4.9 Rating|BBB A+

Split Face Block Repair
in Chicagoland

Serving Tinley Park, Orland Park, Frankfort, Oak Lawn & 40+ suburbs. 20+ years experience. Free estimates.

About Split Face Block Repair

Split face block repair in Chicago, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and the south suburbs addresses a common problem in Chicagoland construction. Split face concrete block -the textured, rock-like blocks used on foundations, retaining walls, and commercial buildings -looks durable but absorbs water that destroys it through freeze-thaw cycles.

Builders used split face block extensively from the 1970s through 2000s. It provided an attractive, low-maintenance exterior at lower cost than brick. What they didn't anticipate was how poorly split face handles Chicago winters. The textured face that gives split face its appearance is also highly porous -it absorbs water that freezes, expands, and causes the face to spall off in layers.

Why Split Face Block Fails:

The manufacturing process "splits" concrete blocks to create a textured face. This split surface exposes the porous interior aggregate, allowing water absorption rates 10-20 times higher than smooth-face block. In Chicago's climate with 30+ freeze-thaw cycles per year, absorbed water destroys blocks within 15-25 years.

Failure accelerates when: - Blocks face north or west (more moisture exposure) - Soil grade slopes toward the wall (splash-back and ground moisture) - Gutter discharge deposits water near walls - Landscaping keeps walls perpetually damp

Signs of Split Face Block Problems:

- White efflorescence (salt deposits) on block faces - Surface flaking starting at exposed edges - Crumbling chunks falling from block faces - Horizontal cracks along courses - Interior moisture, mold, or musty smells behind split face walls

Our Repair Solutions:

Block Replacement:: Severely spalled blocks need removal and replacement. We carefully extract damaged blocks, clean the cavity, and install new blocks with proper mortar. Matching block color and texture matters for appearance -we source matching replacements before beginning work.

Crack Injection and Sealing:: Vertical cracks through blocks and horizontal cracks along mortar joints need sealing. We clean cracks, inject flexible polyurethane sealant, and smooth surfaces. Rigid sealants crack again during thermal movement.

Waterproof Coatings:: Breathable waterproof coatings (silane/siloxane sealers) protect blocks from water absorption while allowing vapor escape. These need reapplication every 5-7 years but dramatically slow deterioration.

Drainage Correction:: Many split face problems trace to poor drainage. Regrading soil away from walls, extending gutter downspouts, and installing French drains reduces water contact and extends block life.

When to Repair vs. Replace:

Minor spalling and surface damage can be repaired. When 30%+ of blocks show damage, or when spalling has reached the block's structural core, wall replacement becomes more cost-effective than extensive patching. We assess honestly -repairs should solve problems, not delay inevitable replacement.

Areas We Serve:: We repair split face block throughout Chicago's south side, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Homewood, Matteson, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, and throughout Cook and Will Counties.

Prevention is Cheaper:: If your split face block shows no damage but is over 10 years old, applying protective coating now prevents expensive repairs later. A $2,000 coating application can prevent $15,000 in block replacement.

What's Included

Block replacement

Crack repair

Waterproof coatings

Joint sealing

Water damage repair

Preventive treatments

Why Choose Us for Split Face Block Repair?

With 20+ years of experience and 400+ completed projects, we have the expertise to handle any split face block repair project. Our licensed roofing professionals provide quality workmanship backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

20+

Years

400+

Projects

100%

Satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhy is my split face block crumbling?

Split face block's textured surface absorbs water. Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles cause that water to expand and flake the block face. North and west-facing walls fail first.

QCan split face block be sealed to prevent damage?

Yes. Breathable silane/siloxane sealers reduce water absorption by 90%+ while allowing vapor escape. Application every 5-7 years protects blocks from freeze-thaw damage.

QHow much does split face block repair cost?

Individual block replacement runs $40-80 per block. Crack sealing costs $15-25 per linear foot. Waterproof coating runs $2-4 per square foot. Full wall replacement costs $40-60 per square foot.

QShould I repair or replace my split face wall?

If less than 30% of blocks show damage, repair makes sense. Beyond 30%, or when damage reaches structural cores, replacement becomes more cost-effective.

QCan you match the existing block color for repairs?

We source matching blocks from multiple suppliers. Exact matches aren't always available for older blocks, but we find close alternatives. Coating the entire wall after repair unifies appearance.