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+ Permitted Projects
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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City of Chicago Mason Contractor Class A (MC5838)General Contractor Class ELicensed & Insured
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. When the steel is badly rusted, the lasting fix is replacing it and flashing the opening properly.
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.
Flashing, End Dams & Weeps
Before the brick goes back, we install self-adhesive rubberized asphalt flashing over the new lintel with end dams at both sides, a stainless steel drip edge, and weep ropes so water that gets into the wall drains out instead of rusting the new steel.
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.
Engineering & Repair Guide
Diagonal Cracks Above Your Windows? Why Caulking Makes It Worse.
Learn how rust jacking expands steel lintels and how proper temporary shoring and steel replacement stops stair-step brick cracking.
What clients say
Work that earns repeat calls and referrals.
“Just had our 1941 house totally tuckpointed and lintels replaced by Star Tuckpointing. They do not try and ‘upsell’ and will give you an honest opinion of what needs to be done. Saved me $1,500!”
“When fielding bids for the work, Star Tuckpointing proved to have the widest knowledge base and experience. An artist's touch, really. It looks fantastic.”
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.
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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
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