7 Signs to Look For Before Winter Starts — Indoors & Outdoors — That May Indicate Masonry Problems

As winter approaches, Long Island homeowners often prepare by managing leaves, checking heating systems, and winterizing outdoor spaces. But colder weather also brings freeze–thaw cycles, moisture expansion, and ground shifting — conditions that can turn small masonry issues into major structural problems.

Before the first frost hits, take a few minutes to inspect your property inside and out. These seven warning signs can help you catch masonry-related issues early and avoid costly repairs when spring comes.

Outdoor Signs

1. Cracks in Walkways, Driveways, or Steps

Even small cracks can grow dramatically once water seeps in, freezes, and expands. Concrete, pavers, and stone are all vulnerable to this winter process.

Look for:

• Widening cracks
• Raised or sunken sections
• Loose pavers or stones

2. Sunken or Uneven Paver Areas

Settling or shifting usually indicates issues with the base, drainage, or edge restraints. When snow and ice accumulate, these problems get worse and can create hazardous surfaces.

Red flags:

• Dips that collect puddles
• Paver edges tilting outward
• Steps or stoops that look uneven

3. Water Pooling Near the House or Hardscape

Water that sits near foundations, patios, or retaining walls can freeze and damage the structural integrity of masonry.

Watch for:

• Soil erosion
• Constantly damp masonry
• Water trails on foundation walls

4. Loose Stones, Bricks, or Mortar Joints

Loose elements mean the binding structure is failing. Winter moisture expansion can cause cracking, shifting, or even collapse in severe cases.

Test it: Press gently — if anything wiggles, shifts, or crumbles, winter will make it worse.

5. Salt Damage or Surface Deterioration

Signs of past winter damage often show up as flaking, crumbling, or a powdery white residue (efflorescence).

If you see:

• Surface peeling
• Grit coming off in your hand
• White mineral streaks

…your masonry is already stressed and needs attention.

Indoor Signs

While outdoor symptoms are easier to see, interior clues can be just as important — and often signal deeper issues that will worsen during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.

6. Cracks in Interior Walls, Ceilings, or Door Frames

Cracks inside the home can be caused by foundation movement or shifting masonry outdoors.

You might notice:

• Diagonal cracks above doors
• Gaps forming between trim and walls
• Doors sticking or not closing properly

These symptoms often point back to exterior settling or foundation problems related to masonry.

7. Cold Drafts, Moisture Spots, or Musty Odors

If cold air, moisture, or mustiness appears around lower-level rooms, basements, or near exterior walls, it may indicate failing masonry or poor sealing.

Winter makes this worse by:

• Expanding existing exterior cracks
• Letting more moisture penetrate
• Causing basement walls to shift

Pay attention if:

• Basement corners feel damp
• Floors near exterior walls feel colder
• You notice a persistent musty smell

These issues often trace back to exterior masonry that needs sealing, repointing, or drainage corrections.

Get Ahead of Winter — Let Top of the Line Protect Your Home

Addressing these issues now is far more cost-effective than waiting until spring. Our team specializes in both outdoor masonry repair and diagnosing indoor signs that connect to exterior structural concerns.

Whether you’ve noticed one of these warning signs — or you just want a professional assessment — Top of the Line Landscaping & Masonry is here to help protect your home before winter hits.