Common Masonry Issues in Quincy, MA

If you own property in Quincy, you've probably noticed that many buildings have dated bricks, mortar, and stonework. Between our coastal weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and buildings that have been standing since before any of us were born, masonry problems are pretty much inevitable around here.

TL;DR: Quincy's climate and historic building stock create specific masonry challenges, from spalling bricks to deteriorating mortar joints. Catching these issues early saves you thousands down the road.

Why Quincy Properties Face Unique Masonry Challenges

With over 500 buildings listed as historic architecture, Quincy’s got everything from 18th-century granite structures to mid-century commercial buildings, and they all face the same enemy: New England weather.

The proximity to the coast means salt air constantly working its way into masonry. Add our extreme freeze-thaw cycles (sometimes happening multiple times in a single week), and you've got the perfect recipe for accelerated deterioration. I've been working on masonry in this area for over 25 years, and trust me… the Quincy area keeps us busy year-round.

Those historic buildings are beautiful and significant, but they also require specialized care. You can't just slap modern materials on a 200-year-old wall and call it fixed.

The Most Common Problems We See in Quincy

Spalling and Flaking Bricks

Spalling happens when moisture gets trapped inside the brick, freezes, expands, and basically blows the face of the brick off.

You'll see it as brick faces peeling away in layers or chunks falling off completely. Once it starts, it spreads fast. One spalling brick this winter can easily turn into twenty by next spring.

Deteriorating Mortar Joints

Mortar doesn't last forever. Most people don’t know this, but it's actually designed to be the sacrificial element in masonry (it protects the brick by failing first). In Quincy, between the salt air and moisture, mortar joints break down faster than in inland areas of the state.

Look for crumbling mortar, gaps between bricks, or joints that are recessed more than a quarter inch. That's your building telling you it needs repointing.

Efflorescence

The white, powdery deposits on your brick is called efflorescence. It happens when water moves through the masonry and brings salts to the surface.

If you’re seeing this, it means moisture is traveling through your walls, which can lead to bigger problems down the line.

Cracks in Foundation Walls

Quincy's got plenty of older properties built on everything from bedrock to fill. Settlement cracks happen, but the severity can vary greatly.

Hairline cracks are usually not urgent. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks, or anything wider than a quarter inch needs professional eyes on it immediately.

Freeze-Thaw Damage

Water gets into any crack or gap, freezes overnight, expands, thaws during the day, and repeats. Each cycle makes the damage worse.

Protecting your property before winter hits is critical. Proper repointing, waterproofing, and addressing any existing cracks can save you from emergency repairs when it's 15 degrees outside.

Looking for a Masonry Contractor in Quincy, MA?

Here's the thing about masonry work: it's not something you want to cheap out on or DIY. Improper repairs often create worse problems than the original issue.

When you work with a masonry team that actually knows what they're doing, they'll assess the root cause, not just patch the symptoms. At JMS Masonry & Restoration, we've been handling everything from historic restorations to commercial building repairs throughout the Greater Boston area. We know Quincy's buildings inside and out (especially those historic properties that need specialized attention).