​Brick veneer is a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance and durability to their homes. Brick veneer is made of thin, lightweight bricks that are applied to the exterior of a home, giving it the appearance of a solid brick construction. While it has many benefits, it also has its drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:
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1. Aesthetics: Brick veneer gives a classic and timeless look to any home, enhancing its curb appeal and overall value.
2. Durability: Brick veneer is highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and hail.
3. Energy efficiency: Brick veneer has excellent insulating properties, which can help reduce energy costs by keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
4. Low maintenance: Brick veneer requires very little maintenance and can last for decades without needing repairs.

Cons:
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1. Cost: Brick veneer can be more expensive than other exterior finishes, such as vinyl siding or stucco.  On the flip side, it is more affordable than solid brick.
2. Installation: Installing brick veneer requires specialized skills and equipment, making it a more difficult and time-consuming process than other exterior finishes.
3. Weight: While brick veneer is lightweight compared to solid brick construction, it is still heavier than other exterior finishes, which can require additional structural support.
4. Moisture: Brick veneer can absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth if not properly installed and maintained.  This is especially problematic in Markham where we see about 33.43 mm of precipitation and about 45 rainy days annually, not to mention the moisture from snow.

In conclusion, brick veneer has many benefits, and also has its drawbacks. Before choosing brick veneer for your home's exterior, consider these pros and cons carefully to ensure that it's the right choice for your needs and budget.  If you need professional bricklaying services, consider contacting Masonry Markham for a professional and meticulous construction.

When it comes to home renovations, most people think of the kitchen and bathroom first. But a fireplace is a huge investment that's worth considering if you have enough space for one in your home. A masonry fireplace can add value to your home, make it more comfortable and cozy during winter months, and even reduce heating costs. However, before committing to a masonry fireplace installation project there are certain things you should consider first—things that might not cross your mind until after the fact!

Do you know how many bricks should be in your fireplace?

The amount of bricks required for your chimney depends on the size of your fireplace. For example, if you have an 8x8-foot brick firebox, then you'll need 144 bricks. But if that same 8x8-foot brick firebox is 16 inches deep instead of 8 inches deep and has double walls with an air space between them (an insulation method sometimes used by builders), then it will require 192 bricks total.

The number of bricks needed also depends on how thick they are--thicker ones take up more space in the oven than thinner ones do--and how tall they are--taller ones take up more space than shorter ones do when they're stacked vertically against each other on all sides except bottom (which must always be open).

Is there enough room for the hearth to sit flush against the wall?

Before you get a masonry fireplace installation, make sure there's enough room for the hearth to sit flush against the wall. The minimum width of a standard brick hearth is 3 inches. If your new masonry fireplace is going to be installed in an old house with narrow walls, you may need a custom-made brick or stone slab that's wider than 3 inches (you can find these at most home improvement stores).

The minimum height for an average-sized mantel is 8 inches above floor level--but if your ceiling is low and there aren't any beams above where you want your mantle installed, we recommend using an 8-inch high mantel instead of one that's lower than this height because it will look better overall when viewed from above by guests who enter into your living room area.

Similarly with depths: Most standard fireplaces are built with 6 inch deep surrounds around them; however some homeowners prefer installing larger surrounds so as not only have more space available within which they could place decorative items like plants but also so as not block out too much light coming through windows located nearby - especially during winter months when days become shorter, making rooms darker earlier.

Do you want a wood-burning or gas fireplace?

When you are choosing a fireplace, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want a wood-burning or gas fireplace.

Wood-burning fireplaces are more authentic and will give your home an old-fashioned feel, but they can be messy and difficult to use. Gas fireplaces are easier to use because they don't require logs or kindling; however, they don't give off as much heat as their wood burning counterparts do. They also take up less space than traditional fireplaces so they're great if space is limited in your home or apartment!

Gas fireplaces are cleaner than traditional ones because there's no ash produced by burning wood in them; however this isn't always true since some models feature an ash drawer where all clinkers fall into before being disposed of away from harm's way (no more smelly gloves!). The other benefit here is safety: since everything happens inside and is contained, there's no chance of catching anything else on fire.

How do you want to use your fireplace?

Whether you're looking for an open fireplace, a modern gas fireplace or something in between, there are several things to consider.

• Open fireplaces: These can be great for entertaining and give off a cozy vibe. However, they don't heat as well as other types of fireplaces do -- so if you plan on using your fireplace primarily for heating purposes rather than aesthetics, this may not be the best option for you.

• Modern gas fireplaces: If efficiency is important to you and safety is no issue (gas fires don't produce embers or ash), then modern gas fireplaces are probably right up your alley! They're also much easier to operate than other types of fireplaces; just turn them on with a remote control and they'll light up automatically when needed without requiring any kind of manual intervention from yourself or others nearby (this is especially helpful if someone has trouble with mobility).
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​Ask about the best options for your home.

When you're looking for a masonry fireplace installation, it's best to ask what the best options are for your space.  In addition to checking local building codes and choosing an experienced masonry contractor, there are a few things you should discuss with them before making a decision.

• How much will it cost?  The will depend on the type of fireplace installed, its size as well as the current materials and labour market.

• What kind of materials do you use?  There can be quite a difference in quality of materials being used, often reflected in the quote, so make sure you ask about the stone or brick being used.

The vast majority of our masonry fireplace construction requests are for indoors, as Markham as strict rules regarding open air fires.  They require a special permit 48 hours in advance of the planned burns.  If you have any further questions you'd like to ask our masonry fireplace contractors at Masonry Markham, do not hesitate to give us a shout.