admin 17 October 2025

Avoid Frost Damage This Winter

How to Protect Your Facades

When temperatures drop and moisture seeps into facades, walls, and concrete surfaces, damage can occur quickly. One of the most common causes is frost spalling – something that can be both costly and time-consuming to repair.
Here we explain what frost spalling is, why it happens, and how you can easily prevent it.

What Is Frost Spalling?

Frost spalling occurs when water penetrates pores, cracks, or joints in materials such as concrete, brick, natural stone, or plaster. When the temperature then drops below freezing, the water freezes and expands.
The resulting pressure can cause the surface to crack, flake, or even break apart. The result is unsightly damage, increased risk of moisture penetration, and, in the worst case, expensive repairs.

Why Does It Happen?

Frost spalling often affects surfaces that are dirty, porous, or poorly protected. Common causes include:

Dirt, algae, and pollutants that retain moisture
Untreated or worn surfaces without graffiti protection or impregnation
Water seeping in behind paint, joints, or plaster
Paint or graffiti that traps existing moisture

When autumn rain arrives and temperatures fluctuate around freezing, the risk increases significantly – the moisture never has time to dry before the next freeze.

How to Prevent Frost Spalling

Preventive maintenance is always easier (and cheaper) than repairing damage. Here are three simple steps to take before winter:

1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Remove dirt, algae, and pollutants with an effective facade cleaner. Also remove any graffiti. A clean surface dries faster and reduces the risk of trapped moisture.

2. Protect with Graffiti Protection or Impregnation
Shield the surface from both moisture and contaminants. A graffiti protection coating not only prevents graffiti adhesion – it also makes the surface water-repellent.

3. Inspect and Repair Cracks
Check facades, joints, and walls. Seal any cracks before winter to prevent water from getting in.

Summary

Frost spalling can occur quickly when moisture freezes inside materials – but it’s easy to prevent with proper cleaning and protection. By inspecting and maintaining your surfaces now, you’ll save both time and money in the long run.