Protecting Your Investment: How New England’s Harsh Winters Can Destroy Your Masonry—And What You Can Do About It
New England winters are notorious for their brutal freeze-thaw cycles, and your masonry structures are bearing the brunt of this seasonal assault. One of the primary reasons masonry deteriorates during cold months is the freeze-thaw cycle. When water seeps into cracks in bricks, stone, or mortar, it expands as it freezes, widening the existing damage. Over time, this repeated cycle weakens the structure, leading to loose bricks, crumbling mortar, and even compromised walls. Understanding how to design and protect your outdoor masonry against these harsh conditions isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for preserving your property’s value and structural integrity.
Understanding the Freeze-Thaw Enemy
The freeze-thaw cycle happens when water gets into small cracks and holes in bricks. When the temperature drops below freezing, that water turns into ice and expands — pushing against the brick from the inside. When the ice melts, the pressure releases, but the cycle repeats over and over with each freeze. water expands by about 9% when it freezes, that pressure can cause serious damage to bricks over time. If you live in an area with cold winters and lots of freezing and thawing (like Boston!), this cycle can happen dozens of times in a season.
Small cracks that seem insignificant in the fall can grow into major structural concerns by spring. This makes proactive design and protection strategies crucial for any outdoor masonry project in New England.
Essential Design Strategies for Winter-Ready Masonry
Material Selection and Quality
Choosing high-quality products is one of the most crucial parts of building hardscaping elements. The concrete must be strong, with low permeability and the ability to withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Purchasing blocks with entrained air can help you ensure even dispersion of air and water, so the freezing doesn’t put as much pressure on the concrete. Low-permeability mixes help keep water from penetrating the surface as easily and keep it outside the blocks.
When selecting materials for New England climates, prioritize bricks and stones with proven freeze-thaw resistance ratings. This is especially true when using salvaged or recycled bricks, which may not have been designed to withstand the weather in your area. To ensure that replacement bricks and mortar are the right fit for your region and climate, have all masonry repairs professionally completed.
Proper Drainage and Water Management
Effective water management is your first line of defense against freeze-thaw damage. Design your masonry structures with adequate drainage systems that direct water away from vulnerable areas. They similarly will see more damage if they get more moisture. For example, if one side of a wall gets hit with wind and rain more frequently than another, it will probably see the most freeze-thaw damage.
Consider incorporating weep holes, proper grading, and waterproof membranes into your design. These elements work together to prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of moisture penetration into masonry joints.
Joint Design and Mortar Selection
The mortar joints in your masonry are often the weakest link in freeze-thaw resistance. Use mortar mixes specifically formulated for cold climates, and ensure proper joint tooling to create weather-tight seals. Our skilled masons carefully assess and repair deteriorating mortar joints, using period-appropriate and weather-resistant materials that restore strength and prevent future moisture intrusion.
Protective Measures and Maintenance
Waterproofing and Sealants
Once of the easiest and most cost effective methods for protecting your bricks and mortar is by having them professionally waterproofed. This process uses specially designed sealants that allow the masonry to retain its porous nature while still preventing water from getting into the bricks and mortar. Applying water-repellent coatings can also shield your masonry from moisture, reducing the risk of freeze-thaw damage.
Regular Inspection and Early Intervention
If you notice cracks in the masonry, you have two options: repair them or replace the masonry. Even minor cracks can cause severe damage if left unchecked. You can avoid additional problems and get a seamless look by plugging the cracks.
Early intervention during winter months allows for more precise, less invasive repairs, ultimately reducing long-term maintenance expenses. Schedule professional inspections before and after winter seasons to identify potential issues before they become costly structural problems.
Professional Construction Considerations
When planning masonry construction during New England’s challenging seasons, timing and technique are critical. Building codes mandate certain procedures when constructing masonry during cold weather when the ambient air temperature is 40°F and below. A cold weather masonry construction and protection plan must be provided as a project submittal if job site temperatures are anticipated to drop below 40°F at any time during the masonry installation.
Keeping materials dry and protected by using pallets and tarps, and when necessary, placing units in a heated enclosure. Using weather-resistive covers or blankets to protect the completed masonry for 24 to 48 hours. Installing enclosures and heating work areas when temperatures reach 25°F or below to improve conditions for craftworkers, avoid interruptions caused by weather, help meet required material temperature targets, and provide better quality masonry.
Working with New England Masonry Experts
Academy Masonry, serving Boston, Suffolk County, and Middlesex County, brings over 30 years of combined experience to winter-ready masonry projects. With a heritage of 30 years of combined knowledge and experience handed down from generation to generation, we stand as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. As a local, family-owned business, we cherish our deep-rooted ties to the community, and our reputation is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier masonry services.
When you work with Academy Masonry, you choose a masonry contractor that values quality, durability, and aesthetics. We understand that your home or business is a significant investment, and we’re dedicated to enhancing its beauty and functionality with expertly installed masonry. From retaining wall pavers to custom patios, our work not only augments the appearance of your property but also adds long-term value. As one of the most trusted masonry companies in the area, we pride ourselves on using high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure the durability and beauty of your masonry work.
Prevention Is Your Best Investment
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent or reduce the damage from freeze-thaw cycles. The damage isn’t something you can readily fix. It usually requires completely replacing the damaged piece or brick, so preventing the damage instead is the ideal approach.
Investing in proper design, quality materials, and professional installation from the start will save you thousands in repair costs down the road. Investing in regular Connecticut masonry maintenance not only protects your property during the cold months but also enhances its curb appeal and longevity.
Don’t wait for spring to address winter damage. Water in your foundation won’t wait for warmer weather – and neither should you. Exceptional Masonry provides complete interior waterproofing solutions all winter long. Contact Academy Masonry today to discuss how proper design and proactive protection can keep your masonry structures beautiful and structurally sound through countless New England winters.