Ann Arbor’s changing seasons put brickwork through wet springs, warm summers, falling leaves, and repeated freezing and thawing. A few routine checks can help you spot water problems and worn mortar before they affect a larger area. Walk around your home at least twice a year, and take a closer look after severe weather. Use the steps below to guide your inspection, handle basic upkeep safely, and recognize when a repair needs a professional.
Start With a Careful Inspection
Look over each brick wall from the ground, checking for cracks, loose or missing mortar, chipped bricks, and white, powdery deposits. Note where problems appear and whether they are changing. Pay extra attention to corners, window and door openings, chimneys, and places where different materials meet. A phone photo can help you compare the same area during your next inspection.
Check for signs that water is reaching the wall: damp patches, staining, moss, or peeling paint on nearby surfaces. Look up at gutters, downspouts, flashing, and roof edges. Water should flow away from brick, not spill down it or collect beside the foundation. If you see a wide or growing crack, bulging masonry, or loose bricks, keep people clear of the area and arrange a professional assessment.
Spring: Check for Winter Damage
After snow and ice have cleared, inspect brickwork for mortar that has cracked, fallen out, or separated from the brick. Freeze-thaw cycles can worsen existing gaps when water enters masonry and freezes. Check steps, retaining walls, chimneys, and areas exposed to roof runoff as well as the main walls. Clear leaves and other debris from the base so water can drain away.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and securely attached, then direct discharge away from the foundation. Avoid pressure washing brick or applying a waterproof coating as a quick fix; either can damage masonry or trap moisture. If you find damaged mortar, ask a mason to assess the cause and recommend a repair material suited to the existing brick and mortar.
Summer and Fall: Keep Water Moving
Use dry weather to examine mortar joints and address routine drainage issues. Trim plants that press against brick, and keep soil, mulch, and stored items from covering the lower courses. These steps improve airflow and make it easier to notice changes. If you clean a small area, start with a soft brush and water, testing an inconspicuous spot first. Avoid harsh acids and abrasive tools unless a qualified professional recommends them.
Before leaves and winter weather arrive, clean gutters and check that downspouts remain connected and direct water away from the house. Look at caulked joints and flashing around windows, doors, and roof intersections for gaps or separation. Don’t seal over a crack or damaged joint without finding the source of moisture. Fixing drainage and flashing problems can help reduce repeated wetting of the brickwork.
Winter: Limit Moisture and Salt
Keep snow from piling against brick walls, steps, or the foundation, and avoid striking icy masonry with metal tools. Use de-icing products cautiously near brick and concrete; salts can contribute to surface damage. Follow product directions and remove residue when conditions allow. For steps and walkways, use a suitable traction material rather than repeatedly applying more salt.
During winter, watch for new cracks, loose pieces, or water entering around openings, but don’t attempt mortar repairs in freezing conditions. Record what you find and schedule appropriate work when weather permits. Seek help sooner if masonry is unstable, a chimney shows significant damage, or water is entering the building. A qualified brickwork contractor can identify the repair needed and help prevent the same problem from returning.
Seasonal brick care is mainly about noticing changes, keeping water moving away from masonry, and responding to damaged mortar or brick before the problem spreads. Keep brief notes and photos so you can track what changes from one inspection to the next. If you find damage you can’t assess confidently, contact Ann Arbor Brickworks to discuss a professional inspection.