Brick & Masonry Repair
in Chicagoland
(708) 290-8500Serving Tinley Park, Orland Park, Frankfort, Oak Lawn & 40+ suburbs. 20+ years experience. Free estimates.
About Brick & Masonry Repair
Brick and masonry repair in Chicago, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and the south suburbs addresses the damage that decades of freeze-thaw cycles inflict on brick structures. Chicagoland's climate is particularly harsh on masonry -winter temperatures repeatedly cross the 32°F threshold, each cycle allowing water to freeze, expand, crack mortar, and loosen bricks.
We repair brick walls, chimneys, foundations, and decorative masonry throughout Cook, Will, and DuPage Counties. From century-old Chicago bungalows to 1990s brick-veneer homes in Frankfort, masonry maintenance protects your building's structure and appearance.
Common Masonry Repairs:
Brick Replacement:: Spalled bricks (those with faces flaking off) need replacement before damage spreads. Water entering through spalled faces migrates behind adjacent bricks, causing them to fail too. We remove damaged bricks, clean the opening, and install matching replacement bricks with proper mortar.
Finding matching bricks challenges most repairs. Modern bricks differ from those made decades ago. We source salvage bricks when exact matches matter, or select close alternatives for less visible locations.
Chimney Repair:: Chimneys suffer the most exposure -all four sides open to weather, no protection from roof overhangs, and extreme temperature changes from interior flue gases. Common chimney repairs include: - Tuckpointing deteriorated mortar joints - Replacing spalled or cracked bricks - Installing or replacing chimney caps - Sealing crown cracks - Replacing damaged flashing where chimney meets roof - Rebuilding severely damaged sections
Lintel Replacement:: Steel lintels supporting bricks above windows and doors rust over time. As they expand, they crack surrounding bricks and mortar. We remove the damaged section, install new galvanized or stainless steel lintels, and rebuild brickwork above.
Foundation Repair:: Basement water infiltration often traces to failed mortar at the foundation line. Tuckpointing foundation walls stops water entry from surface drainage. For serious structural issues (bowing walls, significant cracks), we coordinate with structural engineers.
Step Crack Repair:
Diagonal "step cracks" following mortar joints indicate foundation settlement or movement. Minor step cracks need tuckpointing; significant cracks require structural assessment before cosmetic repair.
Our Masonry Process:
1. Inspection: We examine all masonry surfaces, documenting deterioration, assessing severity, and identifying root causes (water, settling, thermal movement).
2. Scope Definition: We specify exactly what repairs are needed, what can wait, and what requires immediate attention.
3. Material Sourcing: For repairs requiring matching bricks or specific mortar colors, we source materials before scheduling work.
4. Weather Scheduling: Masonry work requires temperatures above 40°F for mortar to cure properly. We schedule work during appropriate weather windows.
5. Professional Execution: Our masons remove old mortar to proper depth, prepare joints correctly, and apply new mortar using appropriate techniques.
6. Cleanup: Excess mortar is removed from brick faces before hardening. Final cleanup leaves the worksite cleaner than we found it.
Areas We Serve:: We repair brick and masonry throughout Chicago (Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park), south suburbs (Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights), and west suburbs (La Grange, Riverside, Hinsdale, Oak Brook).
What's Included
Why Choose Us for Brick & Masonry Repair?
With 20+ years of experience and 400+ completed projects, we have the expertise to handle any brick & masonry repair project. Our licensed roofing professionals provide quality workmanship backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow much does brick repair cost?
Pricing depends on scope. Tuckpointing runs $15-25 per square foot. Brick replacement costs $25-40 per brick including matching and mortar. Chimney repairs range $500-5,000 depending on severity.
QCan you match old bricks for repairs?
Usually yes. We source salvage bricks for close matches to vintage masonry. For newer homes, we work with distributors to find matching colors and textures.
QWhy is my chimney deteriorating faster than my walls?
Chimneys have four exposed sides, no roof overhang protection, and experience extreme temperature changes from flue gases. They need maintenance sooner than protected wall sections.
QWhat are those step cracks in my brick wall?
Diagonal step cracks following mortar joints typically indicate foundation settlement. Minor cracks need tuckpointing; significant cracks require structural assessment.
QWhen is the best time for masonry repair?
Spring through fall, when temperatures stay above 40°F. Mortar won't cure properly in cold weather. We schedule to avoid freezing conditions.
Brick & Masonry Repair by Location
We provide brick & masonry repair throughout Chicagoland. Select your city for local service information and pricing.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for professional brick & masonry repair services. Free estimates available.