Stair-Step Cracks
Cracks that follow mortar joints diagonally away from the top corners of your window.
Family Owned in Chicago Since 1992 — 1,000+ Local Permits Managed
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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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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Window Lintel Replacement in Chicago - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a window lintel and why does it rust?
A window lintel is the steel angle iron that supports the brick above a window opening. In Chicago, lintels rust when moisture reaches the unprotected steel. Rust expands the steel, pushing outward and causing stair-step cracks in the brick above the window.
What are the signs I need window lintel replacement?
Look for stair-step cracks above windows, rust stains on the lintel, bricks that have shifted outward above the window, and sticking or warped window frames. These indicate the lintel has rusted and is no longer supporting the wall properly.
How much does window lintel replacement cost in Chicago?
Window lintel replacement in Chicago typically costs $800 to $3,000 per window depending on lintel size, brick damage, and access. If the surrounding brick has cracked or shifted, brick replacement adds to the cost. Star Tuckpointing provides a free written estimate.
How long does window lintel replacement take?
Most window lintel replacements take no more than one day per opening, including temporary brick support, steel removal, priming and painting the new lintel, and brick rebuild. Star Tuckpointing primes and paints new lintels to prevent future rust.
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
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