Prep
Required Tuckpointing Prep
We inspect the wall and repair compromised mortar joints, brick, flashing, and coping before sealing. Sealing over bad mortar is a waste of your money.
Family Owned in Chicago Since 1992 — 1,000+ Permitted Projects
Masonry Waterproofing & Brick Wall Sealing in Chicago
Help reduce water absorption and freeze-thaw damage with a masonry assessment, needed repairs, and the right breathable brick-wall waterproofing approach.
3-Year Labor & Material Warranty | 7–10 Year Expected Lifespan
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Warning Signs
Signs Your Brick Is Absorbing Water
- Brick darkens and stays wet long after rain, especially on wind-facing walls
- Brick faces are popping off (spalling) after winter freeze-thaw cycles
- White, chalky efflorescence stains on the brick face
- Damp plaster, peeling paint, or musty smells on the inside of exterior walls
Freeze-Thaw Spalling
Protecting Chicago Brick from Freeze-Thaw Damage.
Brick is a naturally porous material. In Chicago, when wind-driven rain saturates the masonry, the moisture becomes trapped. During the winter, this trapped water freezes and expands, causing the faces of the bricks to pop off — a process known as spalling. Applying a surface sealant over deteriorating mortar will not stop leaks.
At Star Tuckpointing, we focus on structural integrity first. We make sure all mortar joints are solid, performing necessary tuckpointing prep before applying our deep-penetrating silane/siloxane brick sealers. This creates an invisible, breathable barrier that repels water without trapping internal moisture or altering the natural color of your building.
Repair Scope
Our Brick Waterproofing Process & Specs
Product
Silane/Siloxane Technology
Penetrating water repellents infiltrate deep into the masonry and bond chemically — not film-forming acrylics that peel and trap moisture.
Breathable
Vapor-Permeable Protection
Water vapor escapes from inside the wall while exterior rain is blocked, helping prevent trapped moisture, mold, and freeze-thaw damage.
Appearance
No Discoloration
Sprayed on and dries completely clear. It does not change the color or appearance of the masonry — no shiny film or cloudy residue.
Compatibility
Sandblasted, Waterblasted & Chicago Clay Brick
Compatible with sandblasted brick, waterblasted brick, and common Chicago clay brick. Blasted brick is especially porous and benefits most from sealing.
Warranty
3-Year Warranty, 7–10 Year Lifespan
Every application carries our 3-year labor & material warranty, with an expected lifespan of 7–10 years per application.
Technical Guide
Researching Waterproofing Options?
We use industrial-grade sealants engineered for Chicago's severe freeze-thaw cycles. Understand the technical differences, active solids, and manufacturer lifespans of the products available for your property.
Block & Stone Buildings
Have a split-face block or porous stone building?
Single-wythe cinder block, split-face block, and Renaissance stone absorb water differently than brick and need their own approach.
The Star Standard
Built for Lasting Protection.
Structural Focus
We fix the mortar, brick, and flashing first, so the sealer protects a sound wall instead of hiding a failing one.
Color Matching
Any tuckpointing prep is done with custom-blended mortar, and the sealer dries clear, so your brick looks like itself.
No Middlemen
Deal directly with the family team doing the work — not a lead-gen aggregator.
What clients say
Work that earns repeat calls and referrals.
“In two instances, they identified that the cause of leakage was not with the brickwork, but with deteriorated window caulking, or the downspout. We appreciated their honesty.”
“They didn't pressure us for any more work than needed to be done. They were fast and did great work.”
FAQ
Brick Wall Waterproofing in Chicago - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to waterproof a brick wall in Chicago?
Waterproofing a brick wall in Chicago typically costs $2 to $5 per square foot depending on wall height, access, and condition. Star Tuckpointing provides a free written estimate that separates sealing from any needed tuckpointing or flashing repairs.
How long does brick waterproofing last in Chicago?
A penetrating silane-siloxane sealer lasts 7 to 10 years on a Chicago exterior. South- and west-facing walls in full sun may need reapplication sooner. Star Tuckpointing uses commercial-grade sealers engineered for Midwest freeze-thaw conditions.
Is brick waterproofing covered by a warranty?
Yes. Star Tuckpointing's silane/siloxane waterproofing comes with a 3-year labor and material warranty, and each application is expected to last 7 to 10 years.
Can sandblasted or waterblasted brick be waterproofed?
Yes. Sandblasting and waterblasting remove the brick's harder outer face, which makes it especially porous, so it benefits most from a protective sealer. Our penetrating treatment is compatible with sandblasted brick, waterblasted brick, and common Chicago clay brick.
Should I seal my brick?
Sealing can protect the wall through the freeze-thaw season. The ideal window is April through November when temperatures stay above 40 degrees. Star Tuckpointing schedules sealing around the weather.
Does masonry waterproofing stop all water problems?
Waterproofing can help reduce water absorption through suitable brick and masonry surfaces, but it does not replace repairs to failed mortar, damaged brick, flashing, coping, or other building components. The first step is identifying where water is entering.
Is brick wall sealing the same as masonry waterproofing?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but the correct product and process depend on the wall. Masonry should generally use treatments that are compatible with the substrate and do not trap moisture inside the wall.
Should tuckpointing be completed before waterproofing?
If mortar joints are open or deteriorated, repairing them first is often necessary. Waterproofing should be part of an overall repair plan rather than a substitute for failed mortar-joint or brick repair.
A Family Name Behind Every Job
Secure Your Masonry Today
Don't wait for spalling brick or interior water damage. Share a few details and the family team at Star Tuckpointing will be in touch within 24 hours.
Peter Kleszcz, Owner
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