How Boston’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles Damage Brick Mortar Over Time
Boston winters are cold, wet, and harsh. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and strong winds hit buildings every year. One of the biggest problems for brick homes and commercial buildings is freeze-thaw damage. This happens when water freezes and melts again and again inside the masonry. Over time, this repeated cycle slowly breaks down mortar joints and weakens the entire wall system. Small cracks grow larger, and pieces of mortar may begin to fall out. That is why many property owners need brick mortar repair in Boston to protect their homes, prevent water leaks, and keep their buildings strong for the long term. What Is a Freeze-Thaw Cycle? A freeze-thaw cycle happens when water freezes and then melts. In Boston, this can happen many times in one season. During the day, temperatures may rise above freezing. At night, they drop below 32°F. When water freezes, it expands. When it melts, it shrinks. Brick and mortar are porous. This means they soak up water. When trapped water freezes in...