Masonry Repairs: Mind the Gaps!
Taking the time to have your patios, walkways, steps and retaining walls checked for cracks and minor repairs now, before winter comes in and makes small issues into big ones is vital! When your guests are walking up a smooth walkway instead of tripping over cracks, you’ll be glad you did.
Winter freeze is a vicious cycle!
Water naturally finds its way into cracks in your stonework, which really becomes an issue once the cold weather hits, freezing the water to ice inside the stone. Ice expands by almost 10%, meaning your small cracks get bigger with each freeze/thaw cycle, and making for a much more involved repair once it’s warmer. This freeze-thaw cycle also turns smooth paths into uneven ground, pushing pavers up and creating depressions where water can pool, freeze and make it dangerous! Snow removal is also tougher on those uneven surfaces.
An ounce of prevention…
As the winter gets closer, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for conditions that could be hazardous to your family and guests. To avoid potential dangers, make a plan beforehand to keep your walkways clear of ice and snow, but be aware not all treatments are created equal! Some common solutions, including rock salt, are corrosive and will slowly break down concrete and natural stone, and may cause damage to those beautiful flagstones. Gerbert & Sons uses environmentally friendly products in our sanding, salting and snow removal services.
Contact Gerbert & Sons to prepare your stonework for winter and keep it clear and safe all winter long.
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