London Ontario's Rich Architectural Heritage
London, Ontario boasts a wealth of historic homes, from Victorian beauties in Old North and Woodfield to Edwardian gems in Wortley Village. While these homes offer character and craftsmanship rarely found in newer construction, they also present unique masonry challenges that require specialized knowledge from experienced London Ontario masonry contractors to address properly.
Yellow Brick Deterioration
The London Yellow Brick Legacy
Many of London's historic homes were built using locally-produced yellow clay brick, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These distinctive bricks face specific issues:
Inappropriate Previous Repairs
Modern Materials on Historic Masonry
One of the most common issues we encounter is damage caused by improper repairs:
- Portland cement mortar used on soft historic brick, causing brick damage
- Waterproof sealants that trap moisture within walls
- Painted brick that prevents natural moisture migration
- Mismatched replacement bricks that compromise aesthetic integrity
Reversing Damaging Repairs
Addressing these issues often involves:
- Carefully removing inappropriate modern mortars
- Repointing with historically appropriate lime-based mortars
- Removing damaging sealants when possible
- Sourcing period-appropriate materials for repairs
Preventative Maintenance
Owners of historic London homes can protect their masonry with these steps:
- Annual inspection of all masonry elements
- Prompt repointing of deteriorated mortar joints
- Maintaining proper drainage away from the foundation
- Addressing vegetation growing on or near masonry
- Working with masonry contractors experienced in historic preservation
At LancasterFBC - Flagstone, Brick & Concrete, we specialize in preserving and restoring the masonry of London Ontario's historic homes. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of yellow brick restoration, historic foundation repair, and traditional construction methods specific to Southwestern Ontario's climate. Contact our London Ontario masonry experts for a comprehensive assessment tailored to your historic home's specific needs.