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How to Keep Your Masonry Safe During Winter

When winter rolls around, most people think about bundling up in coats and turning on the heat. But there’s something else that needs a bit of protection during the cold months: your masonry. Whether it’s your brick walls, stone steps, patio, or chimney, these structures face a real test when temperatures drop. The biggest enemy isn’t just the freezing cold; it’s water.

Water that seeps into the tiny pores and cracks of masonry freezes and then expands. That expansion creates pressure inside the material, leading to cracks, chips, and even pieces breaking off. Over time, what started as a small problem can turn into serious structural damage.

The good news? You can stop it before it happens. Your primary focus should be to keep water from seeping in and freezing, as the expansion of ice causes cracks and deterioration. With a little planning and a few smart maintenance steps, your masonry can survive the winter strong and beautiful.

Let’s walk through what you need to do.

Inspect and Repair Before Winter Hits

Before winter shows up, grab your jacket, step outside, and inspect your masonry surfaces. Look closely at your walls, chimneys, steps, and patios. You’re searching for cracks, loose bricks, crumbling mortar, or gaps, basically, any place where water could sneak in.

Even the smallest crack can allow moisture to enter. When that moisture freezes, it expands and pushes the crack wider. By spring, that tiny flaw might become a major problem.

Here’s how to handle what you find:

• Small cracks or gaps: Seal them with a masonry-grade caulk. It’s flexible enough to handle temperature changes without popping out.
• Cracked or missing mortar: It’s a sign that calls for repointing, meaning a process where you replace old, damaged mortar with fresh material. It not only strengthens your masonry but also gives it a fresh and cleaner look.

Catching problems early is the simplest and most affordable way to prevent winter damage.

The best protection starts with solid construction. Discover why investing in quality masonry work matters for lasting durability and fewer winter repairs.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Water and masonry do not mix. If water sits around too long, it finds ways to sneak into your bricks or foundation. Then, when the freeze-thaw cycle starts, that trapped moisture causes cracking.

To avoid this, make sure your drainage system is working properly.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts so rain and melting snow can flow freely.
• Make sure water is being directed at least several feet away from your home’s foundation.
• Take a look at your yard: does the ground slope toward your house? If it does, regrade it so water naturally flows away from your masonry.

It’s a simple fix that can save you thousands in repair costs later.

Apply a Breathable Masonry Sealant

Think of a masonry sealant like a winter coat for your brick or stone. It creates a protective, invisible barrier that keeps out water but still allows trapped moisture inside the material to escape. That’s why it’s called breathable.

Without a breathable sealant, moisture can get trapped under the surface and cause more damage. A good sealant helps:

• Reduce freeze-thaw cracking
• Prevent efflorescence (the white, chalky stains that sometimes appear on brick)
• Keep your masonry looking fresh for years

For best results, apply the sealant when the temperature is above freezing and the surface is clean and dry. Most experts recommend reapplying every 2–3 years to maintain maximum protection.

If you’ve never applied a sealant before, you can find high-quality, water-repellent products at most home improvement stores or bring in a local masonry contractor to do it professionally.

Use Safe De-Icing Agents

When ice builds up on your steps or driveway, it’s tempting to grab a bag of rock salt. But here’s the problem: rock salt (sodium chloride) is extremely harsh on masonry. It can cause surface flaking (called spalling) and weaken the mortar between your bricks or stones.

Instead, use safer alternatives that melt ice without the damage:

• Sand: Great for traction, though it doesn’t actually melt ice
• Magnesium chloride: Works well in lower temperatures and is less corrosive.
• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA): Gentle on concrete, masonry, and vegetation.

These options are a little more expensive, but they protect your masonry and save you from costly repairs later.

Clear Snow and Ice Gently

Snow looks pretty when it first falls, but if left to sit on your masonry, it can melt, refreeze, and cause serious damage. That’s why regular snow removal is so important.

When shoveling snow off of brick or stone surfaces, use a shovel with a plastic or rubber edge. If you use metal shovels, they can scratch and chip the surface, which makes it easier for water to get in.

Focus on problem areas like:

• Window sills
• Ledges
• The exterior edges of your foundation

These spots tend to hold water and ice. Keeping them clear helps protect against cracks and leaks when temperatures fluctuate.

Protect Vulnerable Areas

Some parts of your masonry are more exposed than others, for example, chimneys, exterior walls, and newly built structures. These areas are directly exposed to snow, rain, and freezing winds.

Here’s how to keep them safe:

• Make sure your chimney cap and flashing are in good shape so that the water can’t get in.
• If you have newly constructed masonry, cover it temporarily with tarps or insulating blankets during extreme cold spells. This shields it from direct contact with snow and ice while it cures and gets stronger.

Even small preventive steps can add years to your masonry’s lifespan.

Manage Landscaping Around Masonry

Believe it or not, your plants can cause masonry damage too. Overgrown bushes and tree roots can trap moisture against your walls or even push into your foundation.

Before winter, trim back any plants, vines, or roots that are growing close to your masonry before winter. Leave a few inches of open space between your vegetation and the wall. This lets more air flow and stops moisture from building up.

If you have ivy or other climbing plants, consider removing them completely. They may look charming, but they hold water against your masonry, which can cause it to crack and get worse over time.

Conclusion

Winter can be hard on brickwork, but it doesn't have to be if you get ready for it. The key is simple: keep water out and stay ahead of small problems. By inspecting early, fixing cracks, improving drainage, applying a breathable sealant, using safe de-icers, and handling snow carefully, you’ll keep your masonry strong and attractive for years to come.

These steps may seem small, but they make a massive difference. Masonry is built to last, but only if it’s cared for. So this winter, give your bricks and stones the protection they deserve. If you pay attention to your home now, you won't have to pay for expensive repairs later. When spring finally comes, your home will look as strong and beautiful as ever.

Keep your home strong this winter, Contact Eden Roofing & Waterproofing NYC for expert masonry and waterproofing services today!