6 min read
Why Brick Chimneys Fail So Fast in the Lower Mainland
Our wet winters and freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on brick chimneys. Here's why Burnaby chimneys crumble, and how to catch it before it becomes a rebuild.
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The Brick Blog
Straight talk on brick, stone, chimneys, and walls from masons who work on Lower Mainland homes every week.
6 min read
Repointing 101: How to Tell When Your Burnaby Brick Needs It
Failing mortar joints are the number one cause of brick damage in Burnaby homes. Learn the simple signs your brick needs repointing before water gets behind the wall.
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7 min read
Retaining Walls on Burnaby's Hills: What Actually Keeps Them Standing
Most failed retaining walls in Metro Vancouver fail for the same two reasons. Here's what really holds a wall back on a Burnaby or Coquitlam slope.
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7 min read
Caring for Heritage Brick in New Westminster's Queen's Park
New Westminster has some of the oldest brick in the Lower Mainland. Here's how to repair heritage masonry without quietly destroying it.
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6 min read
Paver Patios vs Poured Concrete in Our Wet West Coast Climate
Which holds up better in Metro Vancouver's rain and freeze-thaw, pavers or a poured slab? Here's an honest comparison for Burnaby and Port Moody homeowners.
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6 min read
Stone Veneer in Metro Vancouver: Getting the Drainage Right
Stone veneer transforms a home, but in our rainy climate a bad install traps water and rots the wall. Here's what has to go behind the stone.
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8 min read
How Much Does Masonry Work Cost in Metro Vancouver? (2026 Guide)
Honest ballpark pricing for bricklaying, repointing, retaining walls, stone veneer, and chimney work in Burnaby and the Lower Mainland — plus what drives the cost up or down.
Read more7 min read
Should You Seal Your Exterior Brick? What Actually Works and What Doesn't
Brick sealers are widely sold but widely misunderstood. Here's what penetrating sealers do, when they help, when they hurt, and what actually protects your brick wall long-term.
Read more6 min read
Brick Bond Patterns: Running Bond, Flemish Bond, and When Each One Makes Sense
Not all brick walls are laid the same way. The bond pattern affects both the look and the structural strength of the wall. Here's a plain-language guide to the most common patterns and when to use them.
Read more7 min read
Repair or Replace? How to Tell When Masonry Has Crossed the Line
The line between a masonry repair and a full replacement isn't always obvious. Here's a practical framework for chimneys, retaining walls, brick facades, and stone features.
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8 min read
How to Hire a Mason: What a Good Quote Looks Like and Red Flags to Watch For
Hiring the wrong masonry contractor is an expensive mistake that can take years to fully show up. Here's how to evaluate quotes, spot red flags, and hire the right person the first time.
Read more12 min read
Types of Brick Buildings in BC: What You're Looking At and What It Means for Repairs
From pre-1900 heritage brick in New Westminster and Gastown to post-war solid brick bungalows to modern thin-veneer cladding, BC's brick buildings span more than a century of completely different construction methods. Here's how to tell them apart and what each type actually needs.
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