Frequently asked questions
Answers for GTA home builders, site supers and masons. Can't find yours? Call 905-251-0101 or request a quote.
Winter tarping
Why do builders tarp and heat masonry in winter in Ontario?
The Ontario Building Code requires mortar and masonry to be kept at 5 °C or warmer during installation and for at least 48 hours afterwards, with no frozen material in the mortar. Tarping the scaffold and heating the enclosure lets masons keep laying brick through the winter.
How far ahead should I book winter tarping?
As soon as your cold-weather masonry schedule is set. Freeze-up in the GTA usually starts in November, so book before then. See winter scaffolding tarping.
Who supplies the heat?
Usually the masonry contractor or builder. We confirm it in the quote and build the enclosure for the heaters you plan to use, in line with O. Reg. 213/91 s. 49.
Building envelope (Tyvek, Blueskin & SOPRASEAL)
Is Tyvek a vapour barrier?
No. Tyvek HomeWrap is a vapour-permeable weather and air barrier. It sheds bulk water and limits air leakage while letting the wall assembly dry outward.
What is Blueskin VP100?
A self-adhered, vapour-permeable water-resistive air barrier made by Henry. We use it at windows, transitions and, where specified, full walls. See Blueskin air barrier.
Do you install Soprema SOPRASEAL?
Yes. SOPRASEAL is Soprema's self-adhered air and vapour barrier membrane, comparable to Blueskin. We install the SOPRASEAL product your drawings specify. See building envelope installation.
How long can house wrap stay exposed?
Check the current manufacturer data sheet. DuPont publishes a UV exposure limit for HomeWrap (commonly cited as 120 days).
Exterior insulation
Does exterior insulation go over or under the house wrap?
In most new-home walls, over the water-resistive barrier and under the cladding. Follow your designer's wall assembly. See exterior insulation for new homes.
Which exterior insulation boards do you install?
Soprema SOPRA-XPS 20 (extruded polystyrene) and SOPRA-ISO V ALU (foil-faced polyiso). Your designer sets the board and thickness.
Is exterior insulation required?
It depends on the energy-code path your designer chooses. Confirm with your designer or energy advisor.
Power washing
Will power washing damage new brick?
It can if the pressure is too high. We use low pressure, test first and follow the brick manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. See power washing for new and existing homes.
When should washing happen before PDI?
After masonry, grading and exterior trades are finished, and before the pre-delivery inspection.
Do you power wash older homes?
Yes. We restore older brick and stone homes, removing efflorescence, grime and mortar haze with low pressure and a test patch first. See power washing for new and existing homes.
Brick ties
What changed for brick ties in the 2024 Ontario Building Code?
Ties for masonry veneer must be pre-bent before galvanizing and fastened with 76 mm nails (Article 9.20.9.5). See brick tie installation.
Who decides tie spacing?
The Ontario Building Code and, where applicable, your engineer. We install to the spacing on your drawings.
Quotes, scheduling and service area
What do you need for a quote?
The site address, target start date, number of homes, storeys, approximate linear feet of scaffold and which elevations need covering. Call 905-251-0101 or use the quote form.
Which areas do you serve?
The Greater Toronto Area: York Region, the City of Toronto, Peel, Durham and Halton, plus Niagara Region and Simcoe County. See service areas.
Do you work for masons and GCs?
Yes. We work for home builders, site supers, masonry contractors and general contractors.