How to winterize a brick home in Chicago? This question is becoming increasingly popular. Winters have always been severe in the Chicago area. Now, the climate is changing. We face more freezing vs. thawing cycles and they tend to be more intense. There are many more heavy, wet snow and winter rains. Weather contrasts can damage buildings more drastically than in the 20th century. Below, we'd like to share essential Chicago home masonry tips for winter.
Outdoor Sealant as an Essential Element of Chicago Masonry Maintenance in Winter
- The bricks that the walls are made of are porous. Together with mortar, they absorb precipitation and then, let it evaporate. That's why the walls can grow and shrink depending on the weather and the time of the year.
- It might be challenging to notice these tiny fluctuations with the naked eye. However, they can be detrimental to the building. Over time, they can provoke cracks in the walls. The masonry can loosen and eventually, collapse. The older the house, the more prone it is to issues.
- To prevent masonry damage in winter in Chicago, apply a permeable sealant on the brickwork. It needs to be done only from the outside of the building. The sealant will protect the bricks and mortar from the aggressive environmental impact. This simple move enables you to cut down expenses on masonry repair in winter.
- The sealant is available in multiple varieties. The most basic one won't change the looks of the bricks. It will act only as a protective substance. More advanced varieties can enhance the color of brickwork. The are substances with various effects on sale, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
If you lack the time or skills to apply the sealant yourself, we'll be happy to do it for you! Don't hesitate to call or text us at any moment!
Necessity to Secure the Chimney
Many houses in Chicago have chimneys. In winter, the snow tends to accumulate on top of the chimney. Then, it melts and drips down the flue liner. The chimney is hot inside, which creates a contrast of temperatures. Holes, fractures, and rust can appear on the liner. That's why it's necessary to apply the sealant on the chimney as well.
If water leaks into the fireplace, the damper, the walls, and the surrounding ceiling might corrode. To prevent it, you should install a chimney cap — or ask professionals to do it in terms of masonry care for winter in Chicago.
High-Quality Winter Masonry Protection in Chicago
Our team of skilled professionals is ready to protect your masonry in Chicago in winter. Feel free to get in touch with us! Our prices are affordable and we work very fast.