Boston’s ever-changing weather from freezing Nor’easters to humid summers takes a toll on brick, stone, and mortar. Proactive maintenance preserves curb appeal, prevents costly damage, and keeps your home’s envelope watertight. Here are the seven essential masonry maintenance tips every Boston homeowner should follow.
1. Inspect Your Brick and Mortar Annually
Perform a close-up inspection each spring. Look for mortar joints that are crumbling, loose bricks, or small hairline cracks. Early detection means simpler, less expensive repairs.
2. Clean with the Right Pressure and Cleaner
High‐pressure washers can erode mortar. Instead, use a soft-wash approach: a gentle cleaner formulated for masonry plus a garden-hose spray nozzle. Always test in an inconspicuous spot.
3. Keep Vegetation Away from Masonry Surfaces
Vines, shrubs, and tree roots hold moisture against your walls, accelerating deterioration. Prune back any vegetation so that there is at least a 6-inch gap between the greenery and the brick or stone.
4. Check and Repair Cracks Promptly
Even small cracks let water in, which freezes and expands in winter, widening damage. Use a masonry crack filler or have Core Masonry repoint small areas before they worsen.
5. Seal Masonry Before Winter
Applying a breathable masonry sealant in fall helps repel moisture while allowing trapped water vapor to escape vital for Boston’s freeze-thaw cycles.
6. Maintain Chimneys and Flues
Chimneys face the harshest conditions. Watch for leaning stacks, rust on flashings, or missing chimney caps. Schedule a professional chimney inspection every 3–5 years.
7. Schedule a Professional Inspection Every 3–5 Years
Our Core Masonry licensed masons can spot subtle issues like hidden voids under lintels or early efflorescence—that DIY checks can miss.
Conclusion
Consistent masonry maintenance saves you thousands in premature repairs and keeps your Boston home looking its best.
Ready to protect your investment? Schedule a free inspection with Core Masonry today!