Masonry is a popular construction technique that involves the use of materials like bricks, blocks, and stones to create durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. However, one of the biggest challenges that masonry contractors Toronto companies face is moisture control. Moisture can cause a range of problems in masonry structures, from aesthetic damage to structural deterioration. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how masonry contractors in GTA handle moisture cases in their construction. 

Masonry Contractors Toronto: Understanding Moisture in Masonry Structures

Before we dive into the details of moisture control in masonry construction, it’s important to understand why moisture is such a big concern even for the best Masonry Contractors in Toronto. When moisture penetrates masonry structures, it can cause a range of problems, including:

• Efflorescence: This is a white crystalline deposit that appears on the surface of masonry materials when moisture evaporates. While efflorescence doesn’t cause any structural damage, it can be unsightly and can compromise the aesthetic appeal of a structure.
• Spalling: Spalling occurs when moisture enters the surface of masonry materials and causes the surface layer to flake off. Over time, this can weaken the structure and compromise its integrity. 
• Freeze-thaw damage: This occurs when moisture enters masonry materials and then freezes and thaws repeatedly. This can cause the material to expand and contract, leading to cracking, spalling, and other forms of structural damage. 

To prevent these issues, Masonry Contractors Toronto need to take steps to control moisture during construction.

How to Control Moisture in Masonry Structures?

There are several strategies used to control moisture during construction. Here are some of the most common techniques: 

• Building envelope design: One of the most effective ways to control moisture in masonry structures is to design the building envelope with moisture management in mind. This includes selecting the right materials, using proper flashing and drainage systems, and ensuring that the structure is properly sealed. 
• Use of vapor barriers: Vapor barriers are materials that are used to prevent moisture from entering a building from the outside. These barriers are typically installed on the interior of the structure, and they help to prevent moisture from penetrating the masonry materials.
  
  Also Read: Things To Know Before Hiring a Masonry Contractor Company

• Proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup in masonry structures. This includes ensuring that there is adequate air flow in the building, using exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and ensuring that the HVAC system is properly designed and installed. 
• Use of water repellents: Water repellents are coatings that are applied to the surface of masonry materials to prevent moisture from entering the structure. These coatings can help to prevent efflorescence, spalling, and other forms of moisture-related damage. 
• Maintenance: Regular Masonry maintenance is key to preventing moisture-related issues in masonry structures. This includes regular cleaning, inspection, and repair of any damage that may have occurred over time.

Masonry Contractor Toronto: A Case Study

To get a better idea of how masonry contractors handle moisture cases in their construction, let’s take a look at a recent case study. 

A masonry contractor Toronto company was hired to construct a new commercial building using brick and block materials. The contractor was aware of the potential for moisture-related issues in masonry structures, so they took several steps to prevent these issues from occurring

• First, the contractor worked closely with the building owner to design a building envelope that was specifically tailored to prevent moisture penetration. This included the use of high quality materials, proper flashing and drainage systems, and careful attention to detail during construction. 
• Second, the contractor used vapor barriers on the interior of the structure to prevent moisture from entering the building from the inside. This helped to create a moisture barrier between the masonry materials and the interior of the structure. 
• Third, the contractor installed proper ventilation systems to ensure that there was adequate air flow in the building. This included the installation of exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as well as the use of an HVAC system that was properly designed and installed.
  
• Fourth, the contractor applied a water repellent coating to the surface of the masonry materials. This helped to prevent moisture from penetrating the materials and causing issues like efflorescence, spalling, and freeze-thaw damage. 

Finally, the contractor emphasized the importance of regular maintenance to the building owner. Masonry contractors play a crucial role in maintaining such issues. This included regular cleaning, inspection, and repair of any damage that may have occurred over time. As a result of these efforts, the masonry contractor was able to successfully complete the construction of the commercial building without any major moisture-related issues. The building was not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and resistant to moisture damage.

Call For Masonry Moisture Treatment in Toronto

Moisture control is a critical concern for Masonry Contractors in Toronto. By understanding the potential issues that moisture can cause in masonry structures and using strategies like building envelope design, vapor barriers, proper ventilation, water repellents, and maintenance, masonry contractors can successfully prevent moisture-related damage and ensure that their masonry structures are durable and aesthetically pleasing. 

If you’re in need of a masonry contractor Toronto for your construction project, it’s important to choose a contractor who understands the importance of moisture control and has experience implementing these strategies effectively. By doing so, you can rest assured that your masonry structure will be built to last and will not succumb to moisture-related damage. Call Masonry Group at +1 (416) 500-2228 or write to us at info@masonrygroup.com and we’ll connect back with you.