Chicago Brick Restoration Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish
Brick Restoration Process in Chicago
If your Chicago brick home is showing signs of age—cracks, crumbling mortar, or bricks that feel loose when you knock on them—it’s not just cosmetic. It’s a warning sign. Brick restoration isn't just about making things look nice (though it certainly helps). It’s about saving your property from deeper structural problems that are far more expensive to fix later.
At Krisbud Construction, we’ve been restoring brickwork across Chicago for over 20 years. We’ve seen it all—from North Side greystones with century-old mortar to industrial buildings in need of a serious facelift. We’re a professional brick restoration company in Chicago, so If you're wondering what to expect during the restoration process, this guide breaks it down from start to finish—without the fluff.
Why Brick Restoration Matters in Chicago
Chicago’s buildings are tough. But even the best masonry doesn’t last forever—especially not in this city’s wild weather swings. Between snow-packed winters and sweltering, muggy summers, your exterior brickwork takes a beating year after year.
And if you’re in a classic Chicago two-flat, greystone, or even a converted loft in West Town, chances are your brick façade is original. That means decades of wear, shifting, and water exposure. Once moisture gets into deteriorating mortar joints or cracked bricks, it doesn’t just sit there. It expands, contracts, and eventually turns minor issues into major ones.
Beyond aesthetics, poor brickwork can trigger Chicago masonry code violations, lead to interior leaks, or even pose safety risks. City inspectors aren’t shy about citations—and they won’t wait for you to play catch-up.
Step-by-Step: The Brick Restoration Process Homeowners Can Expect
So, what actually happens when you hire Krisbud Construction to restore your brickwork? Let’s walk through the process we follow on nearly every brick restoration project in Chicago.
1. Inspection & Assessment
We begin by thoroughly inspecting your building’s masonry. This isn’t just a glance from the curb—we’re talking close-up reviews of mortar condition, brick stability, and signs of water intrusion. We check for mortar erosion, brick displacement, cracks, and gaps that shouldn’t exist. And yes, we bring ladders, moisture meters, and a seasoned eye that knows what “normal” looks like for a Chicago building.
2. Cleaning the Surface
Before any actual restoration begins, we prep the wall. This step is often skipped by lesser contractors—but it’s essential. We remove dirt, soot, algae, and efflorescence (those chalky salt stains you see on brick). A clean surface ensures any new mortar or replacement bricks bond properly. It’s like brushing your teeth before whitening—crucial, but not glamorous.
3. Brick & Mortar Matching
Here’s where the artistry kicks in. Chicago’s brick buildings are diverse—old Chicago Common brick, red pressed brick, even unique regional shades that were manufactured over 100 years ago.
We take samples when needed and color-match both bricks and mortar. The goal? Seamless repairs that look like they were never done. Matching mortar texture, tooling style, and color is part science, part art.
4. Brick Replacement & Repair
Damaged bricks are carefully removed and replaced. This might involve cutting out fractured sections or replacing entire courses of brick. We don’t just “patch it up”—we rebuild sections with the right materials to preserve structural integrity.
It’s not always loud, but it is meticulous. And yes, neighbors might ask who’s doing such clean work (we hear that a lot).
5. Tuckpointing or Repointing
Once the bricks are secure, we address the mortar. If the mortar is failing, we grind it out to the correct depth and repoint it with fresh, matched mortar. This step reinforces the wall and prevents water penetration. In some cases, tuckpointing is performed—where a fine-line contrasting mortar is added for aesthetic precision. (Want to go deep on this? Check out our Tuckpointing Chicago page.)
6. Optional Sealing or Waterproofing
Depending on your building and its exposure to moisture, we may apply a breathable masonry sealant. This protects the restored surface from absorbing future water while still allowing the brick to “breathe.”It’s a small investment that extends the life of the work—and keeps your walls looking sharp for years.
Timeline: How Long Does Brick Restoration Take in Chicago?
Most projects take 1 to 5 days, depending on size and severity. For example, a small parapet repair might take a single afternoon. A full multi-story front elevation? That could be several weeks.
Weather plays a role—restoration requires dry conditions and consistent temperatures. So if it’s mid-January and you’re dreaming of summer repairs, now’s a good time to plan ahead.
Costs of Brick Restoration in Chicago
Every building is different, but Chicago homeowners typically spend $1,500–$15,000 on brick restoration projects. For larger projects this can even range up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the damage. Factors that affect cost:
Square footage
Accessibility (scaffolding, heights)
Brick and mortar matching complexity
Structural repairs
Want a more accurate range for tuckpointing specifically? Our Tuckpointing Cost in Chicago article breaks it down in detail.
Restoration vs. Full Wall Rebuild: What’s the Difference?
In many cases, targeted restoration is all that’s needed. But when brick walls are bowing, bricks are spalling across large sections, or there’s severe water damage, a full rebuild might be necessary.
This is more common in neglected properties or buildings over 80 years old that haven’t seen maintenance in decades—especially in neighborhoods like Logan Square or Albany Park.
FAQ: Brick Restoration Questions from Chicago Homeowners
How often should I restore my brick?
Every 20–30 years is typical, but harsh exposure or poor past repairs may shorten that.
Can you match my old brick?
Yes, we specialize in historical matches—even obscure ones. We often source from local salvage yards or custom blend mortar on-site.
Will this stop my leaks?
If the damage was caused by brick or mortar failure—yes. If it’s flashing or gutter-related, we’ll let you know up front.
Why Choose Krisbud Construction for Brick Restoration in Chicago?
We’re not new to this—we’re just local, experienced, and ridiculously detail-oriented. With hundreds of successful brick restoration projects across Chicago, Krisbud Construction Masonry & Tuckpointing knows how to protect your building while keeping it true to its original character.
We don’t overcharge. We don’t cut corners. And we’ll walk you through every step before a single brick is touched.
→ Ready to restore your brickwork? Schedule a free estimate today and protect your investment before small issues become big problems.