Masonry/Tuckpointing

What Chicago Homeowners Should Know About Masonry

Masonry is when structures are built by using mortar to bind together bricks, stones, or concrete blocks arranged in a specific way. It is a practice that is as old as agriculture, but it has vastly evolved over time. All of the condos, high rises, skyscrapers, single-family homes, and commercial complexes we see around us were built on the principles of masonry. With the world’s growing population, there is a higher need for infrastructure that supports our lifestyle needs than ever before. Because of this, the demand for masons has skyrocketed in the last twenty years.

What to Look for in a Masonry Contractor in Chicago

Choosing a qualified masonry contractor for a specific job depends partially on the materials that the job requires. While most masons can work with a variety of materials, some specialize in certain types of work such as restoration, repair, or new construction and excel in doing so because of their concentration and expertise in honing in on their skill. It is quite different to do a historical restoration of a chimney when compared to installing a simple concrete block retaining wall. At Areté, we make sure the right mason is on-site for your project.

What Chicago Homeowners Should Know About Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing repairs the worn-out mortar between the bricks of your house. It is the restoration aspect of the masonry trade. However, it is important to note that not every masonry company is specialized in tuckpointing, so it is crucial you hire someone who is an expert in tuckpointing in order to get the best results.

Homeowners typically need tuckpointing when the mortar on their home begins to turn to dust and water starts to reside between the bricks. This may not be a structural issue with your home, but it is important to fill for preventative maintenance that may bring other issues further down the line and prevent water intrusion and breakdown of the brick facade.

Another reason Chicago homeowners may need tuckpointing is the presence of a stress crack. Stress cracks are pretty common above and below windows and doors. Normally, these stress cracks go through the mortar, but occasionally the cracks will split the bricks themselves. When this happens, it is imperative that you get this fixed before it becomes a more complicated structural issue. Areté partners with expert contractors in tuckpointing that know how to properly access the project and do what is necessary to restore the exterior of your home or commercial building.

If you are in the Chicago area and you need tuckpointing or other masonry work done, contact us today at 773.683.3033 to schedule a consultation.