Tuckpointing, Masonry and Chimney Repair in Schaumburg
If the concrete, brick, or stone structures on your property are in need of repair, it would be wise to hire a mason to fix them. Masons offer a variety of services that can help improve the look and function of various concrete, brick, and stone structures. They can repair a structure that has superficial or profound levels of damage. They can restore an aging structure that has features that are worn or eroded. They can also replace the parts of a structure so that it looks and functions like new. Below is information about what masons do and the kind of services they offer. This information will give you a better understanding of the tuckpointing and masonry services we provide for the residents of Schaumburg and the surrounding northwest burbs of Chicago.
What Kind of Work Does a Mason Do?
We Do The Work in Schaumburg And Surrounding Suburbs
Tuckpointing
It's something we take pride in
Masons use concrete, bricks, or stones to build or repair structures like walls and passageways. They spend most of their time working outdoors, so weather conditions affect how much work they complete and when they can complete it. Moreover, a great deal of their job involves physical labor since they have to stand for lengthy periods of time and carry heavy objects. Their job also involves a lot of intellectual labor since they need to make calculations and interpret detailed blueprints. They use those blueprints to determine how much material they will need and how they should cut and lay those materials out. They also use them to form intricate patterns and sturdy foundations. Accuracy and precision are important aspects of masonry because bricks have to be meticulously aligned and stones have to be properly leveled.
Masons engage in tuckpointing to improve the look of an outdoor or indoor brick structure. Many aging structures have bricks that are in fairly good condition; but, the mortar that is binding the bricks together has partially or completely disintegrated. This is where tuckpointing becomes useful. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, tuckpointing can improve the appearance of disintegrated mortar, thereby highlighting the already attractive look of each brick. Masons conduct this procedure by clearing away disintegrated mortar and putting in a new mortar that has a color that is the same or similar to that of each brick. Afterward, they add fillets to each brick joint; the fillets have a color that contrasts that of the bricks.
The procedure ultimately makes the bricks appear squarer and the mortar appear slimmer. It gives the illusion that a deteriorating brick structure was replaced with a new set of bricks. Many property owners who have old brick structures will find tuckpointing appealing. But they should refrain from engaging in do-it-yourself tuckpointing projects. Tuckpointing requires an intense level of precision. If property owners try it themselves, they may make mistakes and be left with a clumsy-looking brick and mortar job. Masons who provide tuckpointing services typically charge $9-$15 per square foot.
Our Services
Our areas of expertise are broad. Take a look at the areas where we can help you!
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is something that should be done frequently to avoid moisture from collecting between the joints and within the bricks.
Chimney Repair
We service any aspect of the chimney and can help with chimney linings, caps, flues, sweeps, animal nests and any other issue you may encounter.
Masonry Repair & Rebuild
From stonework to brick structures to lintel repair and more, we have the expertise to help you with any of your brick or stone issues.
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Chimney Repair
Masons repair chimneys to restore their physical integrity. Chimneys can deteriorate over time due to a lack of maintenance, or they can be damaged.
Here is a list of the most common cases of chimney damage:
- The chimney's bricks have undergone multiple cycles of freezing and thawing.
- The chimney's brick cores have been penetrated by water.
- The chimney's brick faces are destroyed.
- The chimney's brick faces have spalled.
- The chimney's foundation is cracked.
- The chimney's masonry is breached.
Property owners who have chimneys can detect signs of damage by noticing if:
- ...there is a substantial amount of brick or mortar discoloration.
- ...there are brick pieces on the floor or roof.
- ...there are visible and prominent cracks.
- ...water has leaked into the fire box.
Once property owners have established that their chimneys are worn or damaged, they can hire a mason who can repair it. The repairs that masons undertake will depend on the type and level of damage that has occurred. Here is a list of the various ways masons can repair a chimney:
- They may repoint or tuckpoint to improve the appearance of the brick and mortar.
- They may apply caulk around the flue and crown to prevent water leakage.
- They may patch cracks using a cement crack or sealant.
- They may repair or replace cracked bricks.
Depending on the type of repair that needs to be conducted, chimney repair services can cost anywhere between $300 to $4000.
Lintel Repair/Replacement
Lintels are horizontal blocks of steel that sit above the windows and doors of a building. They are vital because they support the masonry surrounding them. It is important to repair or replace damaged lintels because the masonry surrounding them could potentially crack and may even break off.
Here is a list of the signs property owners should look for when assessing whether or not their lintel needs to be repaired:
- Wet and cold weather conditions have caused the lintel to corrode.
- The masonry near the lintel is cracking.
Here is a list of the signs property owners should look for when assessing whether or not their lintel needs to be replaced:
- There is corrosion on the steel parts of the lintel.
- The bricks around the lintel are displaced.
- The lintel is sagging.
Once property owners have ascertained that their lintel needs to be repaired, masons will mend it using anchoring group and alignment techniques. And if their lintel needs to be replaced, masons will remove it and add a brand new lintel. Lintel repair services can cost around $600, and lintel replacement services can cost around $2000.
Brick Restoration
Brick restoration encompasses various masonry services that restore the physical integrity or visual appeal of a brick structure.
Here is a list of the various types of brick restoration services:
- Wall Fastening-resecuring the bricks on a veneer wall
- Crack Repair-repairing superficial and structural cracks as well as gaps within a brick structure's joints
- Brick Recoloration-restoring the original color of bricks that have been discolored due to efflorescence, mold, or age
- Brick Sealing-applying a water repellent on a brick structure that has been cleaned so that water and mold cannot ruin its appearance again
- Pressure Washing-using pressure washing to remove dirt, organic matter, and debris off a brick structure
- Mortar Matching-creating a uniform mortar color and texture for a brick structure
- Structural Repair-restoring the form and physical integrity of a brick structure, especially one that is leaning or collapsing
Brick restoration services can cost anywhere between $1000 to $20,0000; the cost will depend on the type of restoration service performed and the size of the brick structure that needs to be restored.
Brick and Stone Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning helps eliminate dirt, debris, bacteria, pollen, mold, and mildew from brick and stone structures. This process is usually conducted on structures that have impurities that pressure washing cannot remove. Many companies that provide brick and stone cleaning services use eco-friendly soaps and detergents as well as hot water pressure cleaners. They also use pre-treatment and water softening techniques to protect the structure before and after the cleaning process.
There are other companies that use chemical cleaners that are much stronger than soaps and detergents. Such cleaners include alkaline and acidic cleaners. These chemical cleaners dissolve eyesores like paint, graffiti, and metallic stains. A low-pressure sprayer or a brush may be used to safely apply these cleaners. And they will likely consist of wetting agents that assist in the progression of chemical reactions. Since the chemicals in these cleaners can be quite potent, they usually have to go through a pre-application dilution process and a post-application neutralization process. Also, if needed, masons will allow these chemicals to sit on the surface of the structure for a certain period of time so that all impurities can fully disintegrate. Note that alkaline cleaners are used for acid-sensitive masonries like limestone and polished granite, while acidic cleaners are used for masonries that are not acid-sensitive like slate, concrete, and cast stone.
It is vital that property owners hire masons to clean their brick and stone structures because improper use of chemical cleaners can lead to damage and chemical pollution. There are many chemical cleaning services available that cost around $0.50 per square foot.
Types Of Masonry Services We Provide
- Terracotta Repair
- Parapet Walls
- Chimney Rebuilding
- Lintels
- Shelf Angles Replacement
- Concrete Patching
- Caulking
- Welding
New Masonry Construction
- Brick
- Blue Stone
- Concrete
- Fire Pits
- Glass Blocks
- Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces
- Limestone
- Natural and Cultured Stone
Masonry Restoration
- Masonry repair
- Tuckpointing
- Chimney Repair and Rebuild
- Efflorescence Removal
- Masonry Cleaning