Why Masonry Restoration Matters: Protecting Your Investment
Masonry restoration is the process of repairing the masonry elements of a building to preserve its integrity and appearance. It’s typically needed when materials start to show signs of wear due to things like age, weather, and water damage. If you’ve ever walked past a historic building in Chicago, you know there’s something timeless about masonry, but you may not have realized that many of those brick walls have undergone masonry restoration to keep them looking beautiful. In this article, we’ll discuss why masonry restoration matters in Chicago and how choosing the right professionals can help you protect your investment.
What Is Masonry Restoration?
Masonry restoration refers to the process of repairing and preserving brick, stone, and other masonry materials on older structures. It’s different from new construction, since masonry isn’t building structures from scratch. Instead, masonry restoration takes what you already have and makes it safe, strong, and beautiful again.
What Happens If You Ignore Masonry Issues?
It’s understandable why so many of us are tempted to put off brick restoration projects until later. Unfortunately, if you ignore masonry issues in your building, cracks can get wider, water may start to leak in, and soon you’ll be dealing not only with aesthetic issues but also with structural problems and higher repair bills. Here are some of the most common problems that can happen if you ignore masonry issues.
Water Damage
Moisture can cause damage to masonry, especially in Chicago, where we experience annual freeze-thaw cycles. Once water gets into cracks, it can freeze and expand, which can further harm the brick and make the damage worse.
Mold and Mildew
The same water that damages bricks can also lead to mold and mildew inside your walls. This poses real issues to both your health and the resale value of your property.
Decreased Property Value
If masonry issues are allowed to go on too long, they can lead to structural issues and decreased property value. Even if the damage isn’t so severe as to hurt the structure of your property, the unappealing look of crumbling brick may turn potential buyers away.
Do You Need Masonry Services?
Are you unsure if it’s time to call a masonry restoration professional? When you look at your building, see if you notice cracked or crumbling mortar, discolored bricks, spalling bricks, water stains inside the building, bowing walls, or a white, chalky substance on the exterior of your bricks called efflorescence. If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s probably time to search “mason contractors near me” or “best masons near me” and start getting some estimates.
Why Brick Restoration Is Worth the Money
Brick restoration is one of the most common types of masonry work in Chicago. Our city’s brick structures are strong, but like all buildings, they’ll still wear down over time. Here, we cover a few of the reasons why brick restoration is worth the investment.
Improve Your Building’s Appearance
Masonry restoration will instantly improve the way your building looks. For businesses, this can help you make a better first impression on your customers, and for homeowners, it will both boost the value of your property and make you feel great that you’re caring for your home.
Preserve Historical Charm
If your building is older, restoration helps maintain its character. Over time, bricks and mortar naturally degrade, especially on older Chicago buildings that have endured decades of exposure. Restoration allows you to keep the original materials and character where possible while at the same time repairing the damage in a way that respects the architectural details of the building. A skilled mason contractor can match the mortar color and the shape of the bricks to make sure the updates blend in.
Strengthen Structural Integrity
When mortar starts to deteriorate or bricks begin to crack, your building becomes more vulnerable to shifting, settling, and moisture damage. Repointing is the process of removing old mortar and applying new mortar, and it helps lock the bricks back in place, reinforcing the strength of your walls and preventing bigger issues down the line.
Increase Energy Efficiency
Sealing up cracks can prevent drafts and keep moisture out. This can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced risk of mold or mildew caused by water.
How to Choose a Masonry Contractor Near You
Once you’re ready to get started on your masonry restoration project, the next step is finding the right contractor.
Good Reviews
When doing your research, look for masonry restoration services near you that have good reviews. People will tell you if they had a good experience with a company or not, and this is a great starting point.
Free Consultations and Inspections
Finally, ask about free consultations and inspections. Many companies will assess your building for free and explain your options, which can help you make the best decision.
Licensed and Insured
Look for a masonry contractor that’s licensed and insured. This means they have the credentials they need to repair your property and protect both your building and any people on the premises.
Experience in Chicago
Next, look for masonry contractors who have experience with Chicago buildings. The city’s older masonry structures require specific expertise, especially if you’re dealing with historical preservation.
Transparent Pricing
It’s always a good idea to find masonry restoration experts who have transparent pricing. A good contractor will give you a detailed quote and explain what you’re paying for.
Learn More About Masonry Services in Chicago
When you work with the experienced masonry restoration contractors at Jagra Masonry, you’ll get a team that takes pride in helping residential, commercial, and industrial property owners maintain safety, preserve character, and repair masonry structures. No matter whether you want to keep your building in great condition or achieve a new vision entirely, we’ll make sure the end result is beautiful and your expectations are exceeded. If you’d like to learn more about masonry restoration in Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact us at Jagra Masonry today.