See the work behind a lasting masonry repair.

This project highlights a full parapet wall reconstruction necessitated by severe freeze-thaw damage and long-term moisture intrusion. Years of severe weather exposure compromised the mortar joints and caused the original brick to spall, resulting in a leaning structure and allowing water to penetrate directly into the building envelope.

To resolve this critical liability, our licensed masonry team systematically dismantled the failing upper wall section down to a structurally sound baseline. The parapet was then fully rebuilt to exact Chicago municipal codes. We utilized properly formulated, weather-resistant mortar engineered for harsh winter climates and sourced matching brick to ensure the structural repair blended seamlessly with the building's original architecture.

The restoration was finalized by integrating proper roofline flashing and installing protective coping across the top course to aggressively shed water away from the masonry. The completed parapet wall is now structurally secure, entirely code-compliant, and fully waterproofed to withstand decades of heavy weathering.

This project demonstrates a complete exterior masonry restoration designed to resolve widespread mortar deterioration and protect the residential envelope from moisture intrusion. The original mortar joints exhibited significant wear across the primary elevations and structural corners, leaving the brickwork vulnerable to accelerated freeze-thaw damage.

To execute a permanent repair, our masonry team systematically ground out the failing joints to a uniform, deep depth across the entire elevation. This critical preparation ensures the new mortar achieves a structural bond with the existing masonry rather than acting as a superficial patch. The prepared joints were then fully tuckpointed using properly formulated, weather-resistant mortar, with all surrounding hardscaping and property meticulously protected during the process.

Following the curing phase, the brickwork was professionally washed to remove residual masonry dust and restore the natural color of the exterior. As a final preventative measure, a specialized water repellent was applied to the entire elevation. The completed exterior is structurally secure, visually restored, and fully sealed against future heavy weather exposure.

This project addresses a critical structural failure caused by oxidized steel window lintels, a condition known as rust jacking. As the original hidden steel headers deteriorated and expanded, the rust forced the load-bearing brick above the windows to bow and pushed the masonry pier between the windows outward. This expansion created a severe safety liability and allowed direct water intrusion into the building envelope.

To restore the wall's structural integrity, our masonry team temporarily shored the upper masonry to safely dismantle the compromised brickwork. The failing rusted steel was entirely removed and replaced with new, heavy-duty structural steel lintels. Critical integrated waterproofing flashing was installed over the new steel to prevent future moisture-related oxidation and protect the structural supports.

Following the steel replacement, the masonry column between the windows and the surrounding load-bearing brick were meticulously rebuilt. By recycling replacement brick and utilizing custom-blended mortar, the structural repair was seamlessly integrated into the building's original architecture. The final result is a safe, code-compliant, and fully weatherproofed exterior that preserves the property's aesthetic value.

This project showcases a comprehensive chimney reconstruction designed to address severe freeze-thaw damage and moisture intrusion. The original masonry was critically compromised, with failing mortar joints and spalling brick posing both structural and water infiltration risks to the home's envelope.

To restore the chimney's integrity, our licensed masonry team erected professional scaffolding and safely dismantled the compromised exterior brickwork down to the roofline, carefully preserving the internal clay flue liner. We systematically rebuilt the chimney stack using properly formulated mortar and weather-resistant brick engineered to withstand harsh winter temperature fluctuations.

The restoration was finalized with a highly technical moisture management system. We installed a protective flashing membrane and thermal expansion joints around the flue before installing an overhanging one-piece concrete crown. Unlike standard mortar washes that degrade quickly, this solid concrete cap is designed to aggressively shed water away from the vertical masonry, ensuring the chimney remains structurally secure, code-compliant, and fully waterproofed for decades.