5 Signs of Wear and Tear on Your Exterior Bricks and Stone During the Cold Months Ahead 

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, the exterior of your home faces some of the harshest conditions of the year. Brick and stone are durable materials, yet even the strongest masonry can show signs of wear after years of exposure to freezing temperatures, moisture, and strong winds. Homeowners in Newtown PA, Richboro PA, Holland PA, Southampton PA, Warminster PA, Yardley PA, New Hope PA, Philadelphia PA, Lambertville NJ, Mullica Hill NJ, Cherry Hill NJ, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County in Pennsylvania and Hunterdon County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County in Jersey and all surrounding areas rely on the expertise of JLM Masonry and Waterproofing to identify these early warning signs before they evolve into serious structural problems. Understanding what to look for during the winter months can help you protect your home from long term damage. 

Cold weather places unique stress on exterior masonry. The freeze and thaw cycle is especially damaging. When moisture enters cracks or pores in brick and stone, it expands once temperatures drop below freezing. This expansion increases pressure inside the material, creating larger cracks and accelerating deterioration. JLM Masonry and Waterproofing, being a top tier masonry company in the region, regularly educates homeowners on how to spot masonry problems early so repairs can be completed before the damage spreads. 

One of the most obvious signs of winter wear and tear is cracking in your bricks or stone. Cracks may start out small, but they tend to grow during the winter months due to repeated freezing and thawing. Even hairline cracks can allow water into the material. Once water freezes, the cracks widen and multiply. If left untreated, this damage can compromise the structural integrity of exterior walls and chimneys. You may notice vertical cracks, diagonal cracks, or spider web like cracks across the surface. Each type signals stress caused by temperature changes or settling, and all should be evaluated by a professional. 

Another common issue is crumbling mortar, also known as mortar deterioration. Mortar holds the bricks or stones together, and when it begins to weaken, gaps form that let water inside. Winter weather makes this process faster because moisture repeatedly freezes inside the joints. When mortar becomes soft or starts to fall out, your exterior walls become vulnerable. Signs of failing mortar include: 
• Loose or missing mortar between bricks 
• Powdery residue around joints 
• Gaps that allow water to enter 
• Crumbling or grainy texture when touched 
Repointing these joints early can extend the lifespan of your masonry and prevent more extensive repairs. 

Discoloration on brick or stone surfaces is another indicator of winter damage. White streaks or deposits may appear, a condition called efflorescence. This occurs when water travels through brick or stone, dissolves salts inside the material, and then leaves those salts behind as the moisture evaporates. While efflorescence itself is not always harmful, it is a clear sign that moisture is moving through your masonry, which can cause long term deterioration. Dark staining may also appear, signaling mold or algae growth due to trapped moisture. Homeowners across Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas often see discoloration on homes exposed to heavy snowfall or winter rain. 

Spalling is one of the more serious signs of masonry wear during winter. Spalling occurs when pieces of brick or stone begin flaking, chipping, or breaking off. This is usually caused by moisture trapped inside the material that expands once frozen. Spalling can spread quickly and may eventually lead to large sections of brick weakening or falling away. Signs of spalling include 
• Flaking or peeling surfaces 
• Deep surface fractures 
• Sections of brick popping outward 
• Holes forming in the masonry surface 
Addressing spalling early can prevent the need for complete brick replacement. 

Finally, water leaks inside the home can also indicate exterior masonry issues. During winter, melting snow or ice may seep through cracks in bricks or stone, making its way behind walls and into the interior. If you notice moisture spots on drywall, peeling paint, or dampness around windows, the problem may originate outside. A detailed inspection from JLM Masonry and Waterproofing can pinpoint the source of the leak and provide a durable solution. 

Homeowners throughout Newtown PA, Richboro PA, Holland PA, Southampton PA, Warminster PA, Yardley PA, New Hope PA, and Philadelphia PA as well as residents in Lambertville NJ, Mullica Hill NJ, Cherry Hill NJ, and across New Jersey counties trust JLM Masonry and Waterproofing to protect their homes from winter masonry damage. As a top tier masonry company serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, JLM Masonry and Waterproofing provides expert inspection, repair, and waterproofing services that safeguard exterior brick and stone from the harsh conditions of the cold months ahead. 

When you recognize the early signs of wear and tear, you can prevent costly repairs later. If you see cracking, mortar deterioration, discoloration, spalling, or interior moisture problems, now is the time to act. Contact JLM Masonry and Waterproofing for professional masonry care that keeps your home safe, strong, and beautiful all winter long. 

Contact JLM Masonry & Waterproofing today for expert Brick and Stone Pointing service throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including all surrounding areas.

Call us at 267-808-1470 or Contact JLM today to schedule a consultation and see why they are the leading name in masonry and waterproofing in your neighborhood.