Toronto’s brick homes are beautiful, but time, salt, and freeze‑thaw cycles take a toll. If you see cracking mortar, spalling bricks, or rusting steel above windows, you might be due for repointing or lintel replacement. This guide explains how masonry repairs work, when you need permits or heritage approvals, what mortar to choose, and how to budget the project so it lasts.

What is repointing and why does it matter

Repointing removes deteriorated mortar and replaces it with a fresh, compatible mix. Proper repointing keeps water out, reduces drafts, and preserves the look of your facade. The keyword is compatible. The new mortar should match the original in strength, permeability, and color so bricks can breathe and move without damage.

Choosing the right mortar for Toronto brick

Older clay bricks are softer and more porous than many modern units. Using a mortar that is too strong or too dense can trap moisture and cause spalling. For most 20th‑century Toronto homes, a Type N or Type O cement‑lime mortar or a high‑lime mix is appropriate, depending on brick and exposure. The goal is to be strong enough to resist the weather yet softer and more vapor‑permeable than the brick.

Tips

• Test patches first to confirm color and tooling profile.
• Match sand color and gradation for a seamless look.
• Pre‑hydrate mortar when specified to limit shrinkage and improve bond.

Lintels 101: what they are and when to replace

A lintel is the support above an opening that carries the brick veneer. In Toronto housing stock, you often see steel angle lintels over windows and doors. Signs you may need a replacement include rust jacking that lifts bricks, step cracking from the corners, and sagging or gaps at the head of a window.

Best practices for new lintels

• Provide proper end bearing and flashing to shed water.
• Use corrosion protection on steel and include a continuous through‑wall flashing with end dams and weep vents.
• Verify size and span for your opening and brick thickness.

Do you need a permit in Toronto?

• General rule: masonry repairs that affect structure, alter openings, or replace lintels usually require a building permit. Basic non‑structural repointing often does not, but every case depends on scope and location. JG Contracting confirms requirements with the Toronto Building before work starts.
• Heritage: if your home is designated or inside a Heritage Conservation District, exterior masonry work may also need a heritage permit to ensure materials and joint profiles are compatible with the district’s plan.
• Public right of way: work that touches City property, such as a shared party wall at the lot line or scaffolding on the boulevard, can trigger a street work or construction permit.

Budget ranges and what drives cost

• Scope: number of square feet to repoint, story height, and whether lintels or cracked bricks need replacement.
• Access: tight side yards, rear lanes, and power line clearances can add time.
• Heritage details: special joint profiles or lime‑rich mixes require skilled labour and testing.
• Weather: cold‑weather protection and curing add setup and monitoring.

We can price a test section first so you can see the match in daylight before committing to full elevations.

FAQs

Can you repoint in winter?
Yes, with cold‑weather protection, but spring to fall offers the best curing conditions.

Will sealing the brick stop problems?
Not always. Many bricks need to breathe. We target water control with flashing, weeps, and proper mortar rather than heavy surface sealers.

How long will it last?
Good repointing can last 20 to 30 years or more, depending on exposure and maintenance.

Related reading

• Toronto Siding and Cladding 2025: Fiber Cement vs Vinyl vs Metal
• Toronto Insulation and Air Sealing Retrofit Guide
• Stop Ice Dams Before They Start
• Brock Avenue Front Porch Revival

Ready to restore your brick the right way?

We will match the mortar, protect your facade, and replace lintels with proper flashing and weeps. Contact us today to book a consultation.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com