{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Dixon Masonry","home_page_url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca","description":"Dixon Masonry","author":{"name":"Dixon Masonry"},"items":[{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/how-did-gaps-appear-between-the-bricks","html_content":"

Masonry Repairs are usually straightforward you have bricks and you have cement, that’s obvious

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/how-did-gaps-appear-between-the-bricks","title":"How did gaps appear between the bricks?","summary":"Masonry Repairs are usually straightforward you have bricks and you have cement, that’s obvious","date_modified":"2026-06-10T13:54:33Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/laying-it-all-on-the-line","html_content":"

There are a few things to note in this picture, one being the hard, rough, and almost crunchy cement texture on the wall known as the scratch coat (and sometimes brown coat). This acts like Velcro when combined with a so...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/laying-it-all-on-the-line","title":"Laying it all on the line. ","summary":"There are a few things to note in this picture, one being the hard, rough, and almost crunchy cement texture on the wall known as the scratch coat (and sometimes brown coat). This acts like Velcro when combined with a so...","date_modified":"2026-05-31T04:42:00Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/why-did-this-stone-sill-cap-pop-off-the-stone-post","html_content":"

I know what you’re thinking: how does a heavy piece of stone defy gravity and lift up, shift, and move enough for the 1-inch-thick mortar joint to fall out?

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/why-did-this-stone-sill-cap-pop-off-the-stone-post","title":"Why did this stone sill cap pop off the stone post?","summary":"I know what you’re thinking: how does a heavy piece of stone defy gravity and lift up, shift, and move enough for the 1-inch-thick mortar joint to fall out?","date_modified":"2026-05-26T13:54:54Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-is-toothing-in-the-context-of-masonry-repair","html_content":"

The technique of removing bricks from a wall while maintaining the bond pattern without straight cutting through bricks. Using a long 1/4 SDS drill bit I trill through the m joint approximately 3.5 Inches into the wall I...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-is-toothing-in-the-context-of-masonry-repair","title":"What is Toothing in the context of masonry repair?","summary":"The technique of removing bricks from a wall while maintaining the bond pattern without straight cutting through bricks. Using a long 1/4 SDS drill bit I trill through the m joint approximately 3.5 Inches into the wall I...","date_modified":"2026-05-20T00:01:01Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/angle-iron-is-loose","html_content":"

A classic problem with 40+ year old masonry installations.

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/angle-iron-is-loose","title":"Angle Iron is loose ","summary":"A classic problem with 40+ year old masonry installations.","date_modified":"2026-05-18T18:30:14Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/a-mysterious-crack-in-a-brick-corner","html_content":"

I recently visited a building for a site assessment. I found this cracked corner and a large chip in two corner bricks. like a detective on a true crime series I began to search for clues. So I stepped back a couple metr...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/a-mysterious-crack-in-a-brick-corner","title":"A mysterious crack in a brick corner.","summary":"I recently visited a building for a site assessment. I found this cracked corner and a large chip in two corner bricks. like a detective on a true crime series I began to search for clues. So I stepped back a couple metr...","date_modified":"2026-05-17T00:05:15Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/why-does-interior-masonry-cost-more-than-exterior","html_content":"

while recently discussing the details of a masonry project with a general contractor we were working out the scope of work and scheduling with the other trades who would complete their work first and what should be done ...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/why-does-interior-masonry-cost-more-than-exterior","title":"Why does interior Masonry Cost more than exterior?","summary":"while recently discussing the details of a masonry project with a general contractor we were working out the scope of work and scheduling with the other trades who would complete their work first and what should be done ...","date_modified":"2026-05-16T22:59:59Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/stone-veneer-corners","html_content":"

Cut from a full stone, these veneer corners are intended to replicate full bed masonry. Installed on the corners of walls and pillars, they give the illusion of solid masonry construction. To the untrained eye, masonry v...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/stone-veneer-corners","title":"Stone Veneer Corners","summary":"Cut from a full stone, these veneer corners are intended to replicate full bed masonry. Installed on the corners of walls and pillars, they give the illusion of solid masonry construction. To the untrained eye, masonry v...","date_modified":"2026-04-08T23:50:34Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/chalky-residue-on-bricks","html_content":"

We get calls every spring from someone describing a white chalky residue on the face of their bricks.

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/chalky-residue-on-bricks","title":"Chalky Residue on Bricks","summary":"We get calls every spring from someone describing a white chalky residue on the face of their bricks.","date_modified":"2026-03-30T17:30:20Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/old-bricks-2-14-by-4-14-by-8-14","html_content":"

Very Old Bricks

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/old-bricks-2-14-by-4-14-by-8-14","title":"old bricks 2-1/4 by 4-1/4 by 8-1/4","summary":"Very Old Bricks","date_modified":"2026-03-26T18:02:03Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/calgary-sandstone-a-legacy-of-beauty","html_content":"

Sandstone has deep roots in Calgary. Years ago, there were several active quarries right in the city, including one in Bowness. This local stone had a big influence on the architecture of the buildings that are still sta...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/calgary-sandstone-a-legacy-of-beauty","title":"Calgary Sandstone a legacy of beauty","summary":"Sandstone has deep roots in Calgary. Years ago, there were several active quarries right in the city, including one in Bowness. This local stone had a big influence on the architecture of the buildings that are still sta...","date_modified":"2026-03-26T17:47:00Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/100-year-old-brick-arch","html_content":"

We completed a restoration of a brick building at least 120 years old. Over time, the foundation had shifted slightly, and some minor cracks had appeared. As you would expect, there were at least four or five instances w...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/100-year-old-brick-arch","title":"100 year old Brick Arch","summary":"We completed a restoration of a brick building at least 120 years old. Over time, the foundation had shifted slightly, and some minor cracks had appeared. As you would expect, there were at least four or five instances w...","date_modified":"2025-11-12T23:29:52Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/chimney-flashing-in-se-calgary","html_content":"

We often receive calls from roofing contractors or residential clients who are replacing shingles and need to replace the original step flashing. These are the pieces of aluminum that overlap the shingles and are bent a...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/chimney-flashing-in-se-calgary","title":"Chimney Flashing in S.E Calgary","summary":" We often receive calls from roofing contractors or residential clients who are replacing shingles and need to replace the original step flashing. These are the pieces of aluminum that overlap the shingles and are bent a...","date_modified":"2025-10-27T01:03:46Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-product-is-best-to-repair-bricks","html_content":"

Recently, I was called to assess a brick panel that had been damaged by a vehicle. What I found was far more unusual than the typical masonry repair. The section had clearly been repaired multiple times for other reasons...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-product-is-best-to-repair-bricks","title":"What product is best to Repair Bricks?","summary":"Recently, I was called to assess a brick panel that had been damaged by a vehicle. What I found was far more unusual than the typical masonry repair. The section had clearly been repaired multiple times for other reasons...","date_modified":"2024-12-15T18:20:08Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/glass-blocks-in-calgary","html_content":"

Glass blocks are a beautiful accent to any home or building, offering privacy, security, and a higher fire rating than ordinary windows. They also allow natural light to pass through, making them a perfect choice for bot...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/glass-blocks-in-calgary","title":"Glass Blocks in Calgary","summary":"Glass blocks are a beautiful accent to any home or building, offering privacy, security, and a higher fire rating than ordinary windows. They also allow natural light to pass through, making them a perfect choice for bot...","date_modified":"2024-03-14T18:23:25Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/bricks-are-separating-from-my-house-in-calgary","html_content":"

What causes this section of bricks to fall away from my house?

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/bricks-are-separating-from-my-house-in-calgary","title":"Bricks are separating from my house in Calgary ","summary":"What causes this section of bricks to fall away from my house?","date_modified":"2024-03-14T18:02:28Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/stone-log-cabin-renovation","html_content":"

This log cabin received a remarkable upgrade as we had the pleasure of adding a natural stone veneer. The original foundation had a painted cement finish, and the logs were originally stained in red. After the restoratio...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/stone-log-cabin-renovation","title":"Stone Log Cabin Renovation","summary":"This log cabin received a remarkable upgrade as we had the pleasure of adding a natural stone veneer. The original foundation had a painted cement finish, and the logs were originally stained in red. After the restoratio...","date_modified":"2023-08-01T13:58:02Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/tight-stone-masonry","html_content":"

This is a modified dry stack pattern with tight mortared joints. The joints will be scraped back and pointed with dark-colored mortar to give the stone a bold outline while highlighting the beautiful natural finish of th...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/tight-stone-masonry","title":"Tight Stone Masonry","summary":"This is a modified dry stack pattern with tight mortared joints. The joints will be scraped back and pointed with dark-colored mortar to give the stone a bold outline while highlighting the beautiful natural finish of th...","date_modified":"2023-06-20T13:27:59Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/lime-made-mortar-and-stone","html_content":"

Lime mortar repointing with Manitoba Limestone is a brilliant stone as it possesses exceptional properties. This stone strikes a perfect balance, being both hard and workable. Its edges can be chipped with relative ease ...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/lime-made-mortar-and-stone","title":"Lime Made Mortar and Stone ","summary":"Lime mortar repointing with Manitoba Limestone is a brilliant stone as it possesses exceptional properties. This stone strikes a perfect balance, being both hard and workable. Its edges can be chipped with relative ease ...","date_modified":"2023-06-14T12:28:21Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/the-perfect-modern-brick-wine-cellar","html_content":"

The wine cellar turned out to be an excellent idea. When I discussed the home renovation with the homeowner, we encountered a 1970s brick fireplace and chimney that required extensive restoration. Due to the addition and...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/the-perfect-modern-brick-wine-cellar","title":"the perfect modern brick wine cellar","summary":"The wine cellar turned out to be an excellent idea. When I discussed the home renovation with the homeowner, we encountered a 1970s brick fireplace and chimney that required extensive restoration. Due to the addition and...","date_modified":"2023-06-11T15:08:22Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/grout-colour-mortar-colour-and-the-game-of-matching","html_content":"

While working on a beautiful home in Mount Royal, Calgary, I encountered a brick detail that had been modified to accommodate a metal railing installed years after the masonry was completed. The work was well done, but t...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/grout-colour-mortar-colour-and-the-game-of-matching","title":"Grout colour mortar colour and the game of matching ","summary":"While working on a beautiful home in Mount Royal, Calgary, I encountered a brick detail that had been modified to accommodate a metal railing installed years after the masonry was completed. The work was well done, but t...","date_modified":"2023-06-07T01:24:22Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/when-do-you-need-repointing-and-why","html_content":"

While inspecting the condition of this 80-year-old chimney in Calgary, I noticed the classic signs of repairs and restorations of varying ages and quality. It's quite common to see multiple signs of repairs on older maso...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/when-do-you-need-repointing-and-why","title":"when do you need repointing and why?","summary":"While inspecting the condition of this 80-year-old chimney in Calgary, I noticed the classic signs of repairs and restorations of varying ages and quality. It's quite common to see multiple signs of repairs on older maso...","date_modified":"2023-06-04T17:11:24Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/original-masonry-works-of-art","html_content":"

The Bear Cub Planter: Where Art, Nature, and Masonry Converge

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/original-masonry-works-of-art","title":"original masonry works of art","summary":"The Bear Cub Planter: Where Art, Nature, and Masonry Converge","date_modified":"2023-06-01T02:04:01Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/looking-for-replacement-stones-for-your-house","html_content":"

Finding replacement materials for a restoration project can be a challenging task, even for resourceful masons. Let's take the example of stone, which can be relatively easier to locate compared to bricks. Stones are oft...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/looking-for-replacement-stones-for-your-house","title":"looking for replacement stones for your house?","summary":"Finding replacement materials for a restoration project can be a challenging task, even for resourceful masons. Let's take the example of stone, which can be relatively easier to locate compared to bricks. Stones are oft...","date_modified":"2023-05-31T19:11:54Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/crumbling-stone-what-causes-this","html_content":"

Manufactured stone is commonly used for homes and retail buildings. However, I've observed that in many cases, the stone starts to crumble where it comes into contact with the cement sidewalk or driveway. While this iss...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/crumbling-stone-what-causes-this","title":"Crumbling Stone, what causes this?","summary":" Manufactured stone is commonly used for homes and retail buildings. However, I've observed that in many cases, the stone starts to crumble where it comes into contact with the cement sidewalk or driveway. While this iss...","date_modified":"2023-05-30T04:45:41Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/repairing-brick-steps-and-pathways","html_content":"

: Strengthening Paving Bricks: The Power of Lath

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/repairing-brick-steps-and-pathways","title":"Repairing brick steps and pathways.","summary":": Strengthening Paving Bricks: The Power of Lath","date_modified":"2023-05-28T21:21:26Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/how-to-mix-mortar-and-get-the-right-consistency-to-lay-bricks","html_content":"

The number one question I often receive when discussing masonry is: How do I determine when the mortar is ready to use? In other words, how can I achieve the right consistency when there is little room for error with the...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/how-to-mix-mortar-and-get-the-right-consistency-to-lay-bricks","title":"How to mix mortar and get the right consistency to lay bricks.","summary":"The number one question I often receive when discussing masonry is: How do I determine when the mortar is ready to use? In other words, how can I achieve the right consistency when there is little room for error with the...","date_modified":"2023-05-26T04:09:48Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-is-this-white-residue-on-my-bricks","html_content":"

If you're in Calgary it could be snow in May but lets pretend its july, what could it be?

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/what-is-this-white-residue-on-my-bricks","title":"what is this white residue on my bricks?","summary":"If you're in Calgary it could be snow in May but lets pretend its july, what could it be?","date_modified":"2023-05-24T04:25:10Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/when-lightning-strikes-in-the-foothills","html_content":"

When lightning strikes a tree, The intense electrical discharge from the lightning bolt travels through the tree's trunk, branches, and roots, The immense heat generated by the lightning can cause the tree's internal moi...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/when-lightning-strikes-in-the-foothills","title":"when lightning strikes in the foothills","summary":"When lightning strikes a tree, The intense electrical discharge from the lightning bolt travels through the tree's trunk, branches, and roots, The immense heat generated by the lightning can cause the tree's internal moi...","date_modified":"2023-05-23T03:15:15Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/flaking-and-crumbling-stone","html_content":"

Spalling is a type of damage that occurs on brick or stone when the surface of the material starts to flake, chip or peel off. It is caused by a combination of factors such as exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, water penetr...

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/flaking-and-crumbling-stone","title":"Flaking and crumbling stone","summary":"Spalling is a type of damage that occurs on brick or stone when the surface of the material starts to flake, chip or peel off. It is caused by a combination of factors such as exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, water penetr...","date_modified":"2023-05-23T00:37:41Z"},{"id":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/a-favourite-brick-design-inspiration","html_content":"

Having Grown up in Manitoba I have had the pleasure of working on some beautiful homes and buildings which Feature Limestone and Brick. Calgary has many examples of this classic look.

","url":"https://dixonmasonry.ca/blog/f/a-favourite-brick-design-inspiration","title":"a favourite brick design inspiration ","summary":"Having Grown up in Manitoba I have had the pleasure of working on some beautiful homes and buildings which Feature Limestone and Brick. Calgary has many examples of this classic look.","date_modified":"2023-05-23T00:16:04Z"}]}