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
Window Lintel Replacement & Steel Lintel Repair in Chicago
Repair or replace rusted, cracked, or failing steel lintels before expanding brick damage worsens above windows and doors.
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Or call directly: (773) 286-3560
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.
Early Evaluation
Why Lintel Damage Should Be Evaluated
Rust expansion can place pressure on the surrounding masonry and contribute to cracking or displacement above windows and doors. Early evaluation can help determine the proper repair scope before more extensive brick reconstruction is needed.
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.
Can rusted window lintels damage brick?
Yes. As steel rusts, it can expand and push against the masonry above and around it, contributing to cracked mortar, displaced brick, or other visible deterioration.
Do you repair brick after lintel replacement?
Lintel repair often involves rebuilding or repairing the brick and mortar affected around the opening so the wall is properly restored after the structural work.
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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