Dealing with Winter-Damaged Masonry
Winter is a tough season–and it can be especially tough on your outdoor masonry. This is a good time to check your outdoor stonework to see if you need to schedule masonry repairs. Get started now and by spring, your patio will be looking good and you’ll be able to enjoy those first sunny rays in style. A professional mason will examine your stonework and give you advice on how to get it looking its best again.
How Winter Damages Stonework
Most stones are porous, meaning that they absorb water. When water in the stone freezes, the stone contracts. Once the water thaws and evaporates, the stone expands again. This is a natural reaction and it’s what makes stone adaptable to many weather conditions.
In extreme weather, this porosity can lead to problems. A repeated cycle of freezing and thawing leads to holes in the stone, which leads to even more water being absorbed, frozen and thawed. Over time, this freeze-thaw cycle will cause stonework to disintegrate.
What to Look For
Sagging: If you left heavy furniture or equipment out on your patio, you might notice that some of the tiles have sunk under the weight. Those stones weren’t able to shift during the freezing and thawing cycle.
Cracked mortar: Freezing temperatures can cause stone tiles to shrink, leading to tiles that pull from the mortar and leave cracks.
Spalling: Bricks can start breaking loose from their mortar in a process called “spalling.” This doesn’t just look unattractive. It’s a sign of serious weakness in a wall or other structure.
Professional Masonry Repair is Key
Stonework that’s starting to fall apart is an eyesore. It’s also a big repair job that you shouldn’t attempt yourself.
If you have winter-damaged masonry, it’s time to call a professional mason. At Capital Masonry, we have extensive experience repairing even the worst cases of damaged masonry. We’ll determine whether the stonework needs repointing, tucking or structural repair. Your masonry will look like new again, and be strong enough to endure the weather ahead.
Prevention Tips
Protect stone, tile, and pavers this winter with some simple maintenance.
- Never use ice melt or rock salt on your patio, pavers or walkways.
- When clearing snow, use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one.
- Ask a professional mason about sealants to weatherproof your stonework.
Once your masonry is in good shape, be sure to prevent winter problems from cropping up again. Once the weather warms up, follow these tips to protect your masonry.
- Ask a professional mason to inspect the stonework before cold weather hits.
- Have outdoor chimneys professionally cleaned.
- Move heavy items like furniture to a shed or garage.
Call the Masonry Experts
When you need professional installation or repair of your stonework, call Capital Masonry. We’re a third-generation local business that has earned the highest customer satisfaction rankings on Angie’s List and other sites. Our technicians have the skill, knowledge, and experience to create beautiful stonework that you’ll enjoy for years to come.