Best Time of Year for Masonry
According to industry standards, the average temperatures for performing masonry construction or repairs range from 4.4°C and 37.78°C. This means the best time of year for a masonry service to perform repairs is in the spring or summer. Masonry work can be done in the fall, just as long as temperatures are above 4.4°C.
While masonry repairs can be done in the winter, the cold weather does bring its own set of unique challenges. If you need chimney repair, inspect your chimney and other masonry elements in the spring and summer in order to perform repairs at the most opportune time. If you wait all winter, chances are that the damage will worsen before a mason has a chance to get to it.
Cold weather does have a negative impact on all aspects of the construction industry. So we at CMI Services recommended following cold weather requirements that are applicable to all the local building codes.
Can You Still Conduct Masonry Repairs During The Winter?
Yes, it is possible to perform masonry work in the winter, however, there are several precautions that must be undertaken. Mortar can only cure when the temperature does not go below 4.4°C. If it does, mortar needs to be properly heated, sheltered, and protected, in addition to chemical additives being added to the mortar mixture. Otherwise, the mortar is unable to reach its peak strength.
Drawbacks To Conducting Repairs In The Winter
Cold weather significantly slows down construction, as it does impact the development of mortar and grout with regard to time and strength. If the weather goes below 4.4°C within 1-2 days of applying mortar, the curing process will stop until the temperature warms up again. Incomplete hydration before the mortar has had a chance to cure can result in reduced strength.
If you would like to make an appointment with our masonry service, please contact us at (515) 328-6511 now, if you live in the Des Moines, IA region.