What to Do When Your Boston Building's Brick Starts Falling Apart

Walking past your property and notice chunks of brick face scattered on the sidewalk below? This is spalling, and if you own or manage property in Boston, you've likely encountered it more than once.

Our freeze-thaw cycles are brutal here. One day it's 45 degrees, the next it's 15 with a nor'easter rolling in. Your building's brick doesn't stand a chance without proper maintenance.

TL;DR: Spalling brick occurs when water infiltrates damaged mortar joints, freezes, and causes brick faces to break away. Professional assessment and proper repair techniques from a leading company like JMS Masonry can prevent costly structural damage.

What Exactly Is Spalling Brick?

Spalling is when the face of your brick literally breaks away from the rest of the brick. 

It usually starts small. A homeowner or property manager in Boston might notice what looks like a tiny chip or crack. Then winter hits, water seeps in, freezes, expands, and suddenly you've got a real problem on your hands.

The culprit? Almost always water infiltration through compromised mortar joints. Boston's historic buildings (especially those aging brownstones and brick row houses) are particularly vulnerable because their original mortar wasn't designed for modern weather patterns.

How Do I Know If My Building Has Spalling Issues?

Walk around your property. Really look at it. What are you seeing?

• Small pieces of brick on the ground below walls?

• White, chalky deposits on the brick surface (that's called efflorescence)?

• Cracks running along mortar lines?

• Sections where the brick face looks different… maybe rougher or more pitted?

Our team has worked on properties where owners ignored these warning signs for YEARS - what starts as a manageable $500 repointing job can escalate into a $15,000 brick replacement project after just one harsh winter. 

Can I Fix Spalling Brick Myself?

While temporary fixes might seem appealing, they rarely address the root cause. Boston's building codes are particularly strict, especially in historic districts like Beacon Hill or Back Bay. Additionally, matching original mortar composition requires specialized knowledge and experience.

Sure, you could slap some caulk on there. But that's like putting a band-aid on a broken bone. The water will find another way in, and you'll be back to square one by next spring… and the situation will likely be a lot worse.

Professional masons know how to properly repoint joints, match historic mortar mixes, and identify underlying structural issues that might be contributing to the problem.

When Should I Call a Professional About Spalling Brick?

The moment you notice spalling, get someone out to look at it.

Boston winters don't mess around. Every freeze-thaw cycle makes the problem worse. We’ve worked on buildings where delaying over and over again doubled the scope of work needed.

A good masonry contractor will assess not just the visible damage, but also check for underlying issues like poor drainage, failed flashing, or structural movement that might be causing the problem in the first place.

Ready to Fix Your Spalling Brick Problem in Boston?

Don't let another Boston winter beat up your building. Get a free estimate today from JMS Masonry, the greater Boston area's leading specialists in historic restoration masonry. We understand the unique challenges of maintaining Boston's beautiful brick buildings, and we're here to help protect your investment for years to come!