Brick Foundation Construction Winnipeg

What Is a Brick and Mortar Foundation?

Brick foundations—typically constructed from solid clay brick and lime-based mortar—were a common foundation type used before the widespread adoption of concrete in the early 20th century. They consist of several wythes (layers) of brick, carefully bonded together to form a load-bearing structure.

Brick foundations are found today in:

• Older homes built before 1940

• Heritage buildings

• Churches and civic buildings

• Outbuildings and small commercial units

In Winnipeg, these foundations remain common in mature neighbourhoods such as Wolseley, Crescentwood, and St. Boniface.

Brick Foundation Construction vs. Concrete

Brick foundations are often misunderstood as outdated or inferior, but when designed and built properly, they can last a century or more.

Modern brick masonry foundation design often combines the aesthetics of brick with reinforced concrete footings or grade beams for long-term stability.

Our Brick Foundation Services in Winnipeg

We provide full-service brick foundation construction and related masonry support for residential, commercial, and heritage clients:

1. New Brick Foundation Construction

For custom homes, studios, or heritage-style buildings, we offer:

• Engineered brick masonry wall foundations

• Brick facades with structural concrete behind

• Load-bearing brick with internal piers and buttresses

• Footings designed to support brick masonry

Our team coordinates with structural engineers to meet all Manitoba Building Code requirements.

2. Brick Foundation Restoration & Repair

Older brick foundations may show signs of wear, such as cracking, bowing, or mortar loss. We provide:

• Repointing with compatible lime-based mortar

• Brick replacement and wall stabilization

• Crack stitching and waterproofing

• New footings for compromised foundation walls

• Basement interior or exterior reinforcement

We preserve the historical look while ensuring the structure is safe and up to modern standards.

3. Hybrid Systems

We frequently design and install brick veneer over concrete foundations or combine brick piers with modern frost walls for garage builds, porches, or custom cottages.

Why Brick Foundations Still Work in Winnipeg

Despite the shift to concrete, there’s still a place for brick masonry foundation design—especially when it comes to:

• Matching heritage construction

• Creating custom architectural features

• Working on homes where excavation is limited

• Maintaining aesthetic continuity in renovations or additions

When paired with proper drainage, rebar, and waterproofing, brick foundations can offer long-lasting, stable performance—even in Winnipeg’s clay-heavy soil and harsh winters.

Signs Your Brick Foundation Needs Attention

If you live in a home with an existing brick foundation, look out for these warning signs:

• Mortar joints crumbling or washed away

• Bricks shifting, bulging, or cracking

• Water seepage through basement walls

• Floor sloping or wall movement

• Visible frost damage or efflorescence

• Foundation settling on one side

Even if your foundation feels stable today, these issues can worsen with time. Early intervention prevents more costly work later.

Our Process: Brick Foundation Construction or Repair

Whether you’re building from scratch or restoring a 100-year-old base, here’s how we work:

Step 1: Site Visit & Assessment

We inspect the current structure, soil, drainage, and building needs to assess if a brick foundation is suitable.

Step 2: Engineering & Design

For structural foundations, we collaborate with engineers to ensure footing width, wall thickness, and load-bearing specs are met.

Step 3: Material Selection

We match original brick types for restoration or recommend high-quality clay brick for new construction. Lime, Type S, or hydraulic mortars are chosen based on climate needs.

Step 4: Foundation Build or Repair

Our bricklayers construct or repair the foundation using time-tested techniques—ensuring correct joint spacing, bonding, and alignment.

Step 5: Finishing & Waterproofing

We can add parging, waterproof membranes, or interior insulation systems depending on the use case.

Brick Foundation Cost in Winnipeg

Pricing depends on whether you’re building new, restoring existing, or combining brick with modern materials. Here’s a general guide:

We offer free inspections and written estimates for all projects.

Brick Foundation Contractors Near Me

If you’re searching for brick foundation contractors near me, Assured Foundations is one of Winnipeg’s few teams with the experience and equipment to handle true brick and mortar construction. We specialize in:

• Residential restorations in older neighbourhoods

• Commercial masonry retrofits

• Historical preservation of civic and church buildings

• Additions that tie into existing brickwork

• Garage and porch bases with traditional curb appeal

Our reputation is built on combining historic craftsmanship with modern code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are brick foundations legal under current building codes?
Yes, when engineered correctly. We ensure all our work meets Manitoba Building Code requirements and can integrate brick with concrete for structural compliance.

How long do brick foundations last?
A well-maintained brick foundation can last 75–100+ years. With proper repointing and waterproofing, they are extremely durable.

Is brick more expensive than concrete?
It can be, depending on the labor and materials involved. However, for aesthetic or historical projects, brick is often worth the investment.

Can you pour concrete behind existing brick walls?
Yes. This is common in structural retrofits where we stabilize a historic brick façade by casting a concrete support wall behind it.

Do you use lime or cement-based mortar?
We use mortar that matches the age and type of brick. For older homes, lime-based mortar allows flexibility and breathability, while newer builds use Type S or polymer-modified blends.

Book a Brick Foundation Inspection or Estimate

Whether you’re restoring a century-old home or building something with timeless style, Assured Foundations offers expert brick foundation construction in Winnipeg—done right, and built to last.

Call 204-998-1850 or contact us online to schedule your free quote today.