Masonry Contractor in Chicago, IL

What causes masonry damage on Chicago buildings?

Freeze-thaw cycles are the primary cause. Chicago sees over 100 per winter. Water gets into mortar joints and brick pores, freezes, expands, and breaks the material apart from the inside. Add lake-effect moisture, road salt exposure at ground level, and aging lime mortar that’s past its functional life, and you get accelerating deterioration. Greystones and older two-flats in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Bridgeport, and Logan Square are especially susceptible because of their age and original mortar composition.

How do I know if my building needs tuckpointing?

Look at your mortar joints. If you see crumbling, gaps between bricks, sandy residue collecting at the base of the wall, or mortar that you can scrape out with a key, repointing is overdue. Water stains on interior walls near exterior brick are another strong sign. On many Chicago buildings built before 1920, the original lime mortar has eroded well beyond its useful life, and patching over it with the wrong mortar type only makes it worse.

Do you handle chimney repair and rebuilding?

Yes. We repair chimney mortar, rebuild damaged sections, replace chimney crowns, install caps, and apply waterproofing to prevent future damage. Chimneys take the worst weather punishment on any building because they’re fully exposed on all four sides with no shelter. We see heavy deterioration across the North Side, from Rogers Park to Lakeview, and routinely rebuild chimneys on two-flats and six-flats that have gone decades without maintenance.

Can you match existing brick and mortar on older Chicago buildings?

Yes, and this is one of the most important parts of the job. A mismatched repair looks wrong and can actually damage surrounding masonry. We match Chicago common brick, pressed brick, Roman brick, and historic mortar formulations found on pre-war buildings throughout the city. When standard suppliers don’t have the right brick, we source salvaged material to get the closest possible match in color, size, and texture.

What causes water leaks through brick walls?

Open mortar joints are the most common cause. Once the mortar erodes past a certain point, wind-driven rain gets behind the brick face. Deteriorated sealants around windows, damaged chimney components, failed flashing, and unsealed masonry surfaces also contribute. We regularly diagnose and resolve masonry-related leaks for condo associations and property managers in Wicker Park, Uptown, and Streeterville, where multi-unit buildings have complex water entry paths that aren’t always obvious.

Do you work on both residential and commercial buildings?

Yes. We service single-family homes, two-flats, three-flats, multi-unit buildings, condo associations, and commercial properties throughout Chicago. Our team works directly with property management companies, including Kass Management and First Community Management, on multi-phase restoration projects that require phased scheduling, board communication, and detailed project documentation.

Do you replace rusted or failing lintels?

Absolutely. Rusted steel lintels above windows and doors are one of the most common structural masonry issues on Chicago’s aging multi-unit buildings. When a lintel rusts, it expands (a process called rust-jacking), pushing the brickwork above it out of alignment and allowing water in. We remove the failed lintel, install a new coated replacement, reflash the opening, and rebuild the surrounding brickwork to restore full structural support.

How much does masonry repair cost in Chicago?

It depends on the scope. A small tuckpointing job on a single wall section is very different from a full chimney rebuild or a multi-phase facade restoration on a six-flat. We provide free on-site inspections and written estimates so you know exactly what the project involves before any work begins. We’re not the cheapest option, but we deliver the best value: MCAA-certified work backed by a 2-year warranty. Visit our pricing page for realistic cost ranges.

How long do masonry repairs usually take?

Most small to medium repairs (tuckpointing a section of wall, replacing a few bricks, or repairing a chimney crown) take one to two days. Larger restoration projects on six-flats, courtyard buildings, or commercial facades may take one to three weeks depending on scope, weather conditions, and permit requirements. We give you a clear timeline upfront and keep you informed if anything changes.

What Chicago neighborhoods do you serve?

All of them. Our crews work daily across the city and Chicagoland suburbs. You’ll find us regularly in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Ravenswood, Uptown, Old Town, Streeterville, Bridgeport, the South Loop, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Bucktown, and many more. If your building is in Chicago or a surrounding suburb, we’ll come out and take a look. Request a free estimate.

Masonry repairs in Chicago may involve permitting and inspection requirements, especially for structural or exterior work on multi-unit and commercial buildings. These resources can help you understand what’s required before starting a project.

City of Chicago: Department of Buildings

Explains when permits are required and what standards apply to residential and commercial masonry projects in Chicago. Most structural masonry work on buildings over four stories requires a permit.

www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs.html

Chicago Facade Ordinance

Buildings 80 feet or taller are required to undergo periodic facade inspections under Chicago’s building code. If your building falls under this requirement, we can coordinate the inspection and any repair work that results from it.

Chicago Facade Inspection Information

Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA)

North Shore Masonry is a certified MCAA member. The MCAA sets industry standards for masonry workmanship, safety, and continuing education.

www.masoncontractors.org