Often at a construction site there is such a situation when they did not manage to put the object on time, and then the cold unexpectedly came. This is not uncommon in the northern regions. Or the customer is eager to enter the new house as soon as possible, so he urges the builders to continue the brickwork even in winter.

Experts immediately warn that laying brick in the cold is not desirable. Work with cement-sand mortar is optimal at plus temperature. In the cold season, the water in the solution will simply freeze and the necessary chemical reaction between the components of the mixture will not occur. At negative air temperatures, the solution quickly freezes, and after the onset of heat thaws and loses strength. Even if the masonry was carried out even at positive temperature, but before the onset of frost, enough time did not pass, then the strength of the masonry will be much lower.

The dangers of winter masonry

The main problems of violation of the temperature regime when laying bricks are connected precisely with the solidification of the mortar:

• In winter, the water in the solution turns into ice, so its volume increases by 10%, but when thawing decreases again, due to which the whole structure shrinks;
• In frosty weather, air bubbles form in the solution, so there is a great danger of cracking throughout the building;
• Masonry quality and strength are noticeably worse than in summer;
• The brick can be covered with frost on the whole width;
• A thin ice crust forms on the surface of the brick, which impairs the adhesion process;
• The structure of the brick may be disturbed by frozen water.

How to put a brick in the cold

It is still possible to continue laying in the cold, but it is necessary to take into account the features of such work. Antifreeze additives must be in the working solution. With their help, it is possible to increase the temperature of the composition and slow down its solidification. The masonry mixture should maintain ductility. It is also necessary to constantly monitor the temperature of the already laid mixture. Small depressions are left in the masonry, in which a thermometer is placed.

When laying in winter, other methods can be additionally applied, for example, the installation of a protective frame (teplyak) covered with a film heated by heat or gas guns. There is also a thermos method, a method of freezing and styling with electric heating. All of them require additional heating costs and are associated with certain inconveniences.

If to lay a brick at a low temperature, not observing the technology, then the strength of the building and its stability will decrease significantly. It is clear that living in a house with cracks in the walls will be simply dangerous.