Bricklayer in Chicago, IL
Chicago Brick Repair and Replacement by Experienced Bricklayers
Brick repair and replacement is skilled work that requires matching the original brick in size, color, texture, and bond pattern so the repair blends with the existing wall. In a city built almost entirely of brick after the Great Fire of 1871, getting that match right matters on every project. We work daily on Chicago common brick, pressed brick, Roman brick, and Cream City brick across greystones in Lincoln Park, two-flats in Logan Square, courtyard buildings in Lakeview, and commercial facades along the West Loop.
North Shore Masonry has been providing brick repair and installation services across Chicago since 1978. Our bricklayers understand the differences between historic and modern construction. On pre-war buildings, the original bricks were often hand-pressed and laid with lime mortar. Replacing damaged bricks on these structures means sourcing matching brick, often from salvage yards, and setting it with the correct mortar so the new work integrates with 90+ year-old masonry without trapping moisture or causing future spalling.
Whether you need a few spalled bricks replaced on a Bucktown greystone, a lintel rebuild on a six-flat in Bridgeport, or a full facade brick replacement on a commercial property in Streeterville, our crews handle projects of every scope. Call (847) 864-5990 to schedule a free on-site evaluation.
How Our Bricklayers Handle Brick Repair in Chicago
Every brick repair project starts with understanding why the brick failed in the first place. Replacing brick without addressing the root cause means the new brick will fail the same way.
We examine the damaged area to determine the cause: freeze-thaw spalling, rusted lintel expansion, structural settlement, impact damage, or prior repairs done with the wrong mortar. On older buildings in Wicker Park and Humboldt Park, we frequently find that spalling was caused by portland cement repairs on lime mortar walls. The wrong mortar traps moisture inside the brick and the freeze-thaw cycle breaks it apart from the inside.
We source replacement brick that matches the existing wall in size, color, texture, and firing characteristics. For historic Chicago buildings, this often means locating reclaimed brick from salvage yards or working with specialty suppliers who produce reproduction brick. Chicago common brick, pressed face brick, and Roman brick each have distinct profiles that must be matched precisely.
Damaged bricks are cut out without disturbing the surrounding masonry. This requires precision cutting and hand work, especially on multi-wythe walls where removing too aggressively can loosen adjacent bricks. Our bricklayers have decades of experience working on the tightly laid bond patterns found across Chicago’s older building stock.
New bricks are set with mortar that matches the original wall composition. On pre-1920 buildings, that means lime mortar (Type O or Type K). On newer construction, a portland cement mix proportioned for the wall. The mortar color is matched to the existing joints so the repair is invisible once cured. We tool the joints to match the existing profile, whether running bond, common bond, or Flemish bond.
We clean all mortar residue from the brick face, inspect every replaced brick for proper seating and alignment, and walk the completed repair with you. All brick repair and replacement work is backed by our 2-year labor and material warranty.
Common Brick Problems on Chicago Buildings
Chicago’s freeze-thaw climate and aging building stock create specific brick repair challenges we deal with across the city.
Most common issue
Spalling brick from moisture and freeze-thaw damage
Moisture enters the brick through failed mortar joints or incorrect prior repairs. When that moisture freezes, it expands and forces the outer face of the brick to pop off. This is the most common brick failure we see across Chicago, especially on north-facing and west-facing walls in Hyde Park, Edgewater, and Rogers Park where wind-driven rain accelerates the cycle. Replacing the spalled bricks without also fixing the mortar that let the moisture in guarantees the new brick will spall too. We always address the tuckpointing alongside the brick replacement.
Rusted steel lintels above windows and doors expand as they corrode, pushing the surrounding brickwork outward and cracking the mortar in a stair-step pattern. Replacing the brick without replacing the lintel is a temporary fix. We handle both the structural lintel replacement and the surrounding brickwork as one project.
Soil settlement beneath the foundation can cause stair-step cracks in the brick above. This is common on Chicago’s clay soils, particularly on older buildings in Pilsen and Bridgeport. We assess whether the settlement has stabilized before repairing the brickwork to ensure the repair holds.
A previous contractor used the wrong size, color, or type of brick and now the wall has visible patches that don’t match. We source correct replacement brick and redo the repair so it blends with the original wall.
White salt deposits on the brick surface indicate water is moving through the wall. If brick replacement is needed, we also recommend masonry waterproofing to stop the moisture source and protect the new brickwork.
Signs Your Building Needs Brick Repair
Brick damage is often visible from the ground if you know what to look for. Here are the signs that your Chicago building needs a bricklayer:
Spalling. The outer layer of the brick is separating due to trapped moisture. Common after harsh winters on older buildings.
Cracked bricks indicate structural stress, lintel failure, or settlement. The crack pattern tells us the cause.
Bricks pushing outward from the wall often signal a rusted lintel expanding behind them. This is a safety concern and needs immediate attention.
A diagonal crack pattern radiating from window or door corners usually means the steel lintel above has corroded and expanded.
Prior repairs done with the wrong brick. The wall looks inconsistent and the replacement brick may not be performing as well as the original.
If you are seeing any of these signs, call (847) 864-5990 for a free evaluation. We will tell you what caused the damage and what it takes to fix it properly.
Brick Repair for Homes and Commercial Buildings
Single-family homes, two-flats, and three-flats. Most residential projects involve replacing spalled bricks on front or side elevations, rebuilding brickwork around failed lintels, and repairing chimney brick. A typical residential brick repair job takes one to three days. We protect landscaping and walkways during the work and match the original brick so the repair is invisible from the street.
Six-flats, courtyard buildings, condo associations, and commercial facades require larger-scope brick replacement, often combined with lintel replacement and tuckpointing. We work directly with property managers and condo boards on phased repairs, scaffold access, and documentation for association records. For cost guidance, visit our pricing page.
Why Chicago Property Owners Trust Our Bricklayers
Brick matching is where most contractors fall short. Picking the wrong brick or mortar ruins the appearance of the repair and can cause further damage to the wall. North Shore Masonry holds a 4.9-star rating based on hundreds of verified reviews from Chicago property owners. We are MCAA-certified, fully insured, and every brick repair project is backed by our 2-year labor and material warranty.
Our bricklayers are not subcontractors rotating between companies. Many have been with us for 15+ years and bring decades of hands-on experience with Chicago’s building stock. They know the difference between Chicago common brick and pressed brick by sight and by feel. That knowledge is why our repairs blend seamlessly and hold up for decades.
Years
Rating
Warranty
Certified
Certified Member of the Mason Contractor Association of America (MCAA)
"Committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment." - MCAA
Where We Provide Brick Repair Around Chicago
Our bricklayers work throughout Chicago and surrounding Chicagoland communities. For full masonry services in your area, visit our Chicago masonry contractor page or select a location below.
Core Service Areas
Oak Park, IL
Berwyn, IL
Cicero, IL
Skokie, IL
Elmhurst, IL
Wilmette, IL
Highland Park, IL
Kenilworth, IL
Extended Coverage
Hear From Some Of Our Customers
FAQs | Bricklayer in Chicago, IL
How much does brick repair cost in Chicago?
Brick repair costs depend on the number of bricks being replaced, wall height, access requirements, and whether lintel work is also needed. Replacing a small section of spalled brick on a single-family home is significantly less than a large-scale facade restoration on a six-flat. We provide free on-site estimates with a written scope. Visit our pricing page for general ranges.
Can you match old brick on my Chicago building?
Yes. Matching historic brick is one of our core skills. We source reclaimed Chicago common brick, pressed face brick, and Roman brick from salvage suppliers and specialty producers. We match the size, color, texture, and firing characteristics so the replacement blends with the original wall. We also match the mortar color and joint profile.
What is the difference between brick repair and brick replacement?
Brick repair refers to fixing the surrounding mortar joints through tuckpointing. Brick replacement means removing a damaged brick entirely and installing a new matching brick in its place. Most projects involve a combination of both: replacing the failed bricks and repointing the mortar joints around them.
Why are bricks spalling on my building?
Spalling is caused by moisture trapped inside the brick. When that moisture freezes, it expands and forces the outer face to break off. The most common cause is failed mortar joints that let water in. Portland cement mortar used on older lime mortar buildings is another frequent cause because the hard cement traps moisture inside the softer brick.
Do I need a permit for brick replacement in Chicago?
In-kind replacement of up to 50 square feet of masonry on a residential building up to 4 stories does not require a permit in Chicago. Larger brick replacement projects fall under the Express Permit Program for masonry work. Work on Chicago Landmark buildings always requires landmark approval. We handle permit coordination when needed. See the Chicago masonry permit exemptions for details.
Do you replace lintels as part of brick repair?
Yes. Rusted lintels are one of the most common reasons brick needs replacement in Chicago. We expose, remove, and replace the corroded lintel with new steel, then install proper flashing and rebuild the surrounding brickwork. This is a single coordinated project, not two separate jobs.
How long does brick replacement take?
Most residential brick replacement jobs take one to three days depending on the number of bricks, wall height, and whether lintel work is involved. Larger commercial or multi-unit projects can take one to two weeks. We provide a timeline during the initial inspection.
What types of brick do you work with?
We work with all brick types found across Chicago’s building stock: Chicago common brick, pressed face brick, Roman brick, modular brick, engineered brick, and Cream City brick on buildings with Milwaukee-sourced masonry. We also work with concrete block, structural clay tile, and stone veneer when the project requires it.
Helpful Resources for Brick Repair in Chicago
Brick repair and replacement in Chicago may or may not require a permit depending on the scope. These resources explain when permits apply and when they do not.
In-kind replacement of up to 50 sq ft of masonry on residential buildings up to 4 stories does not require a building permit. This page details the exemptions and conditions.
For brick replacement projects exceeding 50 sq ft or involving structural elements like lintels. Covers documentation requirements and contractor license classes.
Brick replacement must be performed by a licensed mason contractor (Class A or B for brickwork). Verify your contractor’s license before work begins.