All Things Masonry

In 2024, Lennox Masonry restored the city hall in Duncan, BC using traditional lime-based mortars. In this blog post, Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC discusses the necessity of matching old lime-based mortars when restoring historical and heritage masonry buildings Restoring heritage masonry buildings is not only about maintaining their aesthetic appeal—it’s about preserving their history, structural integrity, and ensuring they stand for generations to come. One of the most critical elements in achieving this is the use of traditional lime-based mortars. Here’s why they matter so much in heritage restoration: Breathability and Moisture Management Lime mortars are naturally breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the masonry. This breathability prevents moisture from becoming trapped within the walls, which can lead to deterioration of both the mortar and masonry units, creating structural damage. Cement-based mortars, by contrast, are much less permeable and tend to trap moisture—often worsening the very problems restoration seeks to solve. Lime mortar is elastic and thus flexible, which allows it to accommodate for large and slight movements in the masonry structure, recombining when needed through a self-healing process. This characteristic is paramount when it comes to the preservation of heritage structures, as it helps eliminate moisture-related issues that are introduced into the building once gaps in the masonry start forming. This brings us to our next point... Flexibility and Accommodation of Movement Historic masonry buildings often settle and move slightly over time due to changing temperatures, moisture, or shifts in their foundations. Lime mortar’s flexibility allows it to accommodate minor movements without cracking, protecting both the mortar and the surrounding masonry units. Modern mortars, which are rigid and hard, can crack and cause further damage to the historic stone or brick. Compatibility with Historic Materials Most heritage masonry buildings were originally constructed with lime-based mortars. Using traditional lime mortars for restoration maintains the building’s authenticity, ensuring that repairs are compatible with the original structure. This prevents damage from incompatible materials, such as Portland cement, which can be too hard and impermeable for older masonry. The key here is to ensure that the mortar is going to expand and contract during the freeze and thaw cycles at the same rate in relation to the surrounding stone and/or brick. This can only happen if the same mortar is being utilized. Reversibility and Conservation Principles Lime mortars can be removed without damaging the original stone or brick due to their soft character, even after years of compression. The use of conservation-friendly tools are also necessary during the repointing process. Using lime-based mortars while repointing heritage masonry structures aligns with the principles of conservation, allowing future repairs without harming the historic fabric. Aesthetics and Authenticity Authentic restoration requires materials and techniques that reflect the original construction. Lime mortars offer a natural, historic appearance, blending seamlessly with traditional stonework and maintaining your building’s character. When done properly, repointing or even rebuilding certain aspects of heritage masonry buildings can appear seamless from the old to the new. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Lime-based mortars are produced with not only a lower carbon footprint compared to modern cement, but are actually carbon-negative. During the setting process, lime mortars reabsorb the carbon dioxide produced during their creation. They’re also biodegradable and made from natural, renewable materials—making them an excellent choice for responsible restoration. Self-Healing Properties Lime mortar can self-heal small cracks due to its slightly water-soluble nature, which allows it to reseal hairline fissures over time. This unique property helps prolong the life and durability of heritage masonry walls. Avoiding Common Restoration Mistakes The use of modern cement mortars in historic buildings can lead to a host of problems, including trapped moisture, accelerated decay, and irreversible damage. Modern mortars are too hard for traditional masonry—original bricks or stones can break before the mortar does, leading to costly repairs and lost heritage value. Conclusion For anyone involved in the restoration of heritage masonry buildings—whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or conservationist—traditional lime-based mortars should always be your first choice. Their breathability, flexibility, compatibility, and sustainability not only preserve the structural and aesthetic integrity of your building, but also honor its history. By choosing lime-based mortars, you’re investing in the longevity, authenticity, and environmental stewardship of Canada’s architectural heritage. If your project needs guidance or hands-on expertise, Lennox Masonry is passionate about restoring heritage buildings the right way—using time-tested materials that let your building breathe and endure. With dozens of completed heritage masonry projects throughout Victoria, BC and Duncan, BC, we are a trusted, professional, and knowledgeable masonry company when it comes to the conservation of masonry buildings.. Preserve the past. Build for the future. Choose lime 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! And check out our Project page  for inspiration when it comes to your next masonry idea!

What to look for in a masonry company for your next project: A stone staircase in Victoria, BC built by Lennox Masonry out of blast-rock that was sourced on the property and flagstones that were quarried in Port Renfrew, BC. Choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical step to ensuring the desired outcome and durability of your project. Victoria, BC is home to a variety of highly skilled and adept stonemasons and bricklayers who are more than capable of helping you address your needs. That being said, here's what you should know before contacting and hiring a mason: Look for experience and expertise: Research the masonry companies in your area and see how many years of hands-on experience they have in the specific field of work your project entails. Masonry has many facets to it, such as bricklaying, stonemasonry, restoration, chimney repairs, hardscaping, fireplace conversions, etc.. So it's important to understand which masonry contractors have experience that is relevant to your project. Be sure to review their portfolio of completed projects and see if there are any that are similar to yours. If so, pay attention to the workmanship and the minute details. A heritage chimney that was demolished and rebuilt by Lennox Masonry in Victoria, BC to match the original chimney from 1912. Licensed, Certified, and Insured: Don't be afraid to ask for a business license, certification, proof of liability insurance, and their standing with the Workers Compensation Board. Companies that can provide these documents will signal a degree of professionalism and adherence to industry protocols and standards. Without these certificates, you, as a homeowner or business owner, could be held liable if any accidents occur while work is being conducted on your property. Reputation & Reviews: Peruse each masonry contractors online reviews through Google, Yelp, Houzz, BBB, Facebook and other online platforms. Ask them if they're willing to share the contact details of previous clients that they have worked with or if they can provide an address of a completed project that you can view. Communication & Service: Take note of how each company communicates with you from the initial phone call or email to the first in-person meeting. Are they timely, clear, and concise? Or are they slow, vague, and impersonal? Ask questions and gauge for yourself whether or not they seem confident in their answers. Once a proposal has been presented to you, ensure that the scope of work and the terms/conditions are well defined and specific. The 2025 Houzz awards presented to Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC Small Companies Vs. Large Companies: Bigger isn't always better as they say! Large masonry companies are typically suited towards sizeable commercial projects which focus on quantity and quick output. Reality is that quality takes a backseat for the most part on large commercial and residential projects such as townhomes, condominiums, and apartment complexes. Small masonry companies are typically suited towards residential projects on single-family homes, working directly for homeowners and contractors. With small masonry companies, the owner is usually hands-on while designing and building the project, paying close attention to the finer details. The benefit of working with an owner/operator is that they aren't a step removed from the project and their reputation is directly on the line. This can equate to receiving the best possible workmanship and service. Sean Lennox of Lennox Masonry building a stone step in Victoria, BC Conclusion: Picking the right masonry contractor in Victoria, BC for your next project doesn't have to be an arduous process. Focus on both online and word-of-mouth reviews as well as communication skills with whatever companies you're considering. Pay attention to their project portfolios and above all... trust your gut! 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! And check out our Project page  for inspiration when it comes to your next masonry idea!

Discover a comprehensive list of stone and masonry suppliers in Victoria, BC with Lennox Masonry! Lennox Masonry - Outdoor fireplace built with K2 Stone's "Natural Stone" and "Brownstone" from Hillside Stone & Garden Whether you are a DIY’er, designer, contractor, builder, artist, or a homeowner in search of ideas for your next renovation, we have compiled a list of stone suppliers within the Greater Victoria area and throughout the Southern tip of Vancouver Island to make your life a touch easier. And if you so happen to be in need of a stonemason or masonry contractor to see the job through to completion; from design to installation, we can help with that, too. At Lennox Masonry , we specialize in all forms of masonry, from chimney repairs, repointing, and rebuilds to bricklaying and stone veneers, as well as rock retaining walls. We are a small, community focused masonry company based in Victoria, BC which takes great pride in improving our community. Click here to discuss your project today! And for our full list of masonry and construction suppliers, please visit the Our Suppliers page. Lennox Masonry  - Stone retaining walls and stairs built with sandstone and peppered granite from BC Marble Products in Chemainus, BC A List of Suppliers : Preparatory Materials, Cultured Stone, Brick, and Thin Veneer Stone Products: In the market for cultured stone, pre-fabricated concrete caps, hearthstones, and all the necessary preparatory materials? Look no further! The following suppliers are just outside of Victoria, BC and they also supply brick and natural stone products as well: Brock White Construction Materials Slegg Building Materials (Note: Slegg receives the majority of their stock through I-XL Masonry Supplies on the Lower Mainland and you can view their entire catalog here: I-XL Masonry Supplies. Lennox Masonry  - An interior wall clad with thin brick veneer from I-XL Natural, Thin & Full Veneer Stone Products: If it’s an abundance of natural, thin and full veneer stone products you are after, then look no further than the following distributors. From solid stone slabs to river rocks and all your landscaping needs, they’ve got you covered! K2 Stone Hillside Stone & Garden Island Stone & Landscape Lennox Masonry  - This Tudor home was clad with K2 Stone's "Natural" thin stone veneer Blast Rock Products: Looking for some blast rock so you can create that stone retaining wall you’ve always wanted? The following companies provide just that! Basic Rock Products Gravel Mart Lennox Masonry  - This stone retaining wall was built using a variety of blast-rock from Basic Rock Products Lennox Masonry - Order meets Chaos - 1940's Frog Brick, Victoria, BC Lennox Masonry - Stone staircase and pillar built using blast-rock in Victoria, BC Are you located on Vancouver Island, the Victoria Area, or even on the surrounding Gulf Islands and in need of a professional stonemason 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!

Island Chimney Solutions is in partnership with Lennox Masonry and solely specializes in chimney repairs and rebuilds throughout Victoria, BC and Duncan BC. Partners Meet Our Partner! Island Chimney Solutions is a professional and meticulous chimney repair and rebuilding company based in Langford, BC, which solely focuses on chimney restorations. We service both the Greater Victoria and Cowichan Valley areas. Island Chimney Solutions specializes in repointing brick and stone chimneys, renovating fireplaces, and bringing chimneys up-to-code. Contact us today for all of your chimney needs! Lennox Masonr y works in cooperation with Island Chimney Solutions when it comes to WETT certifying, inspecting, and setting up scaffolding systems for chimney repairs and rebuilds in Victoria and Duncan, BC. #110 - 1021 Springboard Place, Victoria, BC, V9B 3E2 Phone: 250-986-6000 Email: info@islandchimney.ca First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook X Instagram islandchimney.ca Meet Our Partner! Stone & Trowel Heritage Restoration is a masonry and building restoration service company which specializes in cleaning, repointing, and rebuilding historical structures. Based in Victoria, BC, Stone & Trowel was founded to solely focus on preserving history through the maintenance of masonry components and materials to ensure their longevity for generations to come. Visit their website to learn more about how they are restoring our local community. www.stoneandtrowel.ca Lennox Masonry works with Stone & Trowel Heritage Restoration when it comes to consulting on heritage building upgrades and guidelines. Collectively, we have worked on numerous heritage buildings throughout both Victoria and Duncan, BC, including City Hall, Government House, Craigdarroch Castle, and countless heritage homes. #110 - 1021 Springboard Place, Victoria, BC, V9B 3E2 Phone: 250-986-0324 Email: stoneandtrowelrestoration@gmail.com First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook X Instagram stoneandtrowel.ca

Repointing and repairing chimneys is a speciality of Lennox Masonry in Victoria, BC. Allow our professional team of masonry experts to restore your chimney today! Book A Consultation Today! Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC specializes in chimney repairs & rebuilds. Is your chimney showing signs of wear and tear? Missing mortar joints? Weathered bricks? We can assess and repair your chimney today! Book A Consultation Over 25 Years of Chimney Restoration Experience. We've Got Your Chimney Covered! Repointing Repointing is the process of recessing the current mortar on your chimney to a workable depth and applying new mortar to strengthen the bond between bricks. Rebuilding Rebuilding a chimney entails tearing down each row of brick to the roofline and starting fresh with new flashing, bricks, and mortar. Capping Capping a chimney involves forming and pouring a concrete crown to encase the flue liners, cover the brick, and prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the chimney. From Design To Build - We Are With You Every Step Of The Way Here's How The Process Works 1 Contact us with pertinent details related to your project, including your address, phone number, and a brief description of the issue. 2 We'll get back to you as soon as physically possible to schedule a consultation and assess your chimney. 3 Once all the parameters of the project have been discussed and agreed upon, we'll begin making your chimney new again! Contact Us Today! First Name Last Name Email Message Submit Thanks for submitting! Contact

Lennox Masonry is a family-owned and operated masonry company based in Victoria, BC. Our mission is to provide amazing cutomer service and quality workmanship. Our Mission Emphasis On Local Lennox Masonry Ltd. is a locally owned and operated Masonry company established in Victoria, British Columbia. We have made it a priority to support our local community to the best of our abilities, knowing the success of our business and the economic success of our community are inexplicably intertwined. We source the vast majority of our materials from companies which are also locally owned and operated, support a local banking system, and volunteer our services to organizations which are centered around the improvement of our community and the people who comprise it. Eco-friendly We are an environmentally conscious company and take proper care to ensure that all leftover materials and waste are reused and recycled according to CRD standards, so as to reduce our environmental impact. From pallets, cardboard, plastic packaging and hardened mortar, we see to it that all job-related products stay out of landfills. Unless you are set on a specific type of stone, we are happy to refer you to our locally quarried natural stone distributors and source out sustainable stone veneer products which compete with the affordability of cultured stone products. Please contact us to see how we can help you bring your vision to life through the natural beauty of B.C. stone/brick and other sustainable resources, within your allotted budget.