Post-Winter Damage: Your Spring Masonry Inspection Checklist

Every Michigan winter leaves its mark on masonry. Spring is the perfect time to assess damage and address issues before they worsen through another year of weather exposure.

Start with a walk around your home. Look at all brick and stone surfaces from ground level. Bring your phone to document any issues with photos.

Check mortar joints first. Look for areas where mortar has cracked, crumbled, or fallen out entirely. Pay special attention to areas exposed to the most weather.

Examine your chimney from ground level with binoculars if needed. Look for missing mortar, damaged bricks, a cracked crown, or a damaged chimney cap.

Look for efflorescence—white salt deposits on brick surfaces. This indicates water is moving through your masonry. It's a warning sign to investigate the moisture source.

Check for spalling—areas where brick faces have flaked or popped off. Freeze-thaw damage is the usual cause. Catch it early before it spreads.

Inspect foundation walls from inside your basement. Look for new cracks, water staining, or efflorescence. Compare to any photos from previous inspections.

Test mortar firmness with a car key. Drag it across joints. Healthy mortar resists scratching. If mortar powders away easily, repointing may be needed.

Document everything you find with photos and notes about location. This information helps your masonry contractor provide accurate estimates.

If you find issues, don't wait. Spring is prime time for masonry work—good weather and contractor availability before summer's busy season. If you spent the winter waiting on outdoor repairs, now is also a great time to plan interior brick walls or stone flooring projects that can be done year-round.