7 Signs of Facade Damage to Look for This Spring (Before It Gets Worse)

Posted by Jeffrey Evenmo on
Vertical shot of the Plummer Building covered in the snow in the daylight in Rochester, Minnesota by wirestock

Is Your Building’s Facade Trying to Tell You Something?

After a long Midwest winter, now is the time to walk your property and take a close look at your building’s exterior. Cold temperatures, snow, and moisture can quietly compromise masonry surfaces, and the effects often don’t become visible until spring.

At Building Restoration Corporation, we know the value of catching small problems early. Here are 7 signs of facade damage you can often spot with a simple visual check and why they matter.

1. White Stains on Brick or Stone

White crystalline deposits on a brick facade caused by moisture infiltration.
White stains on brick may indicate water infiltration leading to efflorescence.

Efflorescence is one of the most common signs of post-winter moisture issues in masonry facades.

  • What to Look For: Powdery white residue on masonry, often near foundations or water-prone areas.
  • Why It Matters: This is known as efflorescence—caused by moisture moving through masonry and depositing salts on the surface. It’s a sign water is getting in, which can lead to internal damage over time.

2. Deteriorating or Missing Mortar

Brick wall showing crumbling and missing mortar joints.
Missing or cracked mortar allows moisture in and accelerates deterioration.

Mortar joints are especially vulnerable to freeze-thaw cycles and should be checked as part of any spring maintenance walk-through.

  • What to Look For: Gaps, crumbling joints, or missing mortar between bricks or stone.
  • Why It Matters: Mortar is your wall’s first line of defense. When it breaks down, water enters and accelerates damage—especially after freeze-thaw cycles.

3. Chipped & Flaking Brick or Stone

Brick surface showing signs of flaking and material loss near edges.
Flaking brick or stone, also known as spalling, is often caused by trapped moisture and freeze-thaw damage.

Spalling, or the flaking and cracking of masonry surfaces, often points to moisture damage from trapped water during winter.

  • What to Look For: Surfaces breaking apart, particularly near ledges or the base of walls.
  • Why It Matters: Spalling often results from moisture inside the masonry expanding in freezing temps. It weakens the structure and can spread quickly if ignored.

4. Cracked Caulking & Missing Sealant

Damaged and peeling sealant at the base of an exterior wall joint.
Cracked or missing sealant can allow water and air to enter the building envelope.

Exterior sealants naturally deteriorate over time and winter conditions accelerate that breakdown.

  • What to Look For: Brittle, cracked, or peeling sealant around windows, joints, and panel edges.
  • Why It Matters: Failed sealants allow moisture and air into the building envelope, leading to leaks, interior damage, and reduced energy efficiency.

5. Rust Stains or Metal Corrosion

Severely corroded steel lintel beneath a brick facade.
Rust stains or corrosion can indicate expanding metal that’s stressing surrounding materials.

Rust on your facade isn’t just cosmetic. It usually means moisture is reaching embedded or exposed metal components.

  • What to Look For: Orange or brown streaks around windows, anchors, or metal lintels.
  • Why It Matters: Rust is more than a cosmetic issue. Corroded metal expands, cracks surrounding materials, and indicates moisture is reaching structural components.

6. Bulging, Warping & Shifting Facade

Misaligned and bulging exterior brick cladding showing structural movement.
Bulging or shifting masonry can signal structural movement or hidden water damage.

Visible movement or displacement in masonry or facade panels could signal deeper structural issues caused or worsened by winter conditions.

  • What to Look For: Uneven sections of masonry or panels, or gaps forming in the facade.
  • Why It Matters: These are potential signs of structural movement or hidden water damage. Left unaddressed, they pose real safety risks.

7. Interior Water Stains or Damp Areas

Circular brown water stain on an interior ceiling surface.
Interior stains often trace back to facade leaks or sealant failures on the exterior.

From interior leaks to visible staining, water intrusion often becomes more noticeable in spring—and it usually starts on the exterior.

  • What to Look For: Interior water stains on ceilings and walls, dark streaks on the facade, or signs of leaks.
  • Why It Matters: These symptoms often trace back to exterior failure—especially after winter. Addressing the source quickly can prevent bigger problems.

Download this guide as a PDF to share with your team or use on site.

 

Why Spring Is the Right Time to Check

Winter moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and snow buildup often leave behind subtle but serious signs of damage. Spring offers the clearest opportunity to assess your facade, and addressing issues early can help prevent further deterioration or potential failure.

Need a Closer Look?

Some problem areas are tough to spot from the ground. Building Restoration Corporation offers aerial drone observations for high and hard-to-reach sections of your facade. Combined with our 40+ years of restoration expertise, you’ll have a clear picture of what your building needs.

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Whether it’s a historic landmark, healthcare facility, or commercial property, our team approaches every project with safety, sensitivity, and respect for your operations.

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