2026 Masonry Care Resolutions: What Every Homeowner Should Schedule

A Proactive Maintenance Guide from Bollerud & Sons Masonry

As we settle into 2026, many of us are looking at our homes with fresh eyes. While interior trends may shift with the seasons, the exterior of your home—the stone, brick, and mortar—remains your first line of defense against the unpredictable Wisconsin climate.

At Bollerud & Sons Masonry, we’ve spent generations protecting Milton homes from the harsh freeze-thaw cycles of the Midwest. This year, we’re encouraging homeowners to trade reactive "emergency fixes" for a proactive 2026 Masonry Resolution.

Here is your guide to the essential maintenance tasks you should schedule this year to keep your home’s stonework solid for decades to come.

Resolution 1: The Spring "Post-Winter" Inspection

Wisconsin winters are brutal on mortar. When water gets into tiny cracks and freezes, it expands with incredible force. This is the primary cause of "spalling," where the face of your brick or stone begins to flake off.

• What to look for: In early spring, perform a visual walk-around. Look for crumbling mortar joints or bricks that look like they are "peeling."
• The Action: Catching a small mortar failure in April prevents a full-scale wall reconstruction in October. If you see gaps, it's time for professional tuckpointing.

Resolution 2: Summer Sealing for Long-Term Defense

In 2026, "Low-Maintenance Living" is a top priority for homeowners. One of the best ways to achieve this is through high-tech professional sealing while the weather is warm and dry.

• The Strategy: Protect your investment from road salt and driving rain.
• The Action: We recommend applying a professional-grade, breathable silane/siloxane sealer. Unlike old-school "glossy" seals, these modern treatments penetrate deep into the material to repel water while still allowing the masonry to "breathe," preventing internal moisture buildup.

Resolution 3: Fall Chimney & Fireplace Prep

Your chimney is the most exposed part of your home, taking the brunt of the wind, rain, and snow. A cracked chimney crown (the concrete slab at the very top) is the leading cause of interior water damage and mold in Milton homes.

• The Strategy: Ensure your fireplace is safe and efficient before the first frost.
• The Action: Schedule a "Top-to-Bottom" Chimney Check. We inspect the flashing (where the chimney meets the roof), the cap, and the crown to ensure everything is watertight and fire-safe.

Resolution 4: Year-Round Foundation Monitoring

A dry basement starts with a strong exterior foundation. With the increased rainfall patterns we've seen recently, keeping water away from your home’s base is more critical than ever.

• The Strategy: Keep a "Healthy Home" mindset by monitoring the basement and crawlspace.
• The Action: Ensure your gutters are clear and soil is graded away from the house. If you notice "efflorescence" (a white, salty residue) on your interior stone or brick walls, it’s a sign that moisture is pushing through and needs professional attention.

Start Your 2026 Resolutions with Bollerud & Sons

Whether you live in a historic downtown Milton residence or a modern build in the surrounding countryside, masonry is an investment that requires stewardship. With our family’s deep roots in the community and decades of experience, we’re here to help you protect your legacy.