Brick has a reputation for being maintenance-free, and that reputation gets a lot of homes into trouble. Masonry is durable, not invincible — and the difference between a fifty-year wall and a problem wall is usually just regular attention. Here's a seasonal rhythm that fits the Hinsdale climate, where the freeze–thaw season does most of the damage.
Early spring — the most important inspection of the year
After winter is when damage shows up. Walk every elevation of the house and the chimney with a critical eye:
- Look for new cracks, spalled brick faces and mortar that's receded over the winter.
- Check the chimney crown (the concrete cap on top) for cracks — it's the chimney's umbrella and the first thing to fail.
- Inspect flashing where the chimney meets the roof for gaps or rust.
- Note any white efflorescence staining, which flags water movement through the masonry.
Summer — the season for repairs
Warm, dry weather is ideal for masonry work; fresh mortar needs moderate temperatures to cure properly. If your spring inspection turned up failing joints or damaged brick, summer is when to schedule the fix — well before the first freeze. It's also the right time for any sealing or cleaning, when surfaces can fully dry.
- Gutters clear and draining away from walls?
- Soil graded to slope away from the foundation?
- Chimney crown and cap intact?
- Flashing sealed where chimney meets roof?
- Any soft, receding or cracked mortar joints?
- Any spalled or flaking brick faces?
Fall — close the gaps before winter
This is your last chance before freeze–thaw season. Clean the gutters again after the leaves drop — clogged gutters that overflow onto brick are a leading cause of winter masonry damage. Make sure downspout extensions are carrying water well clear of the foundation. If you use the fireplace, get the chimney inspected and swept now, not in December.
Winter — watch and wait
Don't attempt masonry repairs in freezing weather; mortar won't cure and the patch won't hold. Instead, just keep an eye out. Icicles forming off the chimney or staining appearing on interior walls near the fireplace are signs water is getting in — note them for that all-important spring inspection.
What to leave to a professional
Ground-level visual checks are perfect for homeowners. Anything that involves getting on the roof, working on the chimney crown, or repointing above the first floor is worth handing to a pro. If you're looking for masonry near me Hinsdale, choose someone licensed and insured — the fall off a ladder isn't worth saving a few hundred dollars, and chimney work in particular has real safety stakes.