Our Specialized Masonry Restoration Services

We offer a full suite of services designed to protect and enhance your property’s masonry:

• Precision Tuckpointing & Repointing: We meticulously remove defective mortar and replace it with high-grade, color-matched mortar. Our process ensures a seamless bond that restores the wall’s “thumbprint hard” durability.

• Brick & Stone Replacement: For units that are cracked or spalling, we source matching materials to perform seamless masonry unit replacement, maintaining the original character of your building.

• Water Mitigation & Leak Repair: We specialize in identifying and sealing water entry points at the mortar-to-unit interface, preventing costly frost damage and interior leaks.

• Structural Crack Repair: Our experts evaluate wall cracking to determine if it is cosmetic or a sign of deeper structural issues, providing reinforced solutions to prevent further deterioration.

• Custom Mortar Blending: To ensure a perfect visual match, we use mock-ups and sample panels to determine the exact constituents and proportions of your existing mortar, utilizing Type N, O, or K mortars as required.

Why Choose General Masonry Construction for Your Repairs?

When your property’s structural integrity is at stake, you need a contractor that combines award-winning design with technical precision.

• 20+ Years of Local Expertise: We have spent two decades mastering the specific masonry challenges of Northbrook (60062) and the North Shore. We understand how the local climate impacts brick and stone, allowing us to provide repairs that last a lifetime.

• Winner of 10 Houzz Awards: Our commitment to elite craftsmanship and customer service has been recognized by Houzz for 10 consecutive years. We treat every repair—large or small—with the same level of architectural care.

• Precision Mortar Matching: We don’t just “patch” walls. We use advanced mortar-matching technology to ensure every repair is invisible, preserving the historic character and aesthetic value of your property.

• Structural Stabilization Specialists: We look beyond the surface. Our team is trained to identify the root cause of masonry failure, whether it is a rusted lintel, moisture infiltration, or foundation settling, providing a permanent structural solution.

• Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured: Your home is your most valuable asset. We are a BBB-accredited and fully insured team, providing you with total peace of mind throughout the restoration process.

Don’t wait for minor cracks to become major structural issues. Contact the #1 masonry repair team in Northbrook today:

• Phone: 847-317-0668

• Email: office@generalmasonryservices.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tuckpointing, and when does my home need it?

Tuckpointing is a specialized masonry maintenance technique used to repair weathered mortar joints. You should schedule a professional inspection if you notice mortar crumbling, gaps between bricks, or water infiltration. Timely tuckpointing prevents expensive structural masonry repairs and preserves your home’s value.

2. Can you provide a perfect match for my existing brick or stone?

Yes. Our custom mortar blending and advanced color-matching technology ensure that all masonry unit replacements are invisible. We specialize in historic masonry restoration, ensuring that new materials seamlessly integrate with your building’s original architectural character.

3. How does the Chicago climate affect local masonry?

The North Shore’s freeze-thaw cycles are the leading cause of brick spalling and cracked mortar. Moisture enters small crevices, expands when frozen, and compromises the structural integrity of the wall. We use high-grade bonding agents specifically engineered for the Greater Chicago area climate.

4. What are the signs of a failing window or door lintel?

If you see diagonal “stepped” cracks in the brickwork above a window or door, you likely have a rusted or failing steel lintel. Our team provides expert lintel replacement to prevent wall collapse and ensure long-term structural stabilization.

5. How often should I invest in professional masonry cleaning and waterproofing?

To prevent deep-seated moisture issues, we recommend masonry cleaning and waterproofing every 5–7 years. This preventative maintenance creates a breathable barrier that stops water penetration while allowing internal vapors to escape, significantly extending the life of your brickwork.