Chicago Brick Tuckpointing (Masonry Repair)
Maintaining brick or stone masonry in Chicago’s extreme weather isn’t optional… it’s necessary. The freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect moisture, and seasonal shifts all take a toll on your home’s exterior.
As a trusted Chicago masonry contractor, here are 5 warning signs your brick, block, or stonework may need repair:
1. Cracked or Crumbling Mortar
Mortar is the glue holding your bricks together. If it’s deteriorating, water can seep in and cause structural damage. This is often a sign that your home needs tuckpointing.
2. Spalling Bricks (Flaking or Peeling Faces)
If the surface of your bricks is flaking off, it’s likely due to moisture damage. This is especially common in older Chicago homes or poorly sealed masonry walls.
3. Gaps Between Bricks or Stones
If bricks are separating, you may be dealing with foundation movement or old age. Gaps allow moisture to enter and compromise the wall.
4. Bulging or Bowing Walls
Any outward curve in your masonry wall is a serious issue. It could indicate shifting foundations or internal pressure and should be addressed immediately.
5. White Staining (Efflorescence)
Efflorescence is caused by water pushing salts out through the bricks. It’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign of trapped moisture inside your walls.
Need help? At Chicagoland Masonry and Concrete, we provide affordable masonry repair services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Whether it’s tuckpointing, chimney repair, or full wall rebuilds, we get the job done right.
