Tag: how to do parging on icf foundation

Toronto Parging: Tricks and Tips

You’ve got some ugly block walls or a foundation that is crumbling. Parging in Toronto is like the underappreciated handyman that fixes everything and disappears. Parging is not the most talked about thing in town but is crucial to keep walls looking nice and intact. See parging in toronto to get more info.

Now let’s get down to the details! For the unfamiliar, parging is adding an extra coat of stucco based on cement to exterior walls. On foundations, it’s used to protect them against the elements. It may seem simple but it requires patience and skill.

Imagine walking down Toronto’s streets. There are many different architectural styles, including classic Victorians and ultra-modern condos. There’s one thing that connects many of these structures – parging.

You might be wondering: “Why do I need to parge?” If you’re a resident of the GTA you already know that Toronto weather is unpredictable. The winters can be brutal and summers hot, but the rains never stop. The constant extremes of weather can cause serious damage to foundations. The cement layers can start to peel away, exposing the bricks and concrete blocks underneath. Parging is the solution. It offers protection as well as a smooth finish.

Imagine that it is January and there are snowflakes covering every surface. Moisture seeps through cracks in the snow and freezes over night. The expanding ice will make these cracks widen, and turn tiny fissures to gaping crevices. You notice that there are large chunks of wall missing next spring. Yikes! The parging act acts as armor to protect against these bitter attacks.

Have you ever tried to parge by yourself before? It’s a job that will test your patience. Remember the frustration you felt when you tried to do a project yourself. Then multiply that frustration by 10. This is not a simple matter of slapping some cement on and calling it good. It’s an artistic process. It’s important to get the right mix – it shouldn’t be too thin or too liquid. Goldilocks and her porridge come to mind.

A short story! Steve, my friend, once attempted parging. He mixed it up and started working, with DIY enthusiasm. He looked like an cement monster from a horror movie by the time he was halfway through. It looked even worse when he began. It’s important to know that sometimes it is better to call in professionals.

Ask around for recommendations. Ask around. Your cousin or neighbor might have hired someone who is great. In Toronto’s close-knit communities, word-of-mouth is golden. You can also read online reviews. There are many. Parging done correctly can last for decades. But if it’s botched, you might be fixing the problem next year. Next year, you might have to fix it.

Many curious people ask, “Is parging only for older homes?” No! Even new constructions can benefit. This not only adds to the look of any newly constructed home, but also seals it. In a city with a high property value and where curb appeal is important, an attractive, smooth foundation can do wonders.

Color is also important! The world of parging doesn’t have to be grey. It can be tinted to suit your personality. You can choose from earthy shades or modern, stark colors. You can dress your house in Sunday best.

Toronto’s houses are a treasure chest of tales. Each brick and each beam has a story to tell. What is a well-parged brick wall? Like a good family story, it’s neat and engaging.

Parging is not just about maintenance in Toronto. This is a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality, as well as protection. You can be a home owner, renter or simply passing by, but spare a moment to appreciate those fortified, smooth walls. These walls have a task to perform – and do it well. Parging is a hidden hero that deserves your attention. Every home deserves to be praised, just as every hero does.