Winter weather can take a toll on brick structures, especially in regions with freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice – like here in Michigan. Preparing your brickwork for winter is essential to prevent damage from the elements and to keep your home safe, secure, and looking at its best. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to protect your brickwork against winter weather, from inspection to essential repairs and maintenance tips.
Why Winter Weather is Tough on Brickwork
Brickwork is generally durable and long-lasting, but the winter season poses specific challenges. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow can lead to moisture infiltration, freezing and thawing cycles, and salt exposure—all of which can damage bricks and mortar over time. Moisture absorbed by the brick expands when it freezes, creating cracks and surface flaking (spalling). Additionally, de-icing salts can wear down mortar, accelerating deterioration. Below are some steps you can take to protect your masonry brickwork from Michigan's tough winters.
1. Inspect Your Brickwork for Cracks and Damage
Why It’s Important:
Cracks in bricks and mortar provide an entry point for moisture, which can freeze and expand, causing even more damage. Inspect your brickwork for any visible cracks, gaps, or crumbling mortar.
How to Do It:
Walk around your home and examine brick walls, chimneys, and walkways. Check for cracks in both bricks and mortar joints. If you notice significant damage, it may be wise to contact a masonry professional to assess the severity and recommend repairs before winter arrives.
2. Repoint Deteriorated Mortar
Why It’s Important:
Mortar joints hold bricks together, and deteriorated mortar can compromise the stability of the structure. Repointing, or replacing damaged mortar with new material, reinforces brickwork and helps prevent water infiltration.
How to Do It:
Repointing can be a DIY project for minor repairs, but extensive repointing requires professional expertise. A mason will remove the old, crumbling mortar and replace it with fresh mortar, restoring the strength of the wall and creating a watertight seal.
3. Clean Your Brickwork
Why It’s Important:
Dirt, mold, and efflorescence (white powdery residue) can trap moisture against the brick surface, increasing the risk of damage. A clean brick surface is less likely to absorb excess moisture during the winter.
How to Do It:
Use a gentle cleaner or a mild soap solution to clean your brickwork. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the surface. If you use a power washer, make sure the pressure is appropriate for brickwork to prevent damage. Clean bricks dry faster, helping them resist moisture-related issues throughout the winter.
4. Apply a Masonry Sealant
Why It’s Important:
Masonry sealants create a water-resistant barrier on the brick surface, reducing the risk of moisture absorption and freeze-thaw damage. Sealants also help prevent efflorescence and protect against salt exposure from de-icing materials.
How to Do It:
Choose a breathable, water-repellent sealant that’s specifically designed for brick and masonry. Apply the sealant evenly using a sprayer or roller, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid sealants that trap moisture inside the brick, as this can lead to long-term damage.
5. Check and Repair Gutters and Downspouts
Why It’s Important:
Proper drainage is essential for keeping water away from your brick walls. Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and accumulate around the foundation, increasing the risk of moisture damage to brickwork.
How to Do It:
Clean your gutters and downspouts before winter, removing leaves, debris, and other blockages. Make sure downspouts are directed away from your home’s foundation to prevent water from pooling near brick walls. Repair any leaks or gaps to ensure effective drainage throughout the winter.
6. Add a Drainage System if Needed
Why It’s Important:
In areas where water tends to pool around the foundation, a drainage system can help keep water away from brickwork and prevent moisture infiltration. This is especially important if your home is in a low-lying area or experiences heavy snowfall.
How to Do It:
Consider installing a French drain or other drainage solution around the perimeter of your home. A professional landscaper or contractor can help design a system that directs water away from your brick foundation.
7. Protect Against De-Icing Salt
Why It’s Important:
De-icing salts, while helpful for preventing ice, can erode mortar and damage bricks over time. Salt exposure leads to spalling and weakens the bond between bricks, making it more vulnerable to winter weather.
How to Do It:
Use de-icing alternatives, such as sand or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which are gentler on brick surfaces. If you must use salt, try to limit its use near brick walls and walkways, and rinse the area as soon as possible after the ice has melted.
8. Cover Exposed Brickwork if Possible
Why It’s Important:
Covering brickwork, especially vulnerable areas like garden walls, can provide extra protection against snow, ice, and wind. This helps minimize moisture infiltration and prevent freeze-thaw damage in exposed bricks.
How to Do It:
Use weather-resistant tarps or breathable covers that allow air circulation while protecting the brick surface. Secure the covers to ensure they remain in place throughout the winter.
Additional Tips for Winter Brick Maintenance
- Monitor for New Cracks Throughout Winter: Even after winterizing, keep an eye on your brickwork throughout the season. If you notice new cracks forming, consider consulting a masonry expert to address the problem before it worsens.
- Avoid Power Washing in Cold Weather: While power washing is effective for cleaning, using it during cold weather can introduce water that may freeze and damage the bricks.
- Insulate Indoor Brick Walls in Older Homes: For homes with exposed brick walls indoors, consider adding insulation to reduce temperature fluctuations and moisture absorption.
When to Call a Professional
While many winter prep steps can be done as DIY projects, some tasks are best handled by professionals. Consider calling a mason if:
- 1. You notice large or deep cracks in the brickwork.
- 2. Your brick wall appears to be bowing or bulging, which can indicate structural issues.
- 3. You’re unsure how to apply sealant or perform repointing effectively.
- 4. You need a thorough inspection of your brickwork to identify vulnerabilities before winter.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your brickwork is an essential step for maintaining its strength, beauty, and durability through the cold months. By following these preparation tips, you can help protect your brick walls, walkways, and foundations from winter weather damage. Regular maintenance and preventive care will not only save on costly repairs but also ensure that your brickwork remains a timeless feature of your home.
If you’re unsure about the best way to protect your brickwork this winter, consult a masonry professional who can provide tailored advice and solutions for your home’s needs.
