Brick Restoration & Repair: Your Guide to Maintaining Your Chicago Brick Building 

What is Brick Restoration and Repair?

Brick restoration and repair refers to the process of fixing or restoring the appearance and structure of brick buildings. This is an important aspect of building maintenance, as it helps to keep the building looking its best and ensures that it remains structurally sound.

Brick restoration can involve a variety of different techniques, from repairing cracks and chips in individual bricks, repointing Chicago tuckpointing, partial rebuilding or a combination of these. By undertaking brick restoration and repair, You can not only preserve the appearance of Your building but also prevent further damage from occurring. This can help to extend the life of the building and maintain its value over time.

What Causes Brick Building Damage and Deterioration in Chicago?

Brick buildings in Chicago are exposed to a variety of harsh weather conditions, including high winds, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. These conditions can cause cracking, flaking, and spalling.

In addition, air pollution and acidic rain can also contribute to the deterioration of brick buildings in Chicago. Over time, this can cause the bricks to lose their strength and stability, which can make them more vulnerable to further damage.

To keep Your masonry building in good condition, it’s important to understand the factors that contribute to its deterioration and to undertake regular brick restoration and repair as needed. This will help to keep the building looking its best and ensure that it remains structurally sound for years to come.

Types of Brick Building Damage:

• Cracking: Small/large cracks in bricks or mortar joints that can occur due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.

• Flaking: A type of damage where the surface of the brick begins to peel or flake off, exposing the inner material.

• Spalling: A type of damage where the front layer of the brick begins to break away from the inner material, often resulting in a rough, pitted surface.

• Mortar Joint Deterioration: When the mortar between bricks begins to deteriorate, it can result in water leaks, cause the bricks to become loose, fall out of place and potentially cause damage to other parts of Your building. 

• Lintel Failure: A lintel is a structural component that supports the weight of the building above a doorway or window. If the lintel fails, it can cause damage to the bricks and mortar above.

The Lifespan of Chicago Bricks and Masonry

Brickwork and masonry are integral parts of the architecture in Chicago and are known for their long lifespan, often lasting over 100 years with proper maintenance. However, the city’s harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear can cause damage to the brick structures over time.

The life cycle of a brick structure in Chicago typically begins with the construction phase, where the brick and mortar are carefully selected and laid to ensure the structure is strong and durable. With proper care and maintenance, brick structures can last for several decades, even a century or more. However, factors such as harsh weather, improper flashing installation, ground settlement, or lack of maintenance can result in the need for brick repair.

As brick structures age, they may require brick repair or full brick restoration. This is where the expertise of masonry professionals can be invaluable.

Overall, the life cycle of a brick structure in Chicago is a testament to the strength and durability of brick architecture. With proper care and maintenance, these structures can continue to provide beauty and function for generations to come.

What Types of Structural Issues Hasten Brick Damage?

• Improper Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, such as repointing mortar joints, can lead to rapid deterioration of the bricks and mortar.

• Structural Movement: Shifting or settling of the building’s foundation can cause significant stress on the bricks, leading to cracking and other types of damage.

• Water Penetration: Leaks or water infiltration can cause significant damage to bricks and mortar over time.

• Improper restoration/Installation: If the bricks were not restored/installed properly, they may not be able to withstand changing weather conditions and experience more damage over time.

By understanding the types of brick damage and the factors that contribute to it, you can better protect your brick building and maintain its appearance and structural integrity. To learn more about these issues, their causes, and how to fix them, as well as pricing information, be sure to check out our services section.

What We Can Help You With

• Rebuilding of brick walls that are leaning, bulging, or bowing
• Replacement of spalled or cracked bricks
• Restoration/rebuilding  of deteriorated firewalls
• Rebuilding or restoring of deteriorated brick structures such as columns, fences, arches, chimneys, fireplaces (interior and exterior), and others, to their original state
• Resetting of bricks that are deflected or displaced
• Repair of parapet walls that are leaning or crumbling

How We Can Help

Chimney Repair and Rebuilding

Chimneys are an essential part of a building, and if they are not properly maintained, they can cause significant damage to a structure. Chimney repair and rebuilding services can address various issues such as cracks, leaks, chimney collapses, chimney instability, and overall deterioration of the chimney structure. In some cases, the entire chimney may need to be rebuilt, and in others, only minor repairs may be necessary.

Grinding & Repointing/Chicago Tuckpointing

Grinding and repointing, also known as tuckpointing, is the process of removing and replacing damaged or missing mortar in brickwork. This service is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of a building, as well as preserving its appearance. Cracks in the brickwork, water damage, and loss of structural integrity are all issues that can be addressed through grinding and repointing. 

Lintel Replacement

A lintel is a structural support that spans the opening of a doorway, window, or fireplace, and it helps to distribute the weight of the structure above it. If a lintel is damaged or deteriorated, it can cause sagging or collapsing brickwork, cracks, water damage, and other structural issues. A lintel replacement service can address these issues by removing the old lintel and installing a new one that is properly sized and installed to support the structure above it. This service is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of a building.

Parapet Wall Repair and Rebuilding

Parapet walls are architectural features that extend above the roofline of a building and serve as a barrier to the elements. If parapet walls are damaged or deteriorate, they can cause cracks, leaks, collapses, instability, and overall deterioration of the structure. A parapet wall repair and rebuilding service can address these issues by repairing or rebuilding damaged sections of the wall. This service is essential for preserving the appearance and stability of a building and protecting it from water damage.

Masonry Sealing/Waterproofing

Masonry materials, such as brick and stone, are porous and can absorb water, leading to damage and deterioration over time. Masonry sealing and waterproofing services can address issues such as water damage, efflorescence, mold growth, and deterioration of masonry materials caused by exposure to water and moisture. This service involves applying a waterproof coating to the surface of the masonry to prevent water from penetrating and causing damage. This service is essential for protecting the integrity of a building’s masonry and ensuring its longevity.