Seeing your precious masonry crumble after spending thousands of dollars is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. You may have hired the most renowned concrete construction service, opted for the best quality materials, and spent each minute closely monitoring the masonry construction. But if you didn’t take care of your outdoor masonry during the cold weather, you might have to bear some hefty masonry related costs.
Most homeowners fail to recognize the common signs of masonry damage caused by cold weather. While most homeowners are aware of chimney-related issues, such as chimney leaks and damages in cold , they don’t pay heed to block walls, stuccos, staircases, and pavers in their homes.
As a result, you have thousands of dollars going down the drain and a damaged masonry structure becomes a safety hazard. Read this blog to ensure that you are not one of those homeowners that spend thousands on repairs.
We’ll tell you ten ways to protect your masonry from the cold weather and also highlight the most common signs of damage.
How Does Cold Weather Impact the Masonry?
But first, you must understand how the cold weather (rain and frost) impacts your masonry structure.
Freezing and Thawing Cycles
The brick and motor are water-absorbent. Every time it rains or snows, your block wall or stucco absorbs and retains water. In summers, the warm temperatures evaporate this water. But during winter, this moisture gets trapped inside bricks and mortar, causing the masonry to contract.
Come the warmer season, and the moisture gets out of your masonry structures, expanding the structure, and leaving behind cracks in it.
Gaps in the Structure
The constant expansion and contraction of the masonry leave permanent gaps in the structure. This freezing and thawing cycle over the years severely damages the masonry, making it vulnerable to spall or fall.
Signs of Wear and Tear
But not every homeowner pays attention to outdoor masonry’s wear and tear caused by the cold weather. Here are some signs you must keep an eye on.
Spalling and Falling Bricks
If you notice a cinder block or two fall out of their place or your steps missing a few pieces, it’s time to be concerned. You may not realize it, but these missing blocks of bricks are actually telling you something’s terribly wrong.
Crumbly Mortar
If you are able to push, move around, and take off mortar with your bare fingers, your outdoor masonry has become damaged. The internal weakness of the structure will start showing signs at the outermost surface first.
Visible Cracks
This one’s a no-brainer, but a damaged chimney, steps, paver, or block wall will always have visible cracks. At first, you may only feel like calling a repair service because it looks unappealing. But there’s more to the story.
Discolored Bricks
If your burgundy red bricks have started to look dull or your ivory is getting darker, chances are your masonry is damaged due to cold weather. Take a close look to see the other signs and immediately call a masonry repair service.
How to Protect Your Masonry?
Here are some ways to protect your masonry from winter damage and add years to your masonry structure.
Schedule Timely Inspections
You may not know, but timely inspections can help you save hundreds of dollars every year. According to the National Concrete Masonry Association, homeowners must get their structures inspected annually.
Have a Proactive Approach
Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, opt for a proactive approach and plan preventive maintenance. This means that in addition to getting your paver installation inspected once a year, call a repair service randomly to check its condition.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Damage
And if you start seeing crumbly mortar, discoloration, cracks, and other signs of damage, don’t overlook them. Call a masonry repair service immediately.
Repair Early
A timely fix will save you money and a lot of hassle. The more you ignore the signs of damage, the more you’ll end up paying for a bigger masonry problem—and let’s not forget how unsafe this practice is.
Apply Masonry Sealant
When planning maintenance or doing concrete construction, ask the contractor to apply masonry sealant. This will prevent excessive moisture from entering the structure and causing damage.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
You may want to use sodium chloride, rock salt, or other snow-melting chemicals during the winter. These chemicals are great for quickly melting the snow and making your steps non-slippery. But remember, these chemicals are harsh and cause damage to your masonry steps.
Instead, use magnesium chloride, which is comparatively safer and good for masonry structures.
Don’t Grow Plants too Close
Most homeowners grow plants and bushes just next to their block walls. While this is great for curb appeal, it not’s good for masonry health. The moisture needs to get out, and plants will only further trap it within the structure.
Apply Chimney Caps
If you have chimneys and outdoor fire pits, don’t forget the protective caps. These caps prevent water from getting inside the masonry structures and add to their longevity. An expert masonry contractor will surely guide you about other protective elements that can increase the life of your masonry structures.
Use the Right Material
Question your masonry contractor regarding the right materials for outdoor masonry. Concrete, brick, cut stone, and flagstone are highly recommended for outdoor masonry installations. You do want your home to look visually appealing without overlooking the functional aspects.
Choose Experienced Contractors
If you find a new masonry contractor who’s offering you a price that’s too good to be true, stay away! Always opt for locally renowned and established construction services and block wall experts.
So if you need a masonry repair, installation, or maintenance done, get in touch with us at CF Vice Construction. We are a Phoenix-based masonry service provider with over ten years of experience in the industry.
Call us for putting green installation, commercial painting, gate installation, and masonry repair services in Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.