Ontaro winters can be a stress test for your home. Between the sub-zero nights in Hamilton and the slushy afternoons in London, your brick and stone are under constant attack from the Freeze-Thaw Cycle. If you want to avoid costly spring repairs, proactive maintenance is required. Here is how to protect your investment using professional-grade solutions from Ferrell Builders’ Supply.
1. Stop the Spall: Understanding the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
When water penetrates porous clay bricks or natural stone, it expands by roughly 9% upon freezing. This internal pressure causes spalling—where the face of the brick literally pops off.
Use Breathable Masonry Sealers
Don’t trap moisture inside your walls with cheap hardware store coatings.
Use Silane/Siloxane-based sealers. These professional sealers allow water vapor to escape while preventing liquid water from entering. Visit our Niagara or Waterloo locations to find sealers specifically formulated for Ontario’s climate.
2. Don’t Melt Your Driveway: Choosing Stone-Safe Ice Melt
Most homeowners don't realize that standard rock salt (Sodium Chloride) is highly corrosive to interlocking pavers and concrete. It accelerates the degradation of the "binder" that holds your stone together.
Use Calcium Chloride & Potassium Acetate
Look for "Stone-Safe" labels. These products melt ice at lower temperatures than rock salt without the chemical "pitting" effect. Ensure your Polymeric Sand joints are intact before the first snowfall to prevent water from pooling underneath your pavers.
3. Inspect Your "Lids": Chimney Crowns and Coping Stones
The horizontal surfaces of your home—like chimney caps, window sills, and wall copings—take the brunt of the snow load. If there is a hairline crack in your mortar, the winter expansion will turn it into a structural gap by March.
Use High-Strength Repair Mortars
Search for type N or Type S Mortar (depending on your brick's age). Walk around your home and look for Efflorescence (white, powdery salt stains). This is a sign of water migration. If you see it, it’s time to consult the experts at Ferrell about a localized repointing project.
4. Interior Efficiency: Insulation & Sealants
Masonry maintenance isn't just about the facade; it's about the thermal envelope. Drafty window headers and uninsulated rim joists lead to heat loss that can actually contribute to ice damming on your roof.
Upgrade your basement or attic with Owens Corning Pink® or Rockwool insulation to keep the heat where it belongs. Use professional-grade masonry caulk to seal gaps between your brickwork and window frames.
Why Choose Ferrell Builders’ Supply This Winter?
As Ontario’s leading masonry and hardscape supplier, we don't just sell products—we provide technical expertise. Whether you are a DIYer in Fonthill or a contractor in Kitchener, we have the specialized sealers, salts, and structural materials to get your home through the "Big Freeze."
Ready to Winterize?
Browse our full catalog of Masonry Care Products or visit one of our 4 Ontario locations today.