Protect Your Masonry from Winter Weather

Discover the 6 Hidden Masonry Issues That Surface in Spring Before They Drain Your Budget

Winter's Impact on Your Building: A Guide to Common Masonry Issues



Don't let Chicago's harsh winters compromise your building's integrity. Our comprehensive guide reveals the six most critical masonry issues that emerge during winter and surface in spring, helping property managers and building owners protect their investments.


Masonry Winter Care Guide

RestoreWorks Checklist

What You'll Learn:

Hidden Threats to Your Masonry

The freeze-thaw cycle can cause devastating damage to your building, with temperatures dropping as low as −22°F in Chicago winters.


Your masonry faces multiple threats:

  • Freeze-thaw cycle cracks that silently weaken structural integrity
  • Water infiltration leading to extensive internal damage
  • Efflorescence signaling deeper moisture problems
  • Spalling that compromises your building's exterior
  • Energy loss driving up heating costs
  • Mortar joint deterioration threatening structural stability


Why This Guide Matters

With Chicago experiencing 6-7 freeze-thaw cycles annually, and projections showing an increase to 11-12 cycles by 2050, understanding these issues is crucial.

Studies show that 40% of all building-related problems stem from water intrusion making winter masonry protection essential for:

  • Preventing costly structural repairs
  • Maintaining building safety
  • Preserving property value
  • Ensuring energy efficiency
  • Protecting occupant comfort


Download the Complete Guide to Learn:

  • Detailed explanations of each masonry issue
  • Early warning signs to watch for
  • Professional prevention strategies
  • Cost-effective maintenance solutions
  • Expert restoration techniques

Protect your investment before winter damage becomes a spring emergency. Download our comprehensive guide now.



Get the Free Winter Guide

Chances Are You've Seen Our Work

Workers on a curved glass roof, attached to safety ropes, Ferris wheel in background.

Navy Pier

Significant restoration of brick envelope, and resealing 12,000 feet of glass dome. 
Construction worker on a suspended platform, wearing a safety harness, gestures toward brickwork on a building.

Indiana School for Blind

2-year project, parapet rebuild, tunnel teardown and rebuild, bell tower restoration. 
Before and After the Masonry Restoration of Chicago Athletic Association

Chicago Athletic Association

Comprehensive restorative cleaning project. 
Person in a lift cleaning the ornate facade of a building at night, with a large clock visible.

Wrigley Building

Terra Cotta restorative cleaning. 
The University of Illinois at Chicago building with large blue letters, seen from across a road with trees.
Stone facade with decorative shields, letters

What We Do

Masonry, Stone and TeraCotta Restoration
Restorative Cleaning andWaterproofing
A building undergoing tuckpointing, with a worker repairing mortar joints
Caulking and SealantRepairs
Concrete Façade andBalcony Restoration
Lintel, Shelf and ThroughWall Flashing Repairs

Industries Served

Over the last 30 years RestoreWorks has completed projects for many types of buildings, including:


  • Historic Buildings
  • Churches
  • Government Buildings
  • Schools and Universities
  • Museums
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Residential Buildings


Who We Help

Historic Building
Churches
Government Buildings
Government Buildings
Schools
Museums
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Empty asphalt parking lot in front of an office building after masonry cleaning