top of page
Victorian house chimney stacks

CEMENT PARGING SERVICES IN OTTAWA

Need prompt and expert services to parge your chimney? Reitano Concrete Ltd provides parging services to existing, brand-new homes in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. Usually applied as a coating to the visible part of your structure’s foundations, cement parging can protect your home and serve as a barrier against the outdoor elements. It will also cover minor imperfections of your foundations. Whether you need cement parging for your chimney or an exterior wall, our experts offer services that will protect the integrity of your structure and keep it looking its best.
 

Take a step with us to enhance the comfort and insulation of your home by adding a layer of parging to your cement floors and walls! Get a free quote from us now!

Antique brick wall under damaged plaster

WHAT IS PARGING?

Parging is the process of applying a masonry-based mortar to the interior or exterior walls made of block, brick or stone. In some cases, parging is done simply to give a finished look to the structure. For example, concrete blocks and poured concrete walls often have a rough texture and may need parging to provide a smoother appearance. In other cases, this method protects a building and keeps mortar from failing. While parging is not a waterproofing agent, it can help keep water out of your house or business. This process is an economical solution with several benefits. If done incorrectly, parging can trap water between the exterior and the parge coat, which is why it is important to book an experienced contractor. Call the professionals at Reitano Concrete Ltd today!

BENEFITS OF PARGING

Along with giving your concrete floors a nice and smooth surface finish, parging offers the following benefits:

​

  • Insulation
    Parging can give your home additional protection and insulation for your foundation against the cold winter. A coat of parging will also keep the integrity of your foundation’s structure as it prevents water from freezing in the cracks and holes, which can lead to a host of other issues.
     

  • Protects against insects and critters
    Holes and cracks in your concrete invite tiny bugs, critters and other insects and rodents, such as mice, allowing them to enter through holes in your walls. While such pest infestation can be tough to eliminate and cause severe damage, parging is a cost-effective solution to avoid the situation.
     

  • Improves structural integrity
    Unaddressed cracks and holes in your foundation can quickly become big problems, leading to expensive repairs and unnecessary stress. Parging adds an extra layer of structural integrity by covering any existing cracks on the walls, preventing water from freezing in these holes.
     

  • Improves energy efficiency
    Parging your walls will make them stronger and reduce your energy usage by adding a layer of insulation. Covering small cracks in your exterior walls stabilizes indoor temperatures, improves your carbon footprint, and saves money on heating or air-conditioning bills.
     

  • Increases curb appeal
    Proper construction, maintenance and care can make your home the haven it needs to be for years to come. It will also make it more valuable whenever you decide to sell it. Protecting your home with a layer of parging can prevent damage from elements through the seasons and allow you to sell your home at a higher estimated value.

 

Please read our blog to learn more about the significance of pre-winter chimney repair and maintenance!

SIGNS YOU NEED PARGING SERVICES FOR YOUR OTTAWA HOME

Parging offers a multitude of benefits for Ottawa homeowners, but how do you know when it's time to call in a professional? Here are some signs that your foundation or chimney may require parging services:
 

  • Visible Cracks:  Cracks in the foundation walls or chimney are a red flag and warrant an inspection by a professional. Small hairline cracks may be addressed with a simple parging application. However, larger cracks or those exhibiting movement require a more comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate repair strategy.
     

  • Spalling and Crumbling:  Over time, exposure to harsh weather elements can cause the exterior surface of your foundation or chimney to deteriorate. This manifests as spalling, where chunks of concrete or mortar flake away, or crumbling, where the surface becomes powdery and disintegrates. Parging can effectively address these issues by providing a fresh, protective layer.
     

  • Water Leaks:  Water leakage through cracks or gaps in the foundation or chimney is a serious concern. Not only can it damage the interior of your home but also compromise the structural integrity of the foundation.  Parging, while not a waterproofing solution on its own, can help prevent water infiltration by sealing cracks and creating a more uniform surface.
     

  • Musty Odors:  A musty odor emanating from your basement can indicate moisture problems within the foundation walls.  This could be due to water leakage or condensation caused by inadequate insulation.  Parging, combined with proper drainage solutions, can help address moisture issues and eliminate musty smells.
     

  • Increased Energy Bills:  A poorly insulated foundation can contribute to higher energy bills throughout the year. Parging helps improve the thermal efficiency of your home by acting as an additional barrier against the elements. This can translate to reduced heating and cooling costs.
     

  • Decreased Curb Appeal:  A cracked, spalled, or uneven foundation detracts from the overall visual appeal of your home.  A fresh coat of parging can significantly enhance your home's exterior,  improving its curb appeal and potentially increasing its value.

 

If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to contact a reputable parging contractor in Ottawa for a professional assessment. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from escalating into costly repairs down the road.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARGING CONTRACTOR IN OTTAWA

With several parging contractors operating in Ottawa, selecting the right company for your project is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
 

  • Experience and Expertise:  Look for a company with a proven track record and extensive experience in parging foundations and chimneys.  Ask about their specific experience working on projects similar to yours.
     

  • Qualifications and Licensing: Ensure the contractor holds the necessary licenses and insurance to operate legally in Ottawa.  Verify if they employ certified and experienced parging technicians.
     

  • Quality of Materials:  Inquire about the type of materials the contractor uses for parging.  High-quality materials are essential for ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.
     

  • Workmanship and Attention to Detail:  A reputable contractor will take pride in their workmanship and pay close attention to detail throughout the parging process.
     

  • Customer Reviews and Recommendations:  Read online reviews and ask the contractor for references from past clients.  Positive feedback from satisfied customers can be a good indicator of the company's reliability and quality of service.
     

  • Written Estimates and Warranties:  Obtain a written estimate outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, labor costs, and project timeline.  Ensure the contractor offers a warranty on their workmanship.
     

  • Communication and Transparency:  Choose a contractor who is transparent in their communication and readily answers your questions.  A good working relationship built on clear communication is essential for a successful project.

 

Taking the time to consider these factors will help you select our qualified and reliable parging contractor in Ottawa who can ensure your project is completed to the highest standards,  protecting your home and enhancing its value for years to come.

OUR PARGING PROCESS

The parging process is as follows:

 

  • First, the area to be covered is thoroughly cleaned. Loose mortar, soot or any other dirt is scrubbed off using detergent. This is done to ensure that parging sticks well to the chimney.

  • The walls are rinsed, and deeply eroded bricks are chiselled and replaced. This is done to ensure that you don’t face problems in the future.

  • The walls are kept moist while applying a thick layer of mortar. It is crucial to be vigilant at this stage because if the mortar is not applied correctly on the damp walls and kept moist throughout the process, the mortar mix will spread unevenly and likely break.

  • The wall needs to dry for a day before the second coat is applied, which not be more than 3/8-inch thick. Skip the second coat if you are satisfied with the wall after only one coat.
     

Keep in mind that a chimney needs constant upkeep. If you are observing a lot of debris around the fireplace, it’s time to contact us! Our cement parging services ensure your property in Ottawa remains in the best possible shape.

Closeup hand of worker plastering cement at wall for building house

REQUEST PARGING SERVICES IN OTTAWA

Keep your structure sound by requesting parging services in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley from the experienced team at Reitano Concrete Ltd. Our family business believes in an honest, up-front approach and will give you a detailed estimate of the job. Besides cement parging, we proudly offer a range of safe and comprehensive services like floor finishing, concrete repairs, interlocking, and more! We ensure that your needs are fulfilled smoothly. Contact us today to keep your property protected!

bottom of page