I need some masonry repairs on my home. When should temperatures be to get the work done?
Answer
Masonry repairs should be done when daytime temperatures are consistently above 40°F and have a few hours to cure before overnight temperatures drop. If mortar freezes before it can cure for a few hours, it can weaken it. Tuckpointing is a little more forgiving than laying brick because less cure time is required due to the thickness of the mortar that needs time to cure.
In February, conditions are usually too cold and unpredictable for quality masonry work.
Mid to late March is usually a good starting point in Troy and the Metro Detroit area.
Typically, April through October, when temperatures are more reliable, there shouldn’t be any issues.
If the repair is not urgent, I’d suggest waiting until mid to late March & that will result in stronger, longer-lasting repairs because even though sometimes we can get a mild weather week in February, we can get an extremely cold week the following week so why not wait a few more weeks when you know the weather will get progressively better after that.
