Author name: richardonna@rogers.com

5 signs when you need chimney rebuilding services A problem may not be visible, but that does not mean it doesn’t exist. Chimneys are no exception to this rule. It is indeed common for homeowners to be unaware that their chimneys require either repairs or rebuild services, simply because the issue is within the chimney. If a chimney has sustained extensive damage and cannot be repaired quickly, an expert masonry company must be contracted to rebuild it. It’s important to address any problems with your chimney as soon as possible, as delaying action could result in dangerous chimney fires and/or the release of gases. It is often possible to fix a minor issue with a simple repair, but it is also possible that the issue may be much more serious than it appears. Let’s discuss when and why rebuilding your chimney is important for your home and why you should not ignore these five signs. Water Damage Is there any visible evidence of water damage in your attic, such as stains on your ceiling? Your chimney may be the cause. Cracks or damage to the crown at the top of a structure will eventually cause the entire construction to deteriorate. If this happens, water can enter your home and cause different kinds of problems. It is crucial to act in time to avoid damaging the rest of the chimney and causing it to crumble, as this requires more than just the simple repair of the chimney. If the repair is feasible, then you may need a partial or complete rebuild. Lightning Damage Lightning damage isn’t something you’ll see every day, but it can happen and cause significant chimney damage. Consequently, it may result in cracks in the crown, flashing, and caps. As soon as possible, check for any damage or call your nearest chimney services provider for inspection. Spalling Bricks Have you ever noticed bricks scattered around your yard? It may be the result of spalling bricks in your chimney. It is definitely time to call a professional when bricks start falling out of your chimney. You can generally replace these old bricks with new ones; however, if the chimney shows visible signs of deterioration or structural damage, you may need to reconstruct it completely. Rebuilding is also needed when there are a large number of cracked or spalled bricks. Some bricks may not have visible damage on their faces but can be damaged in their bodies or on the back. Mortar Deterioration If you notice mortar falling out between the bricks of your chimney, you must schedule a chimney inspection. As brick walls age, they begin to crack, and the mortar deteriorates. This means that routine tuckpointing is necessary. The mortar needs to be ground 3/4″ deep, cleaned of debris, and filled with mortar. It is still necessary to use backing mortar when grinding 3/4″ deep to bond new and old mortar and maintain structural integrity. Chimneys don’t always have such a situation. Many reasons can contribute to the deterioration of your mortar from the inside out, including cracks in your flue liners allowing gases to escape, water damage caused by a cracked concrete crown, etc. In other words, the chimney is doomed by its inability to pack new mortar firmly against the old mortar, and it will deteriorate on its own. Reusing existing bricks in a chimney rebuild is possible if the mortar lacks strength, but bricks are in good condition. Leaning Chimney Does your chimney seem to be leaning to one side? To determine if the structure has become unstable, you should seek the advice of a masonry expert. If you ignore this sign, then, in the long run, your chimney could collapse, resulting in significant damage to your roof and property. If you are still confused about whether your chimney needs repair or rebuilding services, just give us a call for an inspection. Atlantic Brick and Stone is offering the best chimney services in Fredericton and the surrounding area. Call us for a free consultation. Get Your Chimney Rebuild Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Why you should install Chimney caps – 4 benefits A proper chimney cap covers the top of the chimney so that birds, raccoons, squirrels, and insect nests are prevented from entering the chimney. A chimney cap installation is relatively inexpensive, and one installation is all you need. It is not possible to prevent animals, their debris, rainwater, and other unwanted materials from entering your chimney without proper chimney caps. A chimney inhabited by animals and their debris poses a fire hazard as well. You can expect poor burns from your fire and need to have your chimney cleaned. So by installing a good quality chimney cap, you can avoid all these problems. Here we will discuss the 4 benefits that why you should install chimney caps to save your money on maintenance and repairs. Protect from Birds and Animals The main reason for having a cap on your chimney is to stop animals from entering it. There are numerous animals that climb into chimneys. Squirrels, raccoons, and even snakes are known to do so; however, they usually cannot climb out of the chimney by themselves. These animals often become trapped and die, resulting in a smelly carcass. Because wild animals carry diseases, you need to avoid contact with them. Open chimneys are often chosen by birds and chimney swifts as nesting places because of their warmth. You’ll have to suffer through the chirping until a chimney swift decides to move on from its nest inside your chimney. But if you have a mesh chimney cap, you should not have to worry about animals and birds in your chimney. Spark Deflector There is usually a spark arrestor or screen inside the chimney cap that helps control sparks. The wind can carry sparks that exit your chimney and ignite trees and leaves outside. The obvious thing here is to avoid it at all costs. On chimney caps, protective wire mesh serves as spark deflectors as well. This is particularly important in dry climates. Protect from Rainwater A good quality and properly installed chimney cap keeps the rain out of your chimney. It is crucial because rain flowing down the chimney could find its way into your attic or house, creating costly damage. Make Your Home Energy Efficient An open chimney can experience downdrafts, causing smoke to fill the home or forcing cold air through the doors. Adding a chimney cap and stopping the blast of cold air will result in greater energy efficiency in your home. Pro Tip for Chimney Cap Selection The chimney cap you choose should be specific to the type and size of your chimney. Moreover, it must be properly mounted so that it can draw freely and won’t blow away during a storm. If you don’t know which chimney cap is good, you should consult with your masonry repair contractors in Fredericton to find out the best one. You need to consider how much money the chimney caps will save you when deciding whether or not they are worth the effort. Without chimney caps, thousands of dollars would need to be repeatedly spent on chimney repairs, firebox maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation. All you need to do is install chimney caps, and your chimney will be rain and animal-proof. There won’t be any wear and tear or any need for maintenance after installation. As an added bonus, the caps give your home a cosmetic boost. Get Your Chimney Cap Installation Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Concrete or stone pavers which one is best for your patio? If you decide to add a custom patio to your yard, or new walkways, expanding your outdoor living space can be an exciting decision. A landscaping project is a major investment, so you need to ensure that you choose materials that will last longer and be enjoyed for many years. In fact, patios are among the most popular choices for most clients, mainly since they provide excellent returns when reselling the property. In this article, we will compare the most popular paver’s materials, concrete and natural stone. Concrete Pavers When it comes to choosing a more economical material, concrete pavers are a good option. They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, and many different patterns can be created using them. The pavers are pre-cut into the shape, so they will take less time to install than the natural stone paver. In addition to the above, concrete pavers offer the following three significant benefits: Proper maintenance can prolong their life to at least 40 and up to 60 years. Most masonry contractors can easily replace the broken paver with a new one when it cracks or breaks. You can create a unique walkway and patio by matching one to the other since these pavers come in so many colors. Due to the lower manufacturing costs of concrete patio pavers, they are significantly cheaper per square foot than natural stones. A concrete paver made from architectural grade concrete looks like a natural stone when mixed and molded; thus, you get the natural stone look without paying premium prices. Stone Pavers However, stone pavers are more expensive, but they offer a wider variety of colors, sizes, and shapes than concrete pavers. There are a lot of types of stone pavers like Quarry stone, cottage ledge stone, slate, tumbled bluestone, flagstone, and cobblestone. And mostly, these all types of stone landscaping pavers are used to create and design walkways or patios. It offers a more natural look to your patio, so when you choose natural stone, you will get a patio that looks like it has been there forever. Unlike wood, these pavers last forever and are made to withstand long, harsh winters like the ones we often get in Fredericton. Installing a stone patio will require more labor and time since the pieces do not come pre-cut, and you will need to adjust them to fit the space you have. Any type of filler you prefer can be used, from pea gravel to mortar or grass between the stones. Due to the physical labor involved in natural stone, it is significantly more expensive than other paving materials. The cost of installing natural stone pavers usually depends upon your budget and the size of the space you want to cover. At Atlantic Brick and Stone, we offer a wide range of durable materials for building walkways and patios in Fredericton and surrounding areas. If you plan to upgrade or design a new patio, give us a call for a free consultation and estimate. Get Your Paver Patio Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

A complete guide to clean patio pavers Your new house will instantly look more elegant and beautiful with patio pavers. After being exposed to extreme weather conditions for a long period of time, your patio pavers will begin to show signs of deterioration. In order to keep your patio pavers looking their best, you have to avoid having them stained, cracked, or growing weeds between them. You can revitalize and make your patio pavers look brand new by cleaning them. Cleaning is a skill that you need to master! You can learn how to properly clean patio pavers by using the following guide. Preparing the Patio for Cleaning Remove Furniture or Decorative Items Firstly, you will need to prepare your work area before you can start cleaning patio pavers. To do so, you will need to remove all potted plants, furniture, etc. Please make sure they are in a safe, out-of-the-way location such as your garage. Once the furniture and decorative items are removed, sweeping up any loose debris like clumps of dirt from potted plants is a good idea. If you start the cleaning process with a clean work area, it will be much easier to do. Washing and Inspecting Patio Pavers Rinse and Initial Cleaning Your patio pavers might look really dirty if they’ve been neglected for several months, perhaps years. The chances are still good that they are in the best shape. A thorough rinse can sometimes make a big difference. Rinse your pavers well with a hose before beginning the cleaning process. If you use a spray nozzle, you won’t have to use pressure washers since pressure washers may cause damage that can’t be repaired. You should let your pavers dry completely before assessing any damage or spots that need to be cleaned and check for moss or weed removal. Weed and Moss Removal Methods to Remove Weeds Before you start cleaning, you should remove weeds and moss. Here are three popular methods for removing them: 1. Remove with Herbicide In the first step, herbicides can be used, which can be found in most gardening and home improvement stores. Herbicide should be sprayed over the weeds (you should read the product label before spraying). It should take 2 days for them to wither. Unfortunately, herbicides are poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children or don’t use this method if you have kids or pets. 2. Remove with Vinegar Preparing a vinegar-water solution is more environmentally and human-friendly. As an alternative, lemon juice could be substituted for vinegar. Overspray the solution on the weeds to kill them instantly. In this way, your patio pavers will remain weed-free for a specific period of time. 3. Pull Weeds by Hand You can pull weeds by hand by grabbing the roots as much as you can. Hand tools such as weed cutters may seem efficient, but it’s important to remove weeds from the roots up so they cannot return. Remove extra debris and weeds. Cleaning Patio Pavers There are plenty of commercial cleaning solutions for patio pavers and other materials. You can buy any good quality solution, or you can make your own. Both are fine. Pavers are relatively easy to clean and can be scrubbed by pretty much anyone. You only need a cleaning solution and a stiff brush to do the job. It is also possible to use an outdoor broom if you’d rather not scrub on your hands and knees. When cleaning patio pavers, do not use a wire brush. Wire brushes with hard bristles can cause unsightly scratches, even on materials that are relatively resilient. While sweeping the patio, consider where you would like to push dirty water. You don’t want to work toward your pool or house. Work on areas that can easily absorb water, such as utility areas or dirt and grassy areas. Want to Upgrade Your Patio? Do you want to redesign or are interested in upgrading your patio pavers or creating a brand new area to spend time with family and friends? You can call us for advice on the right materials for covered spots, pools, whole backyard projects, or even any kind of masonry repairs. Regardless of whether your patio needs a little extra maintenance, we can help you learn more about how to clean, care for, and repair its parts. Get Your Paver Patio Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

How to identify repair and replace damaged flue liner It is common for people to have a chimney, but fewer people know too much about how it works. In case you don’t check inside your chimney during the years when you’ve lit fires in your fireplace, you could have a major problem. As with anything related to fire, fireplaces and chimneys can pose dangers, and many people don’t realize how simple it is to prevent these problems. A chimney liner is one of the significant parts of the home chimney which most people ignore. We will discuss in this article how you can identify and also repair your Flue liner. In order to ensure fireplace safety, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure that your chimney liners are correctly installed and maintained. Flue liners protect your house from the heat and chemicals of fire by directing the gases from your chimney up and out. Some older liners become corroded, allowing dangerous gases to enter the home. The chimneys of older houses sometimes do not have liners at all. This can result in toxic byproducts of fires building up in the chimney, eventually causing a fire. It is crucial to determine your chimney’s lining as soon as possible if you aren’t sure. We already have discussed some types of flue liners in the previous article. Now we will discuss how to inspect, repair or replace it.   Why is Flue Liner Damaged? There are several causes that can damage your liner, but here are some of the more important ones: It is improperly constructed or the wrong size of liner. A corrosive byproduct of combustion leads to deterioration. Mortar joints deteriorate quickly when exposed to acidic flue gases. A poor fit between the lining and the appliance can lead to excessive creosote buildup. Mixing creosote and moisture accelerates flue liner deterioration. Due to climate change or very high temperatures. How to Identify Damage There are generally no apparent signs that a chimney liner has been damaged. Occasionally, you might notice masonry cracks in your fireplace. Perhaps there are deteriorated flue liner pieces that have fallen into the firebox. Since it is usually not immediately apparent that a liner needs repairs, you should have a reputable chimney technician inspect the entire flue once a year. To avoid unsafe chimney conditions, you should perform regular chimney inspections. When to Repair Liner In the initial construction of a chimney, the flue liner is usually made of tiles since they are the most affordable option. Whenever a tile is damaged, the repair is very challenging, often requiring tearing down a portion of the chimney to complete. Even if repairing is possible, it is usually not an economically feasible option. When to Replace Liner The only option when damaged flues cannot be repaired is to replace them. Replacing a damaged flue liner with a stainless steel liner is the easiest and most affordable method. Stainless steel chimney liners need to be installed professionally to ensure they are the right size and work properly. If you need to have a chimney examined, have a flue liner repaired, or need to replace it, contact Atlantic Brick and Stone today and get the best chimney services in Fredericton. Get Your Flue Liner Replacement Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

3 Most popular types of Flue Liner Your chimney liner is probably not a priority on your list of things to think about, but a good one is critical for health and safety at home in Fredericton. There is a problem with your chimney liner because it is exposed to corrosive compounds that are released during combustion, such as high temperatures and rapid temperature changes. Eventually, your chimney liner will corrode, posing a risk of fire in your home as well as poisoning from carbon monoxide. It is important to install or replace the proper flue liner for ideal results. In this article, we will discuss the importance and types of the most popular flue liners. You may also be interested in my article about chimney inspection to identify the most common chimney problems. Why is Flue Liner Important? Flue liners are generally very long-lasting, but you may need a replacement if your chimney is not lined, or it is damaged or not the right size. Flue liners, also known as chimney liners, are among the most important components of a chimney because they prevent combustion products, such as creosote, from getting into other parts of your home. In addition to preventing fires, this essential role prevents carbon monoxide poisoning. A flue liner also facilitates proper airflow, which enhances the efficiency of a fireplace. Types of Flue Liners Liners can be classified into three groups: clay, concrete, and metal. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of them. Repairing a chimney usually involves installing metal flue liners. Stainless steel or aluminum is used in its manufacturing. Metal Chimney Liner Aluminum is commonly used in gas fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces cannot use this option. For fireplaces that burn wood or oil, stainless steel is used. It is advisable to cover metal types with insulation, which improves their safety and efficiency. According to the majority of masonry contractors, installing stainless steel liners is less challenging and more affordable, which is why they are increasingly popular. The life expectancy of stainless steel flue liners is up to 30 years, and many are covered by lifetime warranties. Clay Flue Liner The second type of liner is clay-based. Clay tiles are affordable, which makes them a common choice. The type is highly effective in a fireplace, especially one that is open. About 50 years is the average lifespan of these liners. The disadvantage of this type is the ceramic material, which cracks in the event of a fire. Another disadvantage is that tiles cannot properly accommodate the liquid combustion byproducts generated by gas appliances today. The most popular liner for masonry chimneys has been clay tile, but stainless steel is taking its place. Cast in Place Liner Cast-in-places are the 3rd type of chimney liner. A heat-resistant cast is poured inside the chimney. Powdered volcanic rock and cement material are used to create this lightweight cast. It provides an insulated path for gas to escape. In addition to being compatible with all types of fireplaces, they also improve on older chimney models. Their only disadvantage is that they can’t be reversed after installation. If you are confused about which type will be best for your chimney and cannot decide, don’t worry. Call Atlantic Brick and Stone for a free consultation. Get Your Chimney Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Things you should know about Chimney Inspection There is nothing better than fall in the Fredericton, NB. Fall foliage on display will enchant your senses with its vivid colours. The warm temperatures and crisp evenings during this time of year are also a gentle reminder of the approaching cold weather. In the fall, not only are you going to enjoy your last chance to enjoy nature, but you will also have the chance to get your chimney cleaned and inspected before you light the fireplace or wood stove for the first cold snap of the season. In order to prevent chimney fires, chimney inspections should include cleaning and inspecting the chimney flue. You should have the chimney swept at least once a year, even if you don’t use the fireplace frequently. Chimney Masonry Weather conditions impact your chimney at various times of the year. The winter weather in Fredericton can be very harsh on chimney masonry, especially for older chimneys. In the same manner that a sponge absorbs rain and snow water, bricks and mortar slowly absorb moisture. The absorbed moisture crystallizes below freezing, causing cracks in the brick surface. Unless they are addressed, these cracks will continue to grow. Furthermore, bricks can break into pieces and slip out of mortar joints, so bricks can fall off the chimney if joints become loose. A broken or missing brick not only allows water to deteriorate the interior masonry but also destabilizes the building, increasing the possibility of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even collapse. So it is recommended to hire your local masonry contractor to inspect and repair your chimney regularly. Chimney Caps These chimney caps prevent rain, animals, and debris from entering your fireplace. In addition to protecting your roof, caps reduce fire risks by trapping embers and sparks. Make sure your chimney cap is checked during a maintenance visit with a Chimney services provider if it doesn’t exist or if it is loose or needs to be replaced. Follow-up inspections are necessary Depending on the homeowners’ habits. Make sure to schedule at least two yearly chimney inspections at your home if the chimney is often used. During any time of the year, chimneys can be examined, cleaned and repaired. Proper Fireplace use You should only burn cured, dry wood. Do not use treated wood because this type of wood emits chemicals into your building, which compromises your indoor air quality. Adding wood slowly can help you build a fire that is both safe and warm. Keep your family safe by educating them about proper fireplace use. Sealing Dampers If you aren’t using the fireplace, make sure to close its dampers. If you find a damper that doesn’t seal well, replace it during your chimney inspection and cleaning appointment. Get Your Chimney Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Repointing historical masonry structures Whether it is stone, brick, concrete block or terra cotta maintaining the mortar joints on a masonry or masonry-clad building is important to esthetically and physically preserving a structure. Mortar joints ensure that the building envelope continues to perform as a barrier to the elements. Much research has been done to analyze the destruction caused by the use of inappropriate mortars and pointing methods on historical structures.  Mortar serves many purposes in masonry construction, but its main function is to make the wall assembly watertight. Mortar must be softer and more porous than the surrounding masonry units, thereby allowing it to accommodate contraction and expansion and providing a route for moisture to escape.  The colour, texture and profile of the mortar joints also contribute to the appearance of a historical structure.  Repointing is the process of removing the outer deteriorated layer of mortar from the joints and replacing it with new mortar. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints, however, is more complicated than it may seem. If done incorrectly, it can lead to an unsightly mess, deterioration of the historical fabric, serious loss and water infiltration into the building. It should be noted that while the mortar joints themselves are an important part of the building’s historical fabric, they are meant to be a sacrificial element of the wall assembly. In other words, mortar – unlike masonry units – is meant to deteriorate over time.  Consequently, it is understood that historical masonry structures will require repointing periodically. It is important that repointing is correctly done since improper repointing can cause physical damage to the masonry units themselves, which are more difficult and expensive to repair.  The high, compressive strength of the mortar, compared to the masonry units, has caused the bricks to spall, leading to irreparable damage.  When properly executed, repointing masonry joints conserves the historical character of a building while preserving its physical integrity. Proper maintenance, should ensure that any new repointing work has a long service life. For Your confidence we have been trained properly in historical conservation. We can help identify the cause of mortar failure and assist in the preparation of specifications for the work. When correctly done, repointing will contribute to the architectural character and long-term preservation of your historical masonry structure. Get Your Historic Masonry Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Full Bed Stone VS Thin Veneer Stone A timeless design is only as good as the material used. There are two types of natural stone veneer.  Full Bed Stone The thickness ranges from 3-5 inches, it is the heaviest and densest stone available. These stone structures require ledge footing. The product cost is cheaper than the thin veneer stone, however the freight and installation will be more expensive. It has better durability to the Canadian weather and is primarily used on the exterior.  Thin Veneer Stone The thickness ranges from 1-2 inches, it is lighter weight than full bed stone. There’s no need for special footings. It can be used on both new construction and renovation projects. Thin veneer comes in a wide variety of color and material selections. The cost of the product itself is higher however has a lower freight cost. It can be more prone to weather damaged and can be used for interior and exterior applications.  For a more traditional masonry look Atlantic Brick and Stone recommend brick or full bed stone, if you’re looking for a more modern contemporary style we recommend thin veneer stone.  Get Your Stone masonry Project Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate