If there is one force every Massachusetts homeowner should understand, it is the freeze-thaw cycle. It is the reason our roads get potholes, and it is the slow, quiet destroyer of brick, stone and concrete.
How it works
Water gets into tiny pores and cracks in masonry. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands by about nine percent. That expansion forces the cracks slightly wider. When it thaws, more water seeps in, and the next freeze pushes harder.
In Massachusetts we go through this cycle dozens of times each winter. Each one is small, but together they break down the face of brick (spalling), crumble mortar joints, and crack concrete and stone.
How to protect your masonry
- Keep mortar joints sound. Repoint failing joints before water can get behind the wall.
- Manage water. Good grading, gutters, flashing and drainage keep water away from masonry in the first place.
- Seal where appropriate. The right breathable sealer can reduce water absorption without trapping moisture inside.
- Fix small cracks early, before a winter turns them into big ones.
The bottom line
Freeze-thaw damage is gradual, which is exactly why it is dangerous: by the time it is obvious, it is often serious. A quick inspection of your masonry each fall, and prompt repair of small issues, is the cheapest insurance there is against a major rebuild.
Get Your Free Masonry Estimate
Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
