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Winter weather can bring a lot of snow and ice, which can damage stone surfaces if not properly cleaned. We will explore some best practices for snow and ice removal on stone surfaces in this blog article to help keep your property safe and looking fantastic. Winter is a beautiful season, but it can be harsh on masonry surfaces. Snow and ice can build up on brick surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops, posing a tripping hazard and causing damage over time. It is critical to keep these surfaces clean and safe, but it is also critical to employ the proper methods and tools. This blog post will go over some best practices for snow and ice removal.

• Use the right tools: When removing snow and ice from masonry surfaces, it is important to use the right tools. Avoid using metal shovels or tools with sharp edges as they can scratch or damage the surface. Instead, use plastic or rubber-tipped tools to gently remove snow and ice.
• Be careful with deicing chemicals: Many deicing chemicals can be harsh on masonry surfaces and can cause discoloration or damage. It is best to avoid using these chemicals if possible and instead use a mixture of salt and sand to provide traction on slippery surfaces.
• Remove snow and ice as soon as possible: The longer snow and ice sits on a masonry surface, the more damage it can cause. As soon as it is safe to do so, remove the snow and ice to prevent it from freezing and expanding, which can cause cracking or other damage.
• Consider hiring professional snow removal services: If you have a large property or don’t feel comfortable removing snow and ice yourself, consider hiring a professional snow removal service. They have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely and effectively remove snow and ice from masonry surfaces.

Benefits of following best practices for snow and ice removal on masonry surfaces include:

• Improved safety: By keeping masonry surfaces clear of snow and ice, you can reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents.
• Reduced damage: Properly removing snow and ice can help prevent damage to masonry surfaces caused by freezing and thawing cycles.
• Increased curb appeal: Keeping masonry surfaces clean and clear of snow and ice can improve the overall appearance of your property.
• Cost savings: By removing snow and ice as soon as possible and using the right tools, you can prevent damage that would require costly repairs.

By following these best practices for snow and ice removal on masonry surfaces, you can help keep your property safe, looking great and save money in the long run. It is important to take the time to properly care for your masonry surfaces during the winter months to ensure they last for many years to come.

Winter is here and it is time to start thinking about how to protect your masonry structures from the harsh weather conditions. Masonry buildings, such as brick and stone houses, are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they still need proper care and maintenance to ensure they last for many years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential winter weatherproofing tips for masonry structures, including how to inspect and repair cracks, how to properly maintain and repair chimneys, and the benefits of sealing and insulating your masonry walls. By following these tips, you can help protect your masonry structures from the elements, extend their lifespan, and improve their appearance and safety. So, let’s get started!

Winter weatherproofing tips for masonry structures:

• Inspect the exterior of the building for cracks or gaps in the masonry. These can allow water to seep in, freeze, and expand, causing further damage to the structure.
• Check that all flashing and sealing around windows, doors, and other penetrations is secure and in good condition. Replace any damaged or missing flashing and re-caulk as needed.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling around the foundation of the building.
• Apply a water-repellent sealer to the exterior masonry to prevent water from penetrating the surface.
• Clean and repair any damaged or missing mortar, as well as any cracks or holes in the masonry.
• Insulate any uninsulated masonry walls to prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of freezing and thawing damage.

Benefits of winter weatherproofing your masonry structures include:

• Reduced energy costs: By insulating and sealing your masonry, you can retain more heat inside the building, lowering your heating costs.
• Extended lifespan of the building: Properly maintaining and repairing your masonry can help prevent water damage and freeze-thaw cycles, prolonging the life of the structure.
• Increased curb appeal: Maintaining the exterior of your building, such as cleaning and repairing the masonry, can improve the overall appearance of the property.
• Improved safety: Properly maintaining your masonry chimneys, such as cleaning and repairing them, can help prevent fires.

By taking the time to winter weatherproof your masonry structures, you can save money on energy costs, extend the life of the building, improve curb appeal, and enhance safety. It’s a small investment that can pay big dividends in the long run.

At Old Colony Masons, we take great pride in our craftsmanship and expertise when it comes to building walls with full stone construction. Our team of certified Master Stonemasons are not just skilled professionals, but true craftsmen who have dedicated over a decade of their lives to mastering the art of stone masonry.

But our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there. Our Master Masons are required to attend yearly continuing education workshops, trade shows, and manufacturer training to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and materials in the industry. This ongoing education ensures that we are always providing our clients with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.

Our seven levels of certification are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. Our master stone and bricklayers are experts in all aspects of building walls with full stone construction, including stone and brick engineering, structural integrity, artistic design principles, stone and brick cutting, shaping, ground soil and bedrock identification, and much more.

When you choose Old Colony Masons, you can be confident that you are working with a team of true professionals who are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. Our ongoing education and commitment to excellence is evident in every project we undertake.