All Things Masonry

Here at Lennox Masonry in Victoria, BC, a small percentage of our workload typically entails repointing Heritage stone and brickwork —most notably, brick chimneys, such as this one from the 1960's era. Whether we are repointing brick or stone walls, an air chisel with a Spike bit makes quick work of recessing mortar joints, along with a 15.8-litre Air Compressor which is relatively good at keeping up with the pace of removal . It's important to recess the mortar joints to at least a depth of 1”, as this is ample space for the new mortar to form a strong bond. We then use an Air Blow Gun to remove all dust and debris, because it makes for a clean gap for the fresh mortar to adhere with. This method is a great alternative to using grinders, hammer drills, or simply a hammer and chisel when dealing with vertical joints, as you reduce the risk of accidentally cutting into the face of the surrounding bricks or stones with a grinder. This method also applies much less force then you would with a Hammer Drill, which introduce vibrations and could wreak havoc to the masonry materials. In the case of this brick chimney where spalling has occurred and the mortar joints are crumbling, it became necessary to remove the bricks and rebuild the chimney until we felt little to no movement when applying pressure to the remaining bricks. When you are faced with a similar situation, it’s important to acknowledge that simply recessing the existing mortar joints by an inch or so and not dealing with the rest of the frail mortar, is like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. You are just inviting moisture into the crevasses created by the failing mortar and allowing further havoc to take place during the freeze/thaw cycles. This also generates a habitable environment for vegetation, such as moss, to grow and damage the masonry structure. Please visit our Blog Page to view other Masonry articles and our website to view some of our completed masonry projects. If you're a Homeowner in need of custom stonework, heritage restoration, chimney repairs, or any other masonry needs, please Contact Us today! - Sean Lennox, LennoxMasonry.com, Victoria BC, Canada Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

The roots of this particular project sprouted in a most peculiar fashion. The homeowner, himself, was a phenomenal stonemason, carpenter, landscaper — a jack of all trades in essence. However, upon awakening one morning, he had succumbed to a rare neurological condition in which he was unable to access any and all memories. He had forgotten how to read and write, how to analyze his surroundings and respond in kind. And being only halfway through the construction of their home, his wife was forced to contract the remainder of the project to various other contractors. I had received the job via word-of-mouth and was immediately enthusiastic about it, given the story and the scope of the project. The details were scarce but the homeowners required a concrete stairway and partial concrete walls beneath the main patio overlooking the front yard, all of which was to be faced with locally quarried blast rock. When I arrived, I found myself to be quite impressed with the far-ranging set of skills and craftmanship that the homeowner possessed, after reviewing the timber-framed shell of the home and the intricate details that were interwoven throughout the interior of it as well. They had sourced the majority of their wood from trees that were originally on-site and managed to excavate little to none of the natural environment surrounding the house. The bulk of their materials were reclaimed or donated by other homeowners who were happy to be rid of their material-waste. The stones themselves were gathered from the hills in the backyard and cut down to varying but ideal sizes. I incorporated concrete sills and caps along the exterior stairway and adhered imported Mexican tiles in some areas. I used a mixture of fine and coarse sand with Portland cement at a 3:1 ratio. I also incorporated a splash of liquid bonding agent to each batch of mortar and would make sure to wet down the concrete wall and surrounding rocks with each application. I was roughly two weeks into the job and nearly complete when the homeowners had decided to part ways and put their house on the market. Unfortunately, I was unable to apply the final finishing touches that I would have liked to, but I am happy with the work that I was able to do. Perhaps on my deathbed, those last few stones will come to mind. If you're located in Victoria, BC, Vancouver Island, or the surrounding Gulf Islands and are in need of some creative stonework, such as this, please, contact us today. With decades of experience in the field of masonry we are fully capable of bringing your vision to life. You can reach us through email at sean@lennoxmasonry.com or by calling us directly at 1-778-968-6574. Below are a few of our other completed projects, and here is the link to our Masonry Gallery Page. You can also find a wealth of information, tips, tricks, and other masonry articles on our Masonry Blog Page here. - Sean Lennox of Lennox Masonry is an artistic stonemason and bricklayer residing in Victoria, B.C., and provides his masonry services throughout VanIsle. When he is not materializing his client's visions, he is creating framed, custom stone mosaics. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

It was one of those projects where we all just stood back at the completion of it, and the only word that came to mind was ‘wow’. The stone fireplace is over 14 feet tall, 12 feet wide, and 4 feet in depth. You begin reminding yourself of all the energy and resources that went into building it. All of the materials, from steel reinforcement to concrete blocks; both locally quarried as well as imported stone; all of the trades involved, from the arborist to the electrician, and the gas fitter; all of the learning curves you encounter and the challenges which present themselves when dealing with 14 tons of stone; and all of the engineering details that come along with it. The fireplace is estimated to weigh over 14 tons and took nearly 2 months to complete. It is the largest exterior fireplace I have built to date. I’ve built some interior stone fireplaces in the Greater Victoria area which rival the height of this one, but I’ve never designed and built one that surpassed this width or depth. The fireplace itself is gas burning, and is encased in concrete blocks which were backfilled with concrete prior to being faced with stonework. In order to support the upper weight of the structure above the fireplace, a 1/2” thick steel plate and a 4” thick slab of concrete were put into place. The fireplace features large stone slabs, some of which weigh upwards of 1 ton. The slabs were quarried in Port Renfrew, BC. Due to the lack of accessibility to the building site, custom dollies were built to move the slabs to the backyard. The first of many challenges was determining how we were going to transport these slabs to the site of the fireplace. The lightest slab weighed a hefty 830 pounds, and due to all of the outcrop on the property, utilizing heavy machinery was not an option. So we improvised with custom made dollies. The other challenge was placing the slabs safely and properly, once again, without the use of machinery. It came down to brute strength and the additional support of 4x4’s to prop the stones up. The brownstones which border the fireplace were imported from Utah, USA and were shaped and placed to mimic a flame. The stones which were placed in between the brownstones and the stone slabs were also locally quarried in Port Renfrew, BC. It’s quite an honor to practice this craft and to have clients provide me with opportunities to express my creative faculties. I enter into these projects and end them with a deep sense of gratitude. They are truly invigorating experiences, and tend to enrich the lives of those involved in the creation of them. I could not have seen this design materialize without the helpful aid of Mike Koch from Blue Bear Landscape (now based in Vancouver, BC) who helped to carry out the majority of the labor intensive aspects of the project. Sean Lennox, Masonry Contractor, Victoria BC Lennox Masonry is a small residential masonry company based in Victoria, BC which specializes in everything from chimney and stone wall repairs to designing & building custom landscapes. Please contact us in regards to your next masonry project at www.lennoxmasonry.com. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) is a cement which is most aptly used in restoring and building masonry structures that require a lime-based mortar. Lime-based mortars are required when repointing or rebuilding older masonry structures which were built use NHL or when working with types of stones/bricks that will benefit from a lime-based mortar. For example, here at Lennox Masonry in Victoria, BC, we utilize NHL when restoring historical buildings which were built with limestone, sandstone, or clay bricks. NHL comes in the following formats: NHL 2 - This is the least hydraulic format that is currently produced, making it the most flexible lime cement out of the NHL options. This variety of natural hydraulic lime cements is best used when used for plastering, rendering, finishing, or while working with weaker stones such as lime and sandstone. NHL 3.5 - This version is moderately hydraulic and is best used when working in colder climates that produce a freeze and thaw cycle such as North America. The 3.5 version is most notably used when repointing or rebuilding brick, stone, or terracotta masonry materials. It can also be used for making scratch coats and finishing coats for exterior stucco. NHL 5 - Lastly, NHL 5 is incredibly hydraulic, making it the least workable lime cement out of all the other options. It is best served when pouring concrete foundations or footers, stone wall head copings, or when working with masonry structures that are subjected to water such as bridges. How To Mix Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortar The Cement Mixer Method: This method is ideal when large amounts of mortar are required on a dependable basis. The only down-side to using Batch or Drum mixers is that they typically cause the mortar to 'ball-up', which will create additional labor, and the mortar will then have to be squished. This is caused by the paddles within the mixer itself. However, the following steps will help to reduce this problem. Before mixing the mortar, it is important to measure out the Natural Hydraulic Lime and sand of choice by volume. In this example we'll use a bucket. It's important that each mix is as consistent as possible. Measuring the materials with a shovel may cause the volume of each load to differ. 1. It is important to start with a dry and empty mixer. In order for the lime and sand to thoroughly mix together, they need to blend without the addition of water. 2. Measure out the chosen sand to lime ratio — this will depend on the grade of Natural Hydraulic Lime being used and its intended application. 3. Add the sand to the mixer. 4. Add the lime to the mixer. 5. Start the mixer and allow the materials to mix for at least several minutes before adding water. 6. Stop the mixer and let the materials settle for 5-10 minutes. 7. Start the mixer again and begin adding small amounts of water until the desired consistency is obtained. When pouring water into the mixer, allow it to mix for a minute or so before adding more. Adding too much water will only weaken the final mixture, making it unstable. Introduce just enough water for the chemical processes to take place, so that the lime and sand properly bond. A mix which resembles a hardy pizza dough is ideal. 8. Once an optimal mixture of sand to lime to water is obtained, allow it to rest for several minutes prior to briefly mixing it again. 9. Stop the mixer and let the mortar settle again before applying it. If you would like to see some of our completed masonry and stonemasonry projects which used Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortar, please visit our Gallery and Current Projects pages. We are currently in the process of reconstructing 17th-Century Limestone Stonework, involving Gothic Cathedral features at the Norfolk Heritage Lodge in Saanich, B.C., Canada. If you have any questions, please visit our Contact Page to reach us. And don't forget to visit our Masonry Blog to find other articles pertaining to Masonry and Stonework. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, B.C., specializes in traditional stonework, heritage restoration, historical masonry, and creative masonry projects. If you are interested in obtaining a unique work of art in the medium of stone and masonry, please Contact us today.

Sean Lennox, Lennox Masonry, Victoria, BC - Order Meets Chaos The idea for this project began while I was working on a property that is overlooking Mud Bay in White Rock, British Columbia. The homeowner had purchased several pallets worth of reclaimed, 1940's Frog brick from a former bar in the Gas Town district of Vancouver, B.C., and the recently renovated WoodWards Building in downtown Vancouver. I was tasked with cutting the face of the bricks to a 1/2" thickness and applying them to a wall situated in a bar/theatre room. Nearing the completion of that wall, I decided to create a feature wall in a music studio that I was currently building, with the remaining bricks. I cut not only the faces of the remaining bricks, but also the sides, tops, and bottoms, so as to obtain varied lengths and heights. I was still unsure as to how I wanted to incorporate the brick with the wall until I noticed an oddly cut piece of plywood lying around the job-site. I then proceeded to cut several sheets of plywood in random and obscure shapes. With the advice of a friend, I began adhering the plywood to the feature wall. I decided to paint nebulas and stars on the plywood with a random selection of acrylic colours — the surrounding walls soon followed with black paint and white speckles to imitate stars. I knew then that the only way I could apply the brick would be in an utterly non-formal way and that it had to coincide with the theme now present. So I opted to emulate the distortion of matter which occurs in the proximity of a black hole, by lending the impression that the brick slices were bending and breaking while being sucked into the center of the wall. As far as the joints in between the full bricks were concerned, I allowed the mortar to droop outwards in most instances, recessed some portions, and fit bricks tightly together in other spots, so as to vary the overall look of the brick. I also placed some full brick slices vertically, as opposed to horizontally. Overall, at least from my perspective, it turned out quite well. The wall was fittingly named: Order meets Chaos. As a bricklayer and stonemason in Victoria, B.C., I am grateful to be able to practice my craft in a region which provides me with an abundance of creative and unique stonework and brickwork opportunities. Projects similar to this one are no longer rarities. If you're interested in bringing an idea to life through the medium of stone and brick or would like a uniquely designed and completed work of masonry art, please, contact us today so that we can begin the journey of materializing your vision. You can visit our website here for additional information and to view other completed projects, or, call us directly at 778-968-6574. Below are a few of our other creative stonemasonry projects. And don't forget to check out our other Masonry Blog entries, as well. Enjoy! - Sean Lennox Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Stonemason, Victoria, BC. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

I have been involved with masonry for close to 20 years now and it wasn’t until I started my own company that I realized just how passionate I was about this trade. It is abundantly clear to me now that what I needed most was the challenge of being on my own; doing things my way; allowing my own creative ideas and insights to flourish, and becoming solely responsible for my own mistakes. In life, I have learned that the only way we are capable of determining just what it is that we are passionate about is by exposing ourselves to a plethora of experiences. Once we sort through all the contrast that those experiences provide, we are readily equipped to understand ourselves, our motivations, and our inspirations. We are able to make determined choices. When we discover what we love to do for a living, it enhances every other aspect of our life. Our entire world changes. Being a stonemason, working with my hands, labouring day after day, bringing my own creative stone and brick designs to life, and continually learning in the process, has been one of the most immensely rewarding experiences of my life. It has taught me about my strengths and weaknesses, things I could stand to improve upon, my limitations, and in the process, displayed just how much I've grown as an individual. The history of stonemasonry, its timeless traditions, embracing the elements and expressing myself creatively through the medium of stone and brick in Victoria, BC where heritage buildings abound... these are just a few of the things that I enjoy about being a stonemason. When we love what we do, it translates into our work. And you'd be surprised how much of a difference that can make in this world. If you would like to view some of our completed masonry projects you can visit our website here. For additional blog entries and articles, please find our Masonry Blog here. Below are a few of our other creative stonemasonry projects. Enjoy! - Sean Lennox, Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Stonemason, Victoria, BC. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

This project entailed the draining of a 200,000 cubic foot pond, which was originally constructed in the early 1900’s in order to install a water-feature. I had previously dammed the lower pond, which was roughly equivalent in size to the upper pond, with stonework to match the existing stone walkways. The lower pond will be utilized as a reservoir in an effort to keep the upper pond’s water level at a sufficient height through a pump system. After the removal of over a 100 years worth of sediment, I began constructing several terraces, stone steps, stone walkways, and several stone retaining walls — all stone features were built without the use of mortar so as to allow plant growth, such as vines and flowering plants to grow through the stonework. The difficulty I faced, oddly enough, was trying to be as random as possible with the placement of the stones, so as to make the stonework appear as though it had been built alongside some of the pre-existing 100 year old stone walls scattered across other areas of the property. In essence, I forced myself to leave larger gaps in between stones where I typically wouldn’t, as well as leave some stones protruding from the wall, and allowing the wall to slightly fluctuate in height. All of which required me to become a perfectionist of randomness, which was quite trying of me. The top 2 feet of the 2,000 foot upper pond was then faced and retained with stone. This is one of several large projects that I have undertaken on this property. Please read the following article on the Restoration and Rebuilding of several 17th-Century Limestone Garden Features which were originally a part of a Gothic Cathedral in Europe. Please click the following link to view our Masonry Blog or visit our Gallery Page to view some of our completed Stonemasonry projects. And, as always, feel free to reach out to us at www.lennoxmasonry.com if you have any questions in regards to your project. Thank you, Sean Lennox Lennox Masonry of Victoria, B.C. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

Lennox Masonry Ltd. of Victoria, BC is now offering custom-made chimney pots for purchase. Chimney pots act as an aesthetic touch for your rooftop, as well as a functional protectant against rodents and the natural elements which wreak havoc on the interior of chimneys. Without some form of cover overtop of your chimney’s flue liners, the interior of the chimney is exposed to the elements year round, making it susceptible to the freeze and thaw cycles that we experience each winter in British Columbia. Over time, this weakens the mortar joints present in your chimney and allows water to work its way into your home. Rodents are also permitted readily available access to the chimney without a functional cover. This is why we recommend utilizing chimney pots and lining the openings with a steel mesh. We provide three different sizes of chimney pots, all of which correspond to the dimensions of their respective flue liners. The difference between our chimney pots and other commercially available chimney pots is in the materials used to build them. Unlike other commercial sellers who use a standard mixture of Type 10 cement and sand, we utilize a precise mixture of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) cement too coarse sand which is further reinforced with a galvanized steel mesh within the cement mixture. NHL is well-known for its longevity and has been used for centuries in building cathedrals, castles, and a wide variety of other structures which still stand the test of time. NHL is nearly 8x the cost of standard Type 10 cement, but for good reason! It possesses self-healing capabilities, in which it can fix any cracks or fissures that it may incur over the ages. It is also capable of enduring extreme weathering, making it an ideal investment in the protection of your chimney. Whether you’re a DIY’er who’s interested in protecting your home while also adding an attractive element to your chimney, or a homeowner who would like to have chimney pots professionally installed, please contact us today to tell us about your needs. Lennox Masonry Ltd. has repaired, repointed, and rebuilt hundreds of chimneys over the years. You can trust your investment with us. www.lennoxmasonry.com 778-968-6574 Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

At Lennox Masonry of Victoria, B.C. we are aware that a paradigm shift in the construction industry is long overdue. Masonry is regarded as the most physically demanding, challenging, and laborious occupations throughout the construction field. International safety ratings also rank it as one of the most injury-prone careers, due to the heights and equipment involved, and hazardous working environments associated with silica dust. Yet little improvement has been made in this sector to minimize these results. As the owner and operator of Lennox Masonry, this is a reality I am all too familiar with. The company that I originally apprenticed under, and became a journeyman stonemason at, had very poor safety regulations, much like many other masonry companies. There were no safety precautions taken into account for particulates and dust control, nor were there any safety education courses or protocols in place. Unfortunately, this was and still is the norm for most companies in this type of trade. Workers are subjected to inhalation of silica dust on a daily basis without being informed of the short and long-term health implications, let alone provided with adequate filtration systems on a regular basis. Silica dust is an incredibly harmful substance when inhaled and requires not only acknowledgement but also a system to mitigate exposure to it. Utilizing water as much as possible to reduce dust, alongside masks designed to prevent silica poisoning is a good start. Equally important safety issues that also require proper training include scaffold setup, securing safety harnesses, operating heavy equipment, and proper lifting techniques. Unfortunately, the reality is most workers are just thrown into positions where they are expected to already have this knowledge, or otherwise be informed and educated by someone else on the job site, who themselves are typically ill-informed and ill-equipped to instill proper safety practices. As both a stonemason and business owner, I have taken it upon myself to not only thoroughly educate and inform my working team about potential hazards and safety procedures, but also provide all necessary gear to create a safe working environment. I am treating employees the way I wish I had been treated as an employee. When I made the decision to start my own business, I began by seeking employment through several other companies in order to expose myself to as many different business models and perspectives as possible. However, I found little to no difference between the various companies' operating procedures and their treatment of employees, even in commercial settings where injuries are much more prevalent. Safety was not prioritized over productivity, which in itself is a contradiction, as studies show that companies who put safety first tend to increase overall productivity. We are also aware that "industry-standard" wages are in need of reevaluation. Most companies rarely take into account the cost of living in different areas as well as inflation. They also neglect to understand why national studies place construction careers as one of the least desirable jobs in the modern age. Out of 250 options, construction ranks at 248. The reason being, it is an incredibly straining job with archaic wage models still in place. The standard wage for skilled stonemasons and bricklayers has yet to increase much if at all in the past 20 years. At Lennox Masonry we're doing our part by putting our employees first and creating a work environment which entails the following: - educating our staff on safety and health in the workplace - increasing livable wages for our employees, especially during times of economic inflation - implementing bonuses/profit-sharing - introducing a 4-day work week and flexible hours for our employees - offering alternative benefits, including dental, yoga/gym membership, and quarterly team dinners to rate and review the work environment - allowing employees to offer input and make changes to project designs - challenging employees with unique projects to keep work interesting - fostering problem solving techniques and abilities - building a company in which everyone feels equally important and valuable If you're interested in designing and creating unique projects with our small team at Lennox Masonry, please contact us with all of your pertinent details. We look forward to building with you! - Sean Lennox, Owner & Operator of Lennox Masonry Ltd, Victoria, B.C., Canada Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

Within the field of masonry there is a variety of knowledge and skill sets which aren't entirely transferable from one medium of masonry to the next. For example, bricklayers have a different approach, understanding, and technical knowledge than a stonemason does when it applies to their own niche. Brickwork entails uniformity, straight lines, and a great deal of forethought and mathematics when planning out the construction of a wall or building. Stonemasons on the other hand have the ability to look at a pile of rocks on the ground and create a puzzle of sorts with them while building a stone wall with them. For a stonemason, uniformity and straight lines are the enemy. A stonemason strives to create a random flow of stonework instead. While the working knowledge of tools, techniques, and mortars are very similar, it's important to note the distinction that is present within niches of a trade such as masonry. Especially given the context of our article: Picking The Right Masonry Contractor For Your Project. What makes the "right" masonry contractor for your project you ask? Well, here at Lennox Masonry, our definition of the right masonry contractor depends on your specific masonry project needs. If you own a commercial building in downtown Victoria and wish to have it rebuilt with brick, the right masonry contractor would be a large masonry company which specializes in rebuilding commercial brickwork. If you're looking for an artistic touch to your home's property or interior, a qualified and creative stonemason would likely be your best bet. Each masonry contractor has their preferred medium of choice when it comes to masonry and it is usually a niche which they are very familiar and practiced in. It’s important to determine what their knowledge and experience are and if they’ll be the efficient and professional choice for your masonry project. 3 Things To Do Before You Contact A Masonry Contractor: A heritage chimney that was repaired and rebuilt by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC to match the look of the original 1912 chimney 1. Create a vision and an outline of what it is you're wanting to achieve aesthetically and functionally with your masonry project. The internet has become a tremendous source of knowledge, so take a moment to lightly educate yourself on the basics of stonemasonry, landscaping, brickwork, chimney repair, or whatever your project consists of so that you can convey what it is you want in a clear and concise manner. Taking your time to do some necessary research by viewing photos or reading about other people’s ideas will go a long way in helping you ascertain which company might be the better fit for your project. 2. Ask people you know and trust about their personal experiences with masonry contractors. If this is not an option, use Google to locate and inspect the websites of local masonry contractors in your area. View their referral lists, Google reviews, social media pages, etc.. Get to know them through their online presence and see if their specialties will coincide with your project. 3. Contact their referrals and get their opinions, visit their current job-sites if they are willing to let you and view their completed projects up close to confirm the quality of work they provide. 4 Things To Ask Your Potential Masonry Contractor: A stone staircase and pillar built by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC 1. Before you even describe what type of job you’re interested in hiring them to complete, ask this question: What part of the masonry trade do you prefer to work in? It’s safe to assume that if they prefer working with bricks or blocks over cultured or natural stone veneers, they will have garnered a larger amount of experience in those areas and have built a business around that facet of masonry. However, it's also important to note that a larger masonry company may take on a variety of projects because they have a selection of employees with widespread skill sets. Make it clear that you’re interested in hiring a masonry contractor that is qualified and experienced in the specific field associated with your masonry project. If they do have a selection of employees which are well versed in your type of project, ensure that those employees will be the ones present while the work is being conducted. 2. Explain to them your specific needs and ask them about their availability and interest in your job. Establish a start and completion date and see if they’re willing to adhere to a contractual agreement. 3. Are you registered with WorkSafe BC and do you possess Liability Insurance? It’s important to know that all legal and financial obligations are covered on their end in the case that something unfortunate occurs. This will also indicate the level of professionalism your masonry contractor represents. 4. What do your services entail? There are several noteworthy aspects of the job which you will need to obtain clarity on. They are as follows: Who is responsible for purchasing the materials? What is the preferred method of payment? What is the payment schedule? Who is responsible for cleaning up and removing any material waste? What is required of me as the homeowner? Establishing project parameters and the overall scope of the project will remove any potential headaches or miscommunications down the road. Your Next Step: Hiring A Masonry Contractor Once you have decided on a few masonry contractors which appear to suit the needs of your project, book an appointment and obtain estimates from each of them. Make sure their quotes outline the same scope of work to make a fair comparison of costs and timelines. This is an opportunity for you to establish a personal connection with your masonry contractor and decide for yourself, using your intuition, which one is the best fit for your needs. Take your time and don’t rush the process. Attempting to hurry things may only lead to poor decisions which cost you time and money in the long-run. You want it done right, not twice. With years of experience in the field of masonry and a variety of skill sets, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to assess and address your specific needs. Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574 As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information for a wide-variety of additional Masonry applications, please click here. Sean Lennox, Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Stonemason, Victoria, B.C. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

Cultured Stone Fireplace The short answer: No! And here’s why: As a masonry contractor in Victoria, B.C., Lennox Masonry has the pleasure of working with locally quarried thin stone veneer and full stone veneer on a regular basis. And while we are asked to quote on the odd cultured stone project, we typically try to sway our clients over to the natural stone side by citing the following reasons: 1. When it comes to the installation of cultured stone veneer, the process is no different than that of applying thin stone veneer. Thus, the labor costs for a professional stonemason, depending on the type of finish you're after, are typically the same. 2. Cultured stone is an unquestionably inferior product in every aspect, even when it comes to savings. Natural stone provides greater insulation, less maintenance, can withstand pressure washing, is able to be cleaned with a heavy-duty cleaning solutions, retains less moisture, is eco-friendly, and is well equipped to handle our infamous freeze/thaw cycles in Victoria, BC. Also, its surface and natural beauty will not fade over time, unlike cultured stone. 3. The initial cost of thin stone veneer, when locally quarried and distributed, can not only compete with the cost of cultured stone but, in some cases, cost less when the aforementioned factors are taken into account. However, the majority of natural stone products typically cost, on average, a dollar or two more per square foot/linear foot, than cultured products, initially. But, once again, when we weigh the initial cost difference, next to the long-term benefits of thin natural stone veneer, well, the savings become apparent through the investment of natural stone. Lennox Masonry - Thin River Rock Veneer Are you located on Vancouver Island, the Victoria, BC area, or even on the surrounding Gulf Islands and in need of a professional stone mason for your next project? With years of experience in the field of masonry, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to handle and address your specific needs. Please, Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574 As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information on a wide-variety of additional Masonry subjects, please click here. Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!

A Tudor home clad with thin stone veneer by Lennox Masonry in Victoria, BC Victoria, BC is home to many residential and commercial buildings which are clad in either thin stone veneer or full stone veneer. Stone veneers are actually woven into the building codes in this region and Vancouver Island is home to a variety of stone quarries which provide an abundance of beautiful stone at an affordable price. If you're considering natural stone for your next project but are weary about the overall costs of materials and installation, we highly recommend reading our article: Natural Stone Vs. Cultured Stone And Increasing Your Home's Value and thoroughly consider your home's value, maintenance, and the longevity associated with natural stone products. An Overview of Full Stone Veneer: Full stone veneer fireplace built by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC - When cladding a home or business, full stone veneer requires an age-old method of installation which requires less materials when it comes to preparing the exterior for the stone application, equating to financial savings. However, full stone veneer does require a concrete footer or thick-gauge steel lintels, prior to install in order to bear the weight of the stone wall. - Full stone veneer is typically cut to a depth of 3"-6", but most products are cut to a 4" depth. - Labour costs for the installation of full stone veneers can greatly increase when compared to the cost of installing thin stone veneers, but, once again, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration, such as the following: 1) The height of the wall: The addition of scaffolding introduces greater labour costs due to the time it takes to transport the necessary materials upwards. 2) Properly shaping and cutting full veneer stones can be much more time consuming than their thin veneer counterparts due to their weight and size. The Benefits of Full Stone Veneer: Full stone veneer pillar and fireplace built by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC You will not find a more durable and aesthetically pleasing product than full stone veneer. When applied properly with a gap between it and the exterior wall, it will unquestionably protect and insulate your home for the duration of its life-span. Its ability to withstand the elements and yearly freeze/thaw cycles is unmatched. When properly maintained, you can rest assured that moisture will not penetrate the mortar joints or the framing behind the veneer, making it a low maintenance solution. Besides the protective aspects of full stone veneer, the sheer size and unique qualities of it, make for a powerful and beautiful look. An Overview of Thin Stone Veneer: A thin stone veneer clad home built by Lennox Masonry in Victoria, B.C. - Thin stone veneer requires preparatory materials such as furring strips, bug-screen, construction paper, lath, and a scratch coat of mortar, to ensure the protection of the home, which increases its initial costs in comparison to full stone veneer. However, it does not require a concrete footer or any structural support due to its low weight. - Thin stone veneer is cut to a depth of 1"-2". - Labour costs for the installation of thin stone veneer can differ depending on the scope of the project, but they will probably remain less costly than that of installing full stone veneer. The Benefits of Thin Stone Veneer: A Tudor home clad with thin stone veneer by Lennox Masonry in Victoria BC Because of how light and compact thin veneer is, it makes for an ideal product within a home's interior space. It can be easily customized (shaped) and there are no restrictions in regards to its application method, as each stone is not dependant upon the other for support while the mortar cures. Thin stone veneer also embodies the same natural beauty and raw strength as full stone veneer does, but lacks the overall depth that full veneer does.. So Which Type of Stone Best Suits Your Specific Needs? Well, its difficult to say but with the help of an experienced and knowledgable masonry contractor to go over your options with, I'm sure the right choice will become apparent. With years of experience in this field, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to assess and address your masonry needs. Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574 As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information for a wide-variety of additional Masonry applications, please click here. Sean Lennox, Lennox Masonry, Victoria BC Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors! If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!