Tuckpointing & Masonry Repair in Chicago

Chicago's brick bungalows, two-flats, and greystones were built to last a century, but mortar doesn't. Chicagoland Masonry Co. finds where water is getting in and repairs the brick the right way, before freeze-thaw winters turn small gaps into big repairs.

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Request a Masonry Inspection

Tuckpointing & masonry specialists

Chimneys, lintels & glass block

Written estimates

Local to Chicago

Why Chicago Building Owners Call Us

Inspection Before Anything Else

Photos of the actual mortar, brick, chimney, and lintels, so you can see what needs work and what doesn't.

Repointing Done Right

Old mortar ground out to proper depth and replaced with a compatible mortar, not smeared over the surface.

Matched to Your Building

Mortar color and joint profile matched so repairs blend with the original brickwork.

Written Estimates

Scope, square footage, and price in writing. No pressure, no surprise add-ons.

Masonry Services in Chicago

Tuckpointing

Grinding out failed mortar and repointing walls, parapets, and chimneys. → Tuckpointing

Chimney Repair & Rebuilds

Crumbling crowns, loose brick, leaning stacks, and full rebuilds above the roofline. → Chimney repair

Glass Block Windows

Secure, energy-efficient glass block for basements, bathrooms, and gangways, with vent options. → Glass block

Brick & Masonry Repair

Spalled and cracked brick replaced, step cracks repaired, and walls stabilized. → Brick repair

Lintel Replacement

Rusted steel lintels over windows and doors lift and crack brick. Replaced before the damage spreads. → Lintels

How It Works

1
Request an inspection. Tell us about the building and what you're seeing.
2
Masonry inspected. Walls, chimney, parapets, and lintels checked and photographed.
3
Options explained. Spot repairs vs. full repointing, with the reasons.
4
Written estimate. Scope and price before any work.
5
Work completed and cleaned up, including mortar dust and debris.

Signs Your Building Needs Masonry Work

Mortar that's recessed, sandy, or crumbles when you scratch it
Stair-step cracks in the brick
Bricks with faces popping off (spalling) after winter
White staining (efflorescence) from water moving through the wall
Cracked brick above windows, or rust stains at lintels
Water stains inside on exterior walls or around the chimney

Serving Chicago & Chicagoland

Chicago neighborhoods from Rogers Park to Beverly, plus Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Berwyn, Cicero, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Lawn, and Des Plaines. → Full service area

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tuckpointing?

Grinding out deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. Done properly, it keeps water out of the wall and restores the look of the brickwork.

How often does a brick building need tuckpointing?

Mortar typically lasts decades but not forever. Many Chicago buildings need repointing in sections every 20 to 30 years, sooner on exposed walls, parapets, and chimneys.

Can you match my existing mortar color?

Yes. Mortar color, texture, and joint profile are matched so repairs blend in.

When can masonry work be done in Chicago?

Mortar needs above-freezing temperatures to cure, so most tuckpointing happens spring through fall. Winter is a good time to get inspected and on the schedule.

Do I need a permit?

The City of Chicago requires permits for many masonry repairs. Your contractor should confirm and pull the right one.

Can tuckpointing stop water coming through my wall?

It's often the main fix, but water can also come from failed lintels, parapet caps, chimneys, or gutters. An inspection finds the actual source.

Protect Your Building Before Winter

📞 Get a Quote Request Service

Stop Water Before It Gets Behind the Brick

Crumbling mortar lets water in, and Chicago's freeze-thaw winters do the rest. Tell us what you're seeing. Send the form and we'll get back to you.

Inspection first, with photos of what needs work
Written estimate before anything starts
Serving Chicago & Chicagoland

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