Cold weather can cause a few problems for property owners. This is especially true if you have outdoor areas like patios and pathways that utilize stone or brick. Stone and brick are often chosen for these outdoor areas because of their classic and rustic appearance and durability. That said, extremely low temperatures can cause stone and brick to expand/contract and potentially chip, crack, or break. Here is a quick guide to how temperature impacts stone/brick.
How Do Cold Temperatures Impact Stone/Brick Patios
Throughout the colder months, there is a cycle of freezing and thawing. Moisture in the air is constantly cooling down to the point where it freezes into small ice crystals, which then melt back into water. This can happen multiple times per day and, over time, can cause problems for stone and brick areas of your home. Moisture can seep into the small porous surfaces of your stone, brick, or the mortar/grout that connects them. When that water freezes, it expands into hard crystalline structures. This can cause excess pressure, which can make stone or brick crack and eventually break.
How Else Can Your Stone or Brick Pathways Get Damaged During The Winter?
Outside of the issue with air moisture freezing and melting, there is also an issue with salt. Most cities and towns use salt and sand to help decrease the risk of ice forming or people slipping on ice patches. Sand is used because it increases traction. Unfortunately, that also means it increases friction, which can cause scratches and surface damage to brick or stone materials. Salt can also cause discoloration and erosion due to its chemical makeup.
How Do You Protect Your Patio in the Winter?
During the winter, you should consider options that can help protect the stonework or masonry. One easy solution is to use a protective tarp or other cover for any areas that aren’t in use. If it is getting colder, you likely will not be spending as much time on your patio regardless. A tarp can help protect the surface of your patio from sand or salt and help decrease the moisture in the air from permeating your patio. Regarding that moisture, a stronger solution is to use a hydrophobic moisture sealant. Sealants prevent moisture from entering the imperceptibly small pores or cracks in your stonework, which stops those holes and cracks from becoming larger during the freeze/thaw cycle in the winter.
Masonry Services in Southeastern Massachusetts
At DeLuca Masonry, our team helps design and install beautiful pathways and patios using masonry stonework and brickwork in the Greater Boston area. If you need help replacing broken or damaged stonework, our team can help, call 781-269-9709 for a free estimate!