Family Owned in Chicago Since 1992

Expert Chicago Lintel Replacement & Repair

Stair-step cracks above a window rarely mean a failing foundation. In Chicago brick buildings, the culprit is almost always a single rusted lintel. Deal directly with our family to fix the structural source, not just the cosmetic symptom.

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Chicago brick building before window lintel replacement — Before

Chicago brick building after window lintel replacement and masonry restoration — After

The Hidden Cause

Why Lintels Fail: The Danger of “Rust Jacking”

The steel angle above your window or door is responsible for carrying the massive weight of the masonry above it. When that steel is exposed to moisture, it corrodes and begins to expand—a destructive process known as rust jacking. This expansion exerts incredible pressure, forcing the surrounding brickwork apart.

Stair-Step Cracks

Cracks that follow mortar joints diagonally away from the top corners of your window.

Horizontal Cracking

A crack running straight across the mortar joint right above the opening.

Rust Stains

Orange or brown streaks bleeding through the brick or mortar.

Deflection

Bricks above the window that appear to sag, bow, or protrude outward.

The Warning

Caulking over these cracks makes the problem worse by trapping more moisture inside. The only safe, long-term solution is replacing the compromised steel.

Severe cracking and separation beside a Chicago window caused by a failing lintel — Visible cracking at the opening

Stair-step cracking around a window opening on a Chicago brick building — Masonry displaced by hidden steel failure

Structural Repair, Seamless Finish

How We Restore Your Masonry

Structural Support

Before removing any masonry, we install temporary shoring to safely carry the load of the building while we work.

Lintel Replacement

We carefully remove the bricks above the window, extract the rusted lintel, and install a properly sized, corrosion-resistant steel replacement.

Flawless Masonry Restoration

We precisely relay the brick and color-match the fresh mortar so the repair seamlessly blends into your existing wall, maintaining your home's historic aesthetic.

A Family Name Behind Every Job

Secure Your Structural Integrity Today

For over three decades, Star Tuckpointing Inc. has protected Chicago homes from the harsh freeze-thaw cycle. When you hire us, you are getting a licensed masonry contractor dedicated to lasting craftsmanship. Let our family replace your failing lintels before they cause severe structural damage.

Peter Kleszcz, Owner

5816 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60634

(773) 286-3560

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