With much of the country firmly in the grip of winter, it’s important to never neglect your masonry structures, and always be thinking of ways to preserve and protect them from Mother Nature’s icy ravages.
If your home or workspace is constructed from brick or stones, then you’ll know how sturdy, solid and durable it is when compared to other buildings, like those made from lumber. But structures made from brick and stone, while being highly resistant to wear and tear, do still require some level of maintenance to ensure that they keep performing at their best for many years to come.
With this in mind, here are a few essential winter weatherproofing maintenance tips:
How to weatherproof masonry structures for winter
Firstly, carry out a visual inspection of the outside of the building to check for cracks or gaps in the masonry. Even the smallest of cracks or gaps can allow water to seep in, freeze, and expand. When this happens, further damage can easily be caused to the structure.
Secondly, carry out a visual inspection of all flashing and sealing around doors and windows, and any other penetrations, to make sure everything is secure and watertight. If necessary, you may need to hire a masonry contractor to replace any damaged or missing flashing, and re-caulk.
Thirdly, you should clean all gutters and downspouts to make sure that water is able to drain correctly and that water is being allowed to pool around the building’s foundation.
Then, apply a water-repellent sealant to the exterior masonry to prevent any water from being able to penetrate the surface.
Next, clean and repair any damaged or missing mortar, along with any holes, cracks or gaps that might have appeared in the masonry. It’s best to hire a masonry contractor to do this for you if you’ve never done it before, or don’t really know what you’re doing.
Lastly, insulate any uninsulated masonry to help prevent any loss of heat and limit the risk of damage caused by freezing and thawing.
Why should you bother weatherproofing masonry structures for winter?
While it may take a little effort, there are many benefits to weatherproofing masonry structures, some of which are listed below:
- It will help to reduce energy costs
When you take the time to properly insulate and seal your masonry, you’re able to keep more heat inside the building, which in turn, will help you lower your heating costs during the winter months
- You can extend the life of the building
Proper maintenance and timely, professional repairs of your masonry can help you prevent water damage and freeze-thaw cycles, which can prolong the lifespan of the entire building
- Boost curb appeal
With regular cleaning and repairs, maintaining your masonry building can keep it looking smart and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come. If you plan to sell the building at some point, this becomes particularly important
- Enhanced safety
With professional maintenance of masonry chimneys, for example, you can help prevent the risk of fires occurring
It’s always worth taking the time to weatherproof masonry structures, and even though it does require a small investment, it will pay dividends over the lifespan of the building – which if you follow the advice above, could last for a century or more!