Where does masonry fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Masonry
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Masonry
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Masonry
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Masonry
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Masonry
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Masonry
New brick, block and stone walls built to the plan, with the flashing, the ties and the mortar done properly.
How this guide works
Masonry is strong and long-lasting when the flashing, the ties and the mortar are right. Most masonry problems come from the details, not the brick. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where masonry is used
Masonry goes into veneers, load-bearing walls, foundations, fire walls and features. The wall type decides the structure and the detail.
| Use | Typical masonry | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Brick veneer on houses | Brick over framing | Air gap, ties, flashing |
| Load-bearing or commercial | Block or brick with reinforcement | Engineering, fire rating |
| Features and porches | Brick or stone | Flashing, drainage |
Our pick: A veneer needs an air gap and flashing. Load-bearing masonry needs engineering.
Decision 2: Brick and block type
Brick, block and stone differ in look, strength and how they handle moisture. Choose for the wall and the look.
| Material | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Clay brick | Veneers and look | Heavier, needs ties |
| Concrete block | Structure and fire walls | Usually finished or parged |
| Natural or manufactured stone | Features and facades | Weight and detailing |
Our pick: Brick for the look. Block where the structure or the fire rating needs it.
Decision 3: Mortar and joints
Mortar must match the brick and the exposure. Joints that fail let water into the wall.
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Mortar mix | Matched to the brick and exposure |
| Joint profile | Tooled to shed water |
| Joint depth | Full and consistent |
Our pick: Match the mortar to the brick and the climate. A hard mortar on soft brick causes damage.
Decision 4: Ties, flashing and drainage
Veneers are tied to the structure, and the flashing and weep holes drain water that gets behind the brick. These details are where masonry lasts or fails.
| Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ties to the framing | Holds the veneer to the wall |
| Flashing at openings | Directs water out |
| Weep holes | Lets trapped water drain |
Our pick: Flashing and weep holes are not optional. They are the drainage the wall needs.
Decision 5: Cleaning and sealing
Masonry is cleaned and sealed where it suits the wall. Over-sealing traps moisture, so the choice is careful.
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| Clean | After the mortar has cured |
| Breathable sealer | Where water is a risk |
| No sealer | Where the brick is already sound |
Our pick: Seal only where it helps. Sealing a wall that cannot dry causes spalling.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
New masonry shows early signs when the ties, flashing or mortar are not right. These signs are easier to fix in the first years.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Efflorescence (white staining) | Checking the flashing and the joints |
| Cracks at openings | Checking the lintels and the movement |
| Bowing or leaning wall | Checking the ties and the structure |
Our pick: Check the ties and the flashing first. Most early masonry problems start there.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
New masonry is usually permitted and inspected. Load-bearing and fire-rated walls need engineering and specific inspections.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Veneer on new house | Permit and inspection |
| Load-bearing block | Engineering and inspection |
| Commercial or fire wall | Fire rating and code |
Our pick: Confirm the permit and the engineering before the first course is laid.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Masonry is built with the framing, the flashing and the foundation. Its ties and flashing have to match the structure behind it.
| Trade | What masonry needs |
|---|---|
| Framing | Ties fixed to the studs |
| Foundation | Ledge and flashing level |
| Windows and doors | Flashing in place before the brick |
| Roofing | Flashing lapped into the roof |
Our pick: Install the flashing at each opening before the masonry is built past it.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Masonry lasts with sound joints and clear drainage. A yearly look at the joints and the weep holes keeps it that way.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Joints | Checked yearly for cracks |
| Weep holes | Kept clear |
| Sealer | Renewed only where it helps |
Our pick: Keep the weep holes clear and check the joints each year.
Questions
Is masonry repair the same as masonry work?
Repair fixes existing walls. New masonry is built from scratch. We do both.
Do you match the brick?
We match where possible, and tell you about any limits.
Is masonry inspected?
Yes, where the work needs it.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the wall, the material and the look. We check the ties, the flashing and the mortar, then build to the plan.
Related: Masonry RestorationChimney RestorationAll contracting
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