Cold-weather climates such as that in Michigan can create considerable problems for various aspects of your home. The typical freeze-thaw cycle that occurs during the winter can exert extra pressure on all surrounding elements, both natural and man-made, and this includes brick porches.
That’s because all soil contains moisture, which freezes then thaws when the temperature drops then rises again. In the process, the water that’s in the soil expands and then contracts.
This results in potentially significant damage to brick porches, especially if they weren’t designed properly and/or aren’t maintained well. When the freeze-thaw cycle repeats continuously, it can cause brick porches to scale, chip, crack and more — none of which is good for the integrity of the structure.
That’s why it’s crucial for all homeowners who have brick porches to understand the threats that the freeze-thaw cycle presents, especially those who live in a region where the weather changes frequently.
The Impact of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Brick Porches
As mentioned above, the process of water freezing and then thawing causes it to expand and contract, which can result in significant damage to brick porches. If that wasn’t bad enough, many homeowners who live in cold climates such as Michigan use de-icing salts to make it easier for them to remove snow and ice from their porches.
Unfortunately, these products can further contribute to freeze-thaw damage, since they lower the freezing point of water, which in turn increases the pressure on the brick and mortar.
What’s more, if damage occurs during icy and cold conditions, it can be difficult to repair brick porches, which makes them susceptible to even further damage.
Even if your bricks don’t chip, crack or break apart, they can cause damage to the surface, including efflorescence, which is not only unsightly unsightly but difficult to clean.
Common Causes of Freeze-Thaw Damage
A big question that might be on homeowners’ minds is why some one brick porch might suffer extensive damage during the freeze-thaw cycle while another might not. There are many reasons this could happen, including poor design and construction of the structure itself.
If the company that designed and installed the brick porch didn’t properly take drainage into consideration, then water can easily accumulate in and around the porch. This is then more susceptible to freezing and thawing during the winter, which can lead to damage on top of the porch and to the bricks and foundation near the ground.
If you use low-quality materials, whether it be the bricks themselves or the mortar that holds them together, then the risk of damage from the freeze-thaw cycle could increase, too.
Once the brick porch is installed, ignoring regular maintenance or leaving damage unrepaired can exacerbate the damage even more.
Prevention Measures for Freeze-Thaw Damage
Luckily, there are steps that you can take to prevent your brick porch from sustaining damage.
First and foremost, make sure that you choose a local company that is reputable, reliable and trustworthy. For instance, the professionals at All Brick have been mastering the art of masonry for more than 10 years, providing all types of beautiful projects to homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan.
When you choose a reputable company, you’ll be getting peace of mind knowing they have designed and constructed your brick porch in the proper way to prevent damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. You can also rest easy knowing they used high-quality materials, such as durable brick and mortar.
In addition, a good masonry company will take drainage into consideration when designing your brick porch, and install a proper drainage system if necessary to prevent water from accumulating on and around your brick porch.
Second, understand that it’s incumbent on you as a homeowner to regularly maintain your brick porch to prevent water from seeping into the bricks. Make sure to also regularly inspect your brick porch for damage, and if you see any, contact a professional to repair it right away.
Maintenance and Repair for Freeze-Thaw Damage
So, what does maintenance on a brick porch entail? For starters, regularly cleaning it to wipe away any dirt, snow, ice and other debris will make it easier for you to inspect and identify areas that may have been damaged.
If you notice that there are any chips, cracks or other imperfections in the bricks, it’s important to repair or replace them as soon as you can. This will help to restore the integrity of your porch.
Another thing to consider is installing a radiant heating system that will keep the temperature of your brick patio warmer so that water that on and around your porch won’t freeze in the first place.
Finally, if you notice that water is accumulating on or around your porch, talk to a professional about installing a proper drainage system that will direct the water away from the porch.
Installation Tips for a Stable Porch
As with any masonry structure, proper installation of the brick and mortar is crucial for a stable porch. Make sure that the bricks are level and that they are aligned well so that shifting and settling doesn’t occur.
Don’t forget that your bricks shouldn’t sit directly on the ground, either. The soil should be compacted first, and then a gravel base laid down. This also helps to prevent the bricks from settling as the soil compacts, which could cause shifting of the structure.
Long-Term Value of a Well-Maintained Porch
Having well-designed and installed outdoor living spaces such as a porch can significantly increase the value of your home.
A 2022 Rocket Homes survey, for instance, found that a porch can add as much as $20,000 to the value of your home. You’ll only realize that added value, though, if the porch is well maintained.
Of course, it’s not just about resale value but also the enjoyment you get out of it while you’re living in the home. When you have a porch that’s well-designed and constructed, you’ll have a safe and functional outdoor space to enjoy for years to come.
Many homeowners who have a great brick porch have an ezra sense of pride in their home and satisfaction as well.
Work with a Local Mason You Can Trust
The freeze-thaw cycle can cause significant damage to brick porches if they’re not designed, constructed and maintained well. It’s important for all homeowners who have brick porches to understand how the freeze-thaw cycle works so they can take the proper preventative measures to protect the porch from sustaining damage.
Following the tips outlined in this guide will help homeowners protect their brick porch and ensure a long-lasting and functional outdoor space.
When it comes to designing, installing and repairing brick porches, it’s also important to choose a local mason that has years of experience in the field and one that you can trust.All Brick is that company in Southeast Michigan. For more information on what we do and how we can help you, or for a free estimate, please contact us today.
