The Benefits of Repairing Your Brick Before Winter

As the leaves start to fall and temperatures drop, homeowners should turn their attention to preparing their properties for the winter months. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the state of the brickwork around your home. Repairing your brick before winter arrives offers several significant benefits that can save you money, time, and stress in the long run.

Why Should You Repair Brick Before Winter?

Brick is a durable and attractive building material, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, bricks can crack, mortar can deteriorate, and water can seep in—especially as the weather worsens. Falling temperatures, snow, and ice can exacerbate existing issues, leading to more significant damage if not addressed proactively.

By repairing your brickwork before winter, you ensure your home remains protected against the elements and avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are the primary benefits you can expect.

1. Preventing Water Damage

Water can penetrate cracks or deteriorated mortar joints, leading to internal damage and mold growth. During winter, water expands when it freezes, causing cracks to widen and bricks to spall or flake off.

2. Enhancing Structural Integrity

Cracks and damage to the mortar weaken the structure of your brick walls. Repairing these issues before winter ensures your walls remain strong and safe against high winds and heavy snow loads.

3. Boosting Energy Efficiency

Damaged bricks and mortar can create gaps that allow cold air to infiltrate your home, increasing heating costs. Repairs help seal these gaps, improving insulation and reducing energy bills during the colder months.

4. Saving Money on Future Repairs

Addressing small cracks and damages now prevents them from worsening into major issues, saving you significant money and hassle in the future.

5. Improving Home Aesthetics

A well-maintained exterior enhances your home’s curb appeal, which is especially important if you’re considering selling your property. Repairs make the exterior look fresh and inviting.

The Benefits at a Glance:

Key Steps to Repair Your Brick Before Winter

Be sure to follow the steps below to ensure your brickwork is solid before winter hits.

• Hire a Professional: You can inspect your brickwork yourself, but if you have a chimney that requires climbing on the roof, it is dangerous. If you haven’t had a brick inspection in more than a year, you should hire a professional who will perform the following tasks.

• Inspect the Brickwork: The inspector will check thoroughly for cracks, chips, or damaged mortar.

• Clean the Surface: To remove dirt, moss, and loose particles.

• Repoint Mortar Joints: Hire a company that uses quality mortar matching the existing material.

• Fill the Cracks: The technician should use a suitable crack repair product or filler.

• Seal the Bricks: With a weatherproof sealant to prevent water infiltration.

• Extensive Repairs: Can be made if needed.

Preparing your brickwork before winter is a proactive step that offers lasting benefits for your home or commercial property. It ensures structural safety, enhances efficiency, saves money, and preserves your home’s aesthetic appeal. Don’t wait until damage becomes visible or the cold weather sets in. Schedule your repairs now for peace of mind and a warm, protected home through the winter months.

By investing in timely brick repairs, you safeguard your property and enjoy the comfort of knowing your home is prepared for whatever winter brings.

Does Your Brickwork Need Repairing in the Chicagoland Area?

If you own a brick home or commercial building in Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park, or the Oak Lawn, IL areas, contact us at Kerry Tuckpointing. We all know how treacherous Chicago winters can be, so do your brickwork a favor and get it repaired before the ice and snow come barreling down on it.