Can Masonry Work Be Done In The Winter?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Confused? Here is some information to clarify what type of masonry projects can be handled during the cold winter months in Toronto.

One only has to look along the skyline of Toronto, to view all of the tower cranes involved with high-rise condominium and office tower development. Residential construction continues to boom in the (905) areas, as demand for low-rise housing continues to rise. Indeed, construction goes on year-round in the GTA despite colder winter conditions.

Masonry work such as concrete forming work, installation of block and brick, fireplace and chimney construction, are all services. Masons require to keep up with demand regardless of the fact that four months of the year; Mother Nature can dispatch bitter cold and precipitous weather.

In the context of residential housing maintenance; such jobs as rebuilding chimneys, and tuck-pointing deficient mortar joints on exterior walls and columns are historically left for the warmer months of the year. Most masons will agree that the best results are achieved in warmer weather conditions.

The mortar which has been mixed using anti-freeze (a trick for very cold days); can result in white marks bleeding down the brick when warmer temperatures present themselves. It is also suggested that it can serve to corrode the mortar mix if too much is used. Ideally, mortar should be mixed at temperatures above zero degrees Fahrenheit; with no real consequence if the temperature fluctuates slightly below.

There are techniques such as mixing mortar in smaller batches in a warmer space (like a heated garage). The apprentices then can feed the masons usable batch quantities that will not be subject to freezing temperatures for long. The mason must also consider the results from the perspective of the curing of mortar or concrete.

To handle such concerns; enveloping the work area with heavy tarps, using construction heaters, and     (carefully providing for ventilation in the process), allows jobs like pouring concrete garage floors, and basic bricklaying functions to keep moving.

The reality is that when temperatures plummet to a level that is highly uncomfortable to work in; it is foolish to attempt any form of masonry work. Indoor work such as building or remodeling masonry fireplaces can be done provided that there is a warm space to mix mortars and keep materials at an indoor temperature.

When one considers the subject of winter in relation to masonry work. It is prudent to inspect work that has either been completed in colder weather or to look for damage that can result to existing masonry after the effects of a harsh winter.

A case in point is the fact that many people salt their driveways. Over time, the brickwork near grade or concrete foundations are exposed, and it can experience corrosion over time. Glazing can weather on the surface of bricks leaving them porous and subject to further moisture infiltration. It is important to check to grade near foundations so that winter melt off, does not find its way into cracks near the foundation.

In late winter/ early spring; as long as surfaces to be inspected are exposed, it is an ideal time for homeowners to request inspections and receive written estimates for remedial masonry work. Masons have their schedules fill up quickly in today’s construction climate (skilled masons are already in short supply –you may have heard).

This allows the home or building owner to decide, and book their work for the upcoming (and short), warm seasons ahead.

Masonry items that should be inspected include:

• Brick or stone support columns (such as porch locations)
• Brick or stone chimneys
• Brick walls (which may require tuck-pointing work to fix shaled or porous bricks, and void mortar joints)
• Foundation water-proofing (inspect for cracks between foundations and walkways or driveways)
• Pouring garage floors (correcting cracks or heaving old floors)
• Foundation leaks resulting in water ingress to basements (may require new weeper tile and below-grade foundation repairs
• Heaved concrete or stone walkways (sinking, chips, or damage)
• Concrete sills beneath windows
• Steps (concrete or stone- sinking, erosion, remodeling)
• Structural cracks in exterior masonry walls (cracks which look like a star pattern- often signaling a structural issue)
• Decorative Masonry- items such as planters, walkways, pizza ovens, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, etc.)

Other types of masonry work that can be undertaken in winter months can include completing brick or block in-fills in walls or door openings to accommodate the installation of retro-fitted windows, doors, and patio sliders. This work usually requires the installation of metal lintels or metal beams which are placed above windows and doors to support the weight of the upper building structure. The mason completes such work by supporting the beams on adjacent supporting masonry wall structures; and then making good the rough openings with block and or brick.

The advantage again is that a heated space may be available to mix mortar. Such work is often required by the DIY customer tackling their own minor renovations, or the professional renovation contractor completing such work.

Historically, masons viewed the winter months as a time to take a break, work on training apprentices, or teach their craft in accredited facilities. The demand today, however, has resulted in a tremendous shortage of skilled masons in the greater Toronto area, and Canada as a whole.

To learn more about masonry services, or how to become a skilled mason’s apprentice, visit: www.avenueroadmasonry.com