Harsh Toronto winters can grind brick and mortar bit by bit. brick repair work done before full Spring 2026 thaw can stop minor flaws from turning into big wall issues. A short plan now can save far more cost and stress down the road.

Walk The Exterior Slowly

Start with a slow loop around your house once snow pulls back from the base. Look for chips, flaking faces, hairline cracks, and white salt film on walls and steps. Pay extra care to spots near downspouts and grade lines, where melt water tends to soak in and freeze again.

Mark Trouble Spots For Pro Help

Not every gap needs deep work, yet some do. Use chalk or vivid tape to flag long cracks, bricks that shift when tapped, and mortar that crumbles when you rub it. These marks help you and any trade crew focus time and budget where the structure needs it most.

Tidy And Clear The Surface

Loose bits on the face hide the true state of your wall. Gently brush flaked brick and old mortar with a stiff, non metal brush. Rinse light grime with low pressure water on a mild day so the wall dries fast, and avoid harsh blasts that might strip more material away.

Tackle Small Joints Early

Thin gaps along joints let water slip inside during the next cool night. For hairline splits, a carefully matched patch mix can seal out damp and keep the wall tight. Many owners in the GTA call in a trade for tuckpoint work so new joints blend well with older brick on street fronts.

Guard Against Future Freeze Damage

Once fresh work sets, plan steps that cut new harm. Check that gutters and downspouts send water well away from walls, not down the face. Clear soil and mulch off lower rows of brick so they can dry out after rain instead of sitting soaked.

Time Work With 2026 Weather

Spring 2026 across southern Ontario may swing between mild sun and late wet flurries. Aim any major wall work for stretches with stable mild temps and low rain risk so mixes cure well. If a big storm hits, pause and let areas dry, then pick back up once surfaces feel fully dry to the touch.

A careful brick plan tailored to this year’s wild swings in GTA weather will help your walls stand strong, look sharp, and hold value for many seasons. Contact us at Cummins Restoration for all your masonry and chimney needs. Our team is ready to help you.