concrete, modern CMU, systems requiring fast turnaround.
Brick Parging (Lime Mortar)
Traditional cement-lime blend or pure lime with sand:
- Lower Portland cement (10–20%) or none (pure lime)
- Lime component for breathability and flexibility
- Allows vapor transmission (moisture can escape)
- Slower, softer cure (14–21 days)
- More tolerant of substrate variations
Best for: Clay brick, heritage masonry, buildings requiring vapor permeability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how concrete and brick parging stack up across key attributes:
| Attribute | Concrete Parging | Brick Parging |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Poured concrete foundations, modern CMU | Older clay brick, heritage masonry |
| Setting Time | Faster (4–7 days typical) | Slower (14–21 days for lime mortars) |
| Cure Temperature | Sensitive to freezing; avoid <40°F | More forgiving; can set slowly in cold |
| Bonding Requirement | Requires primer/bonding agent | Bonding agent recommended but sometimes optional |
| Worktime | Limited (30–60 min) | Longer, more plastic (allows tooling) |
| Freeze-Thaw Durability | Excellent if air-entrained | Good if lime-based; poor if pure cement |
| Salt Resistance | Good; resistant to efflorescence | Good; permeable (can shed moisture) |
| Appearance | Smooth, uniform finish | Can be textured; blends with masonry |
| Cost | Varies - request quotes | Varies - request quotes |
| Repair/Removal | Harder to remove; impacts substrate | Softer; easier to remove without damage |
Durability in Ontario Climate
Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles and road salts are tough on parging. Both materials can perform well if properly formulated and applied:
Pros: Air-entrained concrete is excellent for freeze-thaw. Absorbs ice expansion without cracking. Modern polymer mixes are very durable on concrete substrates.
Cons: If not properly air-entrained, can fail in one harsh winter. Over-heavy cement content can increase salt sensitivity.
Pros: Lime-based mixes are flexible and breathable, allowing moisture escape (reduces trapped water). Less prone to rigid cracking in movement-prone masonry.
Cons: Pure lime mixes (no Portland cement) can be slower to cure and weaker initially. Modern, hard mortar can trap moisture and fail prematurely.
Bottom line: Both can last 15–20+ years in Ontario if formulated correctly for freeze-thaw and properly applied. The key is matching the parging type to the substrate and ensuring thorough surface prep.
Application Process Differences
While the overall steps are the same, execution details vary:
Concrete Parging Application
- Fast setup requires quick work (30–60 min worktime)
- Must apply in thin lifts (max 1/4" per product)
- Requires bonding agent on concrete (highly recommended)
- More prone to shrinkage cracking if over-applied
- Needs protection from freezing during cure (critical in Ontario)
Brick Parging Application
- Longer worktime (more forgiving for large areas)
- Can build slightly thicker (less shrinkage stress)
- Allows tooling of joints for aesthetic finish
- Slower cure (14–21 days)—keep moisture in, not out
- Better for hand-finish texture and blend with existing masonry
Cost Comparison
Material costs are fairly close, but labor and longevity differ:
| Cost Factor | Concrete Parging | Brick Parging |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | Variable - get quotes | Variable - get quotes |
| Labor (typical) | Faster crew = lower labor | Slower cure = slightly higher labor |
| Bonding Agent | Essential (adds cost) | Recommended but sometimes optional |
| Expected Lifespan | 10–20 years | 10–20+ years |
The takeaway: Material cost is similar. The total installed cost depends on prep work, substrate condition, and contractor efficiency. Choosing the right material for your substrate ensures you don't overpay for repairs later.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Foundation
Use these guidelines to decide:
- Your foundation is poured concrete
- You have modern CMU (concrete masonry units)
- Faster turnaround is important (cure in ~7 days)
- You want proven freeze-thaw resistance (with air entrainment)
- The substrate is in good condition (prep is manageable)
- Your foundation is old clay brick or historic masonry
- You need breathable, permeable finish (vapor permeability matters)
- You prefer flexible, softer mortar (less rigid cracking)
- You want traditional, aesthetic appearance that blends with masonry
- Heritage/conservation guidelines apply (many specify lime mortar)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing systems without bonding agent: Applying concrete parging over old brick mortar without a bonding agent causes delamination. Always bridge incompatible materials.
Over-thick single lifts: Both materials crack if applied too thick in one coat. Stick to thin lifts (max 1/4") and build up if needed.
Wrong mortar type for brick: Pure cement (no lime) on old brick can trap moisture and crack. Use lime-based for heritage masonry.
Skipping prep: Regardless of material, poor surface prep is the #1 cause of failure. Invest time in cleaning, bonding, and dampening.
Neglecting cure protection: Freezing or rain during cure ruins parging. Ontario contractors must manage weather closely.
Our team inspects your foundation, assesses your substrate, and recommends the best parging material for long-term durability.
Get an expert recommendationFrequently Asked Questions
Which substrate is more common in Ontario?
Both are common. Older homes (pre-1970s) often have concrete block (CMU) foundations requiring parging. Poured concrete was standard from the 1970s onward. Your foundation type depends on when and where your home was built.
Can I switch from concrete to brick parging or vice versa?
Yes, if the substrate is sound and prepped correctly. Use a bonding agent between different material systems. The parging must be compatible with the underlying substrate, not just with other parging types.
Do I need different tools or techniques for each?
Application basics are the same: clean substrate, dampen, apply bonding agent, and use thin lifts. Concrete parging mixes may set faster (less worktime); brick parging is more forgiving. Tools are identical.
Which lasts longer in Ontario winters?
Both can be durable if correctly specified. Air-entrained concrete mixes (concrete parging) handle freeze-thaw better. Brick parging must use compatible lime-mortar mixes to avoid failure. Proper application matters more than the choice itself.
If my foundation is concrete, must I use concrete parging?
Not necessarily. A quality cement-lime mortar works on concrete if bonding is established. However, concrete-specific parging is optimized for concrete and generally produces better results.
Get the right parging material for your foundation
Expert consultation with clear recommendations based on your substrate and goals.