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Historic Mortar Analysis

Historic Mortar Analysis & Matching

Precise historic mortar analysis and custom matching services to ensure authentic restoration of heritage buildings using traditional materials and time-tested methods.

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A+ Rating
22+
Years
Family-owned
since 2002
Warning Signs

When Mortar Analysis Becomes Necessary

Brick damage doesn't fix itself. Spot these warning signs early to avoid expensive repairs later.

Wrong Mortar Causing Brick Spalling

Wrong Mortar Causing Brick Spalling

Modern Portland cement mortar is too hard for soft historic brick. It crushes brick faces during thermal expansion and causes irreversible spalling damage.

Heritage Compliance Requirements

Heritage Compliance Requirements

Designated heritage buildings require documented ASTM C1324 mortar analysis and matching. Analysis provides the evidence heritage authorities demand for approval.

Previous Repairs Failing Prematurely

Previous Repairs Failing Prematurely

Past work with incompatible mortar is cracking and falling out. Proper analysis identifies exact composition to prevent repeating expensive mistakes.

Seeing any of these? Get a free assessment.

Laboratory testing

Science meets preservation

Historic mortar analysis is laboratory examination of original mortar samples—testing composition, aggregate, binder ratios, and colour—to develop accurate replacement formulations.

Visual matching is guesswork. Laboratory analysis identifies exact proportions of lime, sand, aggregate type, and any additives. This ensures replacement mortar is chemically compatible and visually identical to original work.

What Historic Mortar Analysis Includes:

ASTM C1324 standardized testing protocols
Identifies lime vs Portland vs hybrid binders
Documents findings for heritage compliance
Request mortar analysis

When is Historic Mortar Analysis Needed?

Heritage designation

Designated buildings require documented mortar analysis.

Major restoration

Large projects justify analysis cost for better results.

Failed previous repairs

When prior work is failing, analysis prevents repeat mistakes.

Our Services

Mortar analysis services we provide

Different brick problems call for different repairs. We look at the damage and recommend the lightest fix that actually solves it—nothing more, nothing less.

Composition analysis

Determine binder type (lime, Portland, hybrid), aggregate ratios, and any additives. Establishes compatibility requirements.

Binder identification
Ratio determination
Additive detection

Colour analysis

Match mortar colour precisely through aggregate identification, pigment analysis, and controlled sample preparation.

Aggregate identification
Pigment analysis
Sample matching

Custom formulation

Develop replacement mortar formulas based on analysis findings. Test batches and on-site verification included.

Mix design
Test batches
Field verification

Documentation package

Complete documentation for heritage applications—lab reports, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

Lab reports
Heritage compliance
Archival documentation

Not sure which service you need?

Benefits of mortar analysis

Get it right the first time

Protect historic brick

Compatible mortar protects soft historic brick. Incompatible mortar causes irreversible damage.

Invisible repairs

Properly matched mortar blends seamlessly. No visible patches or colour differences.

Heritage compliance

Documentation satisfies heritage authorities. Avoid delays and compliance issues.

Long-term performance

Compatible mortar lasts decades. Incompatible mortar fails within years.

Avoid repeat costs

Proper analysis once prevents multiple repair attempts. Investment in analysis saves money long-term.

Our Process

How We Work

Transparent process, quality results. Here's what to expect.

Mason assessing damaged masonry for repair planning
1
Before

We Assess the Problem

We inspect the damage, identify what caused it, and plan the fix. No shortcuts—just a clear path to doing it right.

Mason actively working on masonry repair with attention to detail
2
During

We Fix It Properly

Clean prep, proper materials, careful execution. We're detail-oriented because the small stuff determines how long the work lasts.

Completed masonry work with clean professional finish
3
After

Clean Site, Solid Results

Repairs that blend in, a site you'd never know we touched, and a warranty you can count on.

What You Can Expect

Written Scope

Clear documentation of what's included in every project

Clear Communication

We let you know when we're coming, what we're doing, and when we're done

Final Walkthrough

We review the finished work together before sign-off

Ready to get started? Book a free on-site estimate.

Schedule Estimate

Why Fix My Brick

Invisible repairs

Brick and mortar matching so seamless, you can't tell where we worked.

Our crews, never subcontractors

Same trained team on every job. No middlemen, no surprises.

Clean sites, always

Drop cloths, dust control, daily cleanup. Your yard stays as clean as we found it.

2-year warranty

Something not right? We come back and fix it. In writing.

800+ reviews

4.9★ average. See what your neighbours say.

What affects analysis cost

Investment in quality results—here are the main factors

What Influences Your Quote?

Number of samples

Different building areas may have different mortars. More samples increase accuracy but add cost.

Testing depth

Basic composition analysis differs from comprehensive testing including petrographic examination.

Documentation requirements

Standard reports are straightforward. Heritage compliance packages require additional documentation.

Formulation development

Analysis alone costs less than full formulation with test batches and verification.

Turnaround time

Standard timing is economical. Rush processing is available at premium.

Our Transparent Pricing Promise

We scope analysis to match your project needs. Contact us to discuss what level of analysis makes sense.

Your Quote Includes

Itemised breakdownIncluded
Timeline estimateIncluded
Written warrantyIncluded
Hidden Fees$0.00
Schedule Your Assessment

Free on-site quote · No obligation

800+ reviews

What property owners say

4.9/5
from 800+ verified reviewsAverage rating 4.9 out of 5 from 800+ reviews
  • The heritage committee required documented mortar analysis. Fix My Brick provided exactly what we needed—lab reports, methodology, and recommendations that satisfied the review.

    Richard B.

  • Previous contractor used wrong mortar and damaged the brick. Analysis showed exactly what went wrong. The replacement work matches perfectly now.

    Patricia S.

  • Managing heritage properties requires proper documentation. Fix My Brick provides the analysis and reports we need for compliance. Professional throughout.

    James M.

Historic Mortar Analysis FAQ

Everything you need to know before getting started.

Related Resources

Learn More About Historic Mortar Analysis

Explore related services, locations, and helpful guides from our masonry experts.

Serving 78+ cities across Ontario

Historic mortar analysis across Ontario

We provide mortar analysis for heritage buildings throughout Southern Ontario. Laboratory testing, custom formulation, and heritage documentation.

Greater Toronto Region

14 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Toronto
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in North York
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Etobicoke
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Scarborough
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in East York
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in York
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Vaughan
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Markham
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Richmond Hill
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Thornhill
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Aurora
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Newmarket
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in King City
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Stouffville

Durham Region

8 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Ajax
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Pickering
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Whitby
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Oshawa
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Clarington
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Scugog
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Uxbridge
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Brock

Peel Region

6 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Mississauga
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Brampton
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Caledon
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Bolton
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Streetsville
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Malton

Greater Hamilton Region

10 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Hamilton
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Burlington
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Oakville
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Milton
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Ancaster
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Dundas
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Stoney Creek
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Flamborough
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Georgetown
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Grimsby

Greater Niagara Region

11 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Niagara Falls
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in St. Catharines
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Welland
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Fort Erie
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Pelham
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Lincoln
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Port Colborne
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Beamsville
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Jordan
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Vineland

Kitchener-Waterloo Region

12 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Kitchener
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Waterloo
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Cambridge
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Guelph
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Brantford
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Elmira
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Fergus
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Elora
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in New Hamburg
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Hespeler
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Preston
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Caledonia

London Region

17 cities

  • Historic Mortar Analysis in London
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in St. Thomas
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Woodstock
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Stratford
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Strathroy
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Tillsonburg
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Ingersoll
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Aylmer
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Dorchester
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Delaware
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Lucan
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Mitchell
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Exeter
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Grand Bend
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Goderich
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Kincardine
  • Historic Mortar Analysis in Mount Brydges

Don't see your city? Contact us—we likely service your area. Contact us to check if we cover your area.

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22+
Years in Business
2,500+
Projects Completed
4.9
Google Rating
2
Year Written Warranty