Tips to Best Care for Your Home’s Exterior Masonry
Maintaining your home’s masonry and exterior living construction is not exactly the most exciting job; however, it is an important one. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home looking good but helps to prevent and catch any potential issues that could result in costly masonry contractor repairs in the future.
Homeowners will often opt for brick and stone siding and masonry because of its beauty and ease of maintenance. But, just because the maintenance is easy does not mean that is doesn’t need doing. Brick and natural stone are just as susceptible to damage from Mother Nature and improper care and can result in major headaches later on.
Here are two tips to help you care for your home’s exterior masonry.
Use a Sealant
Water damage is the biggest issue for exterior masonry; however, not how you think. While standing water or rain does erode natural stone and brick, resulting in the mortar joints to crack in time, the real danger lies in the freeze and thaw cycles during the winter months. This is why it is crucial to seal masonry.
Just make sure you use the right sealant. Look for siloxane or silane-based sealants, and remember to remove the old sealant first before applying the new one. Be sure that the masonry is clean also before it is sealed. In most cases, you may want to hire an expert to do this, as it can prove disastrous if done incorrectly.
Inspect it Regularly
When it comes to your home’s masonry, the last thing you want to do is go down the “ignorance is bliss road.” Damage can be avoided, especially if you have vines or shrubbery that surround your house, or if you live in a wet climate.
If you would like to make an appointment with a professional masonry contractor, please contact CMI Services at (515) 328-6511 now if you live in the Des Moines, IA region.