Informative guide – Frost Boil

Introduction

Did you know that brick is one of the three most common exterior claddings in Quebec? Brick and stone offer a number of benefits including enhanced durability, thermal insulation and fire resistance. However, the weather variations, such as the freeze-thaw cycle so characteristic of Quebec’s climate, can cause damage to brick and stone cladding. 

Masonry frost boil is considered a common problem for many brick buildings, whether residential, commercial or heritage. Sadly, it is one of the main causes of building deterioration in Quebec.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the phenomenon of masonry frost boil. You can learn more about what a frost boil is, how to recognize it, what causes frost boil and why it’s important to have it repaired by a masonry professional.

What is a masonry frost boil?

In the masonry sector, a frost boil is a swelling or bulge that usually forms in a brick or stone wall, when the bricks or stones begin to detach from the structure. This anomaly can result from a number of factors, such as weak anchors, construction errors or moisture.

How to recognize a frost boil?

If you notice an unusual swelling on the brick wall of your home, commercial space or historic building, it’s most likely a frost boil. Here’s how to identify it easily (to see the bulge clearly, look at your wall from the side): 

  • The presence of a bulge or protrusion on your wall, usually at the top.
  • A detached seal between the window and the brickwork
  • A window that appears to be out of alignment with the brickwork.
  • Cracks may appear around the bulging area. They may be vertical, horizontal or star-shaped, indicating pressure or abnormal wall movement.
  • If the frost boil is near an opening (door or window), you may find it difficult to open the door or window.
  • In brick walls, the mortar joints around the bulge may show signs of erosion, cracking or displacement.

What causes a masonry frost boil?

Frost boils often result from water infiltration at joints, as in cases where mortar is disintegrating or where flashing around openings is not properly installed.

In addition, insufficient insulation can cause water to accumulate in the wall as a result of the freeze-thaw cycle. This moisture can attack and weaken the flashings used to hold the masonry to the facade. Over time, these flashings can fail, causing the wall to buckle. Masonry frost boils can also form as a result of ground movement, but this is a rarer phenomenon.

What are the dangers of a masonry frost boil?

A frost boil on a wall isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it can also present a number of dangers and risks, especially if it isn’t treated properly. 

Here are the main dangers associated with this deformation :

  • Structural risks: The bulging of a wall may indicate an underlying structural problem. If the cause is not corrected, it can compromise the structural integrity of the building, increasing the risk of collapse or more serious damage.
  • Waterproofing problems: A frost boil can be a sign of water infiltration. Water penetrating structures can cause further damage, such as wood rot, corrosion of metal elements, mold growth and general deterioration of the building.
  • Compromised insulation: If warping affects wall insulation, it can lead to a loss of energy efficiency, increasing heating and cooling costs.
  • Accelerated deterioration: Once a frost boil begins to form, it can worsen rapidly if the underlying causes are not addressed, leading to accelerated deterioration of the structure.
  • Problems with openings: Deformations can affect the correct operation of windows and doors, making them difficult to open or close, and can even break glass or damage frames.
  • Reduced property value: In addition to the cost of repairs, untreated frost boils can reduce property value due to their appearance and the structural problems they indicate.

Finally, the greatest risk that can be caused by neglecting to repair is the partial or total collapse of your wall. As previously mentioned, a frost boil is usually a sign of structural failure in the wall, often due to moisture problems, material degradation, or construction defects. These factors can progressively weaken the wall’s structure, reducing its ability to support the weight and loads to which it is subjected.

Over time, if the cause of frost boil is not identified and corrected, this can lead to further weakening of the structure, increasing the risk of collapse. It’s therefore vital not to wait to have a frost boil repaired, otherwise it could lead to collapse, which in turn could cause serious injury.

What are the steps involved in repairing a frost boil?

One of our main concerns as a masonry contractor is to ensure the safety of our customers. One of the services our company offers is masonry consolidation and securing with structural anchors, which is done first and foremost to secure the site urgently, depending on the level of damage. You can count on quick action to secure the area around the potbelly to prevent collapses, which could cause serious injury.

Please note that these steps are an overview of the work typically performed when repairing a masonry frost boil. 

Every project is different, and the work carried out may differ from that described below.

  1. Masonry assessment and diagnosis
  2. Repair planning 
  3. Site preparation and securing (safety netting, scaffolding, etc.)
  4. Consolidation and securing of masonry with structural anchors
  5. Complete dismantling of brick facing (depending on severity of breakage)
  6. Insulation reviewed and improved (insulation used varies from project to project)
  7. Treatment of underlying causes (water infiltration, corrosion of anchors, etc.)
  8. Installation of bricks as originally installed (cleaning, replacement of old bricks, rebricking)
  9. Caulking and finishing around openings
  10. Replacement of wooden lintels and spandrels with new concrete parts
  11. Finishing and quality control 

**If bricks are deemed unusable for wall reconstruction, your masonry professional can advise you on the best type of brick to use for your wall replacement and building type, especially in the case of historic or heritage buildings.

What other masonry work is associated with a frost boil?

It’s not uncommon for additional work to be required to preserve the integrity of your brick wall and the building itself. 

Here’s an overview of the additional work your masonry professional can perform when repairing your oxbow:

Why call in a professional to repair an frost boil?

Even if you have extensive masonry knowledge, if you want a safe, durable and effective repair, it’s best to entrust your frost boil repair to masonry professionals like Restaure-Action. Here’s why: 

  • Technical expertise: Professionals have the technical knowledge to properly assess the extent of the damage and the underlying cause of the frost boil. They can identify whether the problem is due to structural problems, water infiltration, construction defects or other factors.
  • Proper repair: A professional will know which repair method is most appropriate for a specific problem. This may include rebuilding parts of the wall, repairing or replacing damaged structural elements, improving insulation, or implementing waterproofing solutions.
  • Safety: Frost boil repairs can involve complex structural work which, if carried out incorrectly, can compromise the safety of the building. Professionals have the equipment and skills to carry out repairs safely.
  • Preventing future problems: A professional will not only repair visible damage, but will also seek to prevent future problems. This may include improving the wall’s waterproofing and insulation to prevent water infiltration and frost damage.
  • Compliance with standards: Professionals will ensure that all repairs comply with Régie du Bâtiment du Québec codes and current safety standards. This is essential to ensure not only safety, but also legal compliance.
  • Quality guarantee: Work carried out by professionals is often covered by a warranty. In the event of a problem with the repairs carried out, in some cases you can usually call on the professional for corrections at no extra charge.
  • Saves time and stress: Attempting to repair a masonry frost boil yourself takes a lot of time and money, especially without the necessary expertise. Hiring a professional can save you time and hassle.

Why choose Restaure-Action for frost boil repair?

With over 60 years’ experience, Restaure-Action’s team of expert bricklayers is dedicated to carrying out your renovation projects, adapting its practices according to the scope of your project. 

We offer a comprehensive restoration consulting service, including analysis of building envelope issues, design of repair solutions, budget and time planning, and actual execution of the work.

Certified and recognized by the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec, and the Association des Entrepreneurs en Maçonnerie du Québec, the Restoration team includes certified craftsmen and professionals, some with over 35 years’ experience. Ongoing training ensures that every employee has the latest masonry skills and knowledge.

What’s more, our company has a vast fleet of equipment and tools, which undergo regular and meticulous preventive maintenance. This allows us to carry out a wide range of projects without the need for outside rental.

Finally, at Restaure-Action, protecting the environment is one of our top priorities. Material recovery, dust control and travel are just some of the actions we integrate into our operations.

On which buildings do you repair frost boils?

We can repair frost boils in the residential sector (houses, apartment buildings, townhouses, etc.). (houses, apartment buildings, townhouses, duplexes and triplexes) as well as in the commercial sector (commercial spaces, shopping centers, warehouses, historic buildings, etc.). 


If your damaged building doesn’t fall into one of these categories, we invite you to contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Do you do masonry frost boil repairs in winter?

Masonry damage is often unpredictable, and doesn’t depend on the season. Fortunately, we’re here to help! At Restaure-Action, our technicians are qualified to carry out a wide range of masonry work, both residential and commercial, even during the winter, throughout the Greater Montreal area.

If you have a masonry problem in winter, don’t hesitate to contact us and describe your situation. We can then assess the feasibility of solving your problem during the winter months.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our frost boil repair service, our other masonry services or to request a free estimate, we invite you to contact us. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We travel to many parts of Montreal to repair your masonry frost boil. 

If you’re faced with an urgent and potentially dangerous masonry situation, you can benefit from our 24/7 emergency service, and we’ll get our team on site as soon as possible.

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