Abstract This paper presents the results of laboratory frost weathering of five geomaterials used in stone monuments showing more or less frost damage: two sandstones (France), molasses (Switzerland), and a volcanic tuff and brick (Japan). Samples were submitted to unidirectional freezing simulations during which temperature and dilation were measured. The aim of these experiments was to understand which internal or external factors prevailing on dilation would lead to cracking. Results showed that water supply and repetition of freeze-thaw cycles were most important in the dilation of the materials. They also showed that the materials with the weakest transfer properties by capillary absorption were the most sensitive to frost action.