Masonry work - now? Or wait until Spring?

We need to get a significant portion of our front stoop rebuilt - the walls on either side of the front steps are cracking/crumbling.  We got an estimate from a recommended contractor and are planning on getting a second, but it's basically what I expected - i.e., crazy expensive.  Here's my question - do I go ahead with the work now, before winter really hits?  Or is it better to wait and get the work done in the spring?   Will new masonry be affected by really cold temps/snow/ice or does it make no difference?  Thanks for any advice.

why wait-weather is warm still.  spring will be busier for masons etc

I suggest calling a mason and asking him/her...

you might want to wait so everything has a season to cure a bit before you are dumping ice melt on it.

I've found a general consensus that it is best to have consistent temperatures above 50° degrees Fahrenheit for three to seven days for the cement to cure for the greatest strength (the growth of crystals within). There are ways around it with different cement types etc but you would need a really knowledgeable mason who paid such attention.

In other words it could be done but you seem right on the edge of such temperatures especially with some cold nights possible.

Personally, since it costs so much money I would wait until spring when we have more predictable and favorable temps. I mean, why take a chance?

We just had a chimney chase faced with stone veneer and our guy said they usually don't do any masonry past mid December.

Personally, I would wait, if you can, until spring. But book someone now! 

if the temperature is above 40 F for the first 24 to 48 hrs, the masonry should be fine...  if you find a week with good temperatures go for it... the masonry work should be fine....  mortar cures forever but most of it takes place within the 1st week.

We've been having this very same debate. Because part of me thinks we should go ahead and do the work before the existing staircase has to bear the brunt of the snow one more time.

TarheelsInNj said:

We've been having this very same debate. Because part of me thinks we should go ahead and do the work before the existing staircase has to bear the brunt of the snow one more time.

Flip side is that the new stairs will avoid a year of it.

Steve said:

TarheelsInNj said:

We've been having this very same debate. Because part of me thinks we should go ahead and do the work before the existing staircase has to bear the brunt of the snow one more time.

Flip side is that the new stairs will avoid a year of it.

True... I guess if they're not in actual danger of crumbling, spring is best!

or you will get an extra year of enjoyment of new stairs if you do it now

I'd say go for it and take the mason's recommendation. We had our chimney rebuilt in March when it was still pretty cold and it wasn't an issue. 

Thanks everybody for taking the time to give your input - appreciate it!