Maintaining Your Outdoor Living Space Masonry Year-Round

Masonry features can transform your outdoor living space, creating a beautiful and inviting area for both you and your guests. Proper maintenance of your outdoor brick or stone masonry structures year-round is essential to keep your brick or stone in good condition. Each masonry feature requires specific seasonal maintenance to maintain durability and preserve their beauty. Learn more about some helpful tips to maintain your outdoor masonry throughout the year.

Spring Masonry Maintenance

Cleaning and Inspection:

• Damage Inspection: Inspect your outdoor masonry features for chips, cracks, or any signs of damage caused by freezing winter temperatures. It’s important to quickly repair these damages to prevent further deterioration. 

• Proper Cleaning: Thoroughly clean any stains, dirt, and debris from your outdoor masonry features that may have accumulated during winter. Power washing on a lower setting can provide a safer way to clean your outdoor masonry features without causing damage.

Restore and Repair:

• Repointing: If there is any deteriorated mortar on your outdoor masonry features, you’ll want to repoint the mortar joints. Repointing mortar joints can prevent any water from causing further damage. For brick or stone repointing and tuckpointing, it is best to leave this type of repair to a professional mason.

• Sealant: Apply a high-quality sealant to your outdoor masonry features. Proper sealage can help protect against stains or moisture. Stick to a high-quality, breathable sealant that allows any trapped moisture in your outdoor masonry features to escape. This is not a DIY project for everyone. When in doubt, reach out to a professional masonry company.

Summer Masonry Maintenance

Prevention:

• Sweeping: Regularly sweep your outdoor masonry features clear of any debris such as dirt and leaves. This kind of debris can hold moisture and cause mold growth. 

• Weed Control: During the summer months, weeds may grow in between the stone or bricks of your outdoor masonry features. Remove the plants or weeds with a safe weed killer that won’t cause any damage to the masonry. 

Maintenance:

• Drain Check: When water pools around your outdoor masonry features, it can lead to damage and erosion. During summer, you’ll want to check that your features have proper drainage. Check brick posts, walls and more for puddles.

• Grill Maintenance: If you have an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to check for any grease stains and regularly clean your grill with a degreaser.

Fall Masonry Maintenance

Protection:

• Cleaning: During fall, it’s important to prepare for winter. Give your outdoor masonry features a deep cleaning to remove all buildup and debris. 

• Sealant: If any new gaps or cracks appear in your outdoor masonry, reapply a sealant. Applying sealant can give your outdoor masonry maximum protection against freezing winter weather. 

Preparation for Winter:

• Coverage: Keep any outdoor masonry features protected against ice and snow during the winter months. Use covers for any features such as your furniture, but don’t forget your brick and stone structures such as a fireplace, or outdoor kitchen areas. 

• Drain Check: Inspect your drainage systems for debris or leaves. Check around your stone or brick walls, outdoor kitchen areas, custom fireplaces, masonry custom posts, and anywhere water could freeze near your custom masonry.

Winter Masonry Maintenance

Observation:

• Routine Checks: Regularly inspect your outdoor masonry features for any damage caused by ice storms or heavy snow. 

• Remove Snow: Use a plastic shovel to gently remove any snow from the surfaces of your outdoor masonry features and prevent scratching. Do not use any de-icing chemicals or salt, as they can cause your masonry to deteriorate. 

Protection:

• Fireplace Management: Avoid rapidly changing your outdoor fireplace’s temperature, as this can cause thermal shock to the masonry. Instead, gradually increase the flame during the winter months. 

By following these seasonal maintenance tips, you can keep your outdoor masonry features looking beautiful year-round. Regular maintenance of your outdoor masonry features preserves their aesthetic appeal and enhances their functionality and durability. Custom Brick & Stone has been providing masonry services in Frankfort, Crown Point, Mokena, and the Chicagoland area for over 20 years! Our licensed and experienced masons can provide outdoor masonry services to create your perfect outdoor living space. If you have questions about your masonry, contact us today!