Masonry and Insurance Claims in Chicago: What Homeowners Need to Know
Insurance Claims for Masonry in Chicago
Masonry damage isn’t something most Chicago homeowners think about—until it’s staring you down from a cracked parapet wall or a crumbling chimney cap. And when that happens, your first question is usually: "Will my homeowners insurance cover this?"
The short answer? It depends. Let’s break down what’s typically covered, what’s not, and how to handle a masonry insurance claim the smart way in the Chicago area.
What Types of Masonry Damage Are Usually Covered by Insurance?
Most homeowners insurance policies in Illinois will cover masonry damage that’s the result of a sudden, unexpected event. That’s industry speak for things like:
Storm damage (falling tree limbs, high winds)
Hail or lightning strikes
Vehicle impacts (yes, it happens—especially near corners and alleys)
Fires or smoke damage
Weight of snow or ice causing wall collapse
Vandalism
In contrast, insurance typically won’t cover damage caused by:
Wear and tear or poor masonry maintenance
Long-term moisture exposure
Freeze-thaw cycle degradation
Settling or shifting foundations due to age or soil conditions
Lack of professional repairs or inspection history
Translation: if your mortar joints have been crumbling for years and finally fail, that’s on you. But if your brick wall was solid and a rogue delivery truck took it out, you’ve likely got a claim.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Discover Masonry Damage
Your chimney’s leaning. A section of your stone facade just collapsed. It’s panic time—but don’t worry, here’s what to do next:
1. Document Everything
Grab your phone and take photos from multiple angles. Include close-ups of the cracks, wide shots of the building, and any nearby causes (like a fallen tree or vehicle debris).
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your insurance provider ASAP. Delays can complicate the claim, and in some cases, make them deny coverage outright.
3. Get a Professional Masonry Inspection
This is where Krisbud Construction Masonry & Tuckpointing comes in. You’ll want a licensed Chicago masonry contractor to:
Assess the full extent of damage
Determine if the structure is safe
Provide a written estimate using accurate scope and pricing terms
Bonus: Our reports often help homeowners get faster claim approvals.
4. Prevent Further Damage
Tarp exposed walls. Tape off dangerous areas. Insurance policies often require you to mitigate additional damage while waiting for adjusters.
5. Keep Records
Save all emails, reports, voicemails, estimates, and receipts. When it comes to insurance claims, paper trails matter—a lot.
Common Scenarios in Chicago Masonry Insurance Claims
Here are a few examples of how real Chicago homeowners have used their policies:
A chimney struck by lightning during a summer storm? ✔️ Covered
Water damage inside a brick wall from years of gutter overflow? ❌ Not covered
Car crashed into a garden-level wall in Logan Square? ✔️ Covered (property + liability)
Cracking brick veneer due to poor tuckpointing done five years ago? ❌ Not covered
Every claim is unique, but the difference usually comes down to whether the event was sudden and accidental or gradual and preventable.
How to Make the Process Smoother (and Less Stressful)
Filing a masonry claim in Chicago can feel like trying to juggle bricks—heavy and messy. But here’s how to make it smoother:
Know your policy: Understand what’s covered, what your deductible is, and whether “matching materials” are guaranteed.
Get contractor estimates that include proper line-item detail. (We’ve helped dozens of homeowners get claims approved using detailed, realistic assessments.)
Be polite, but persistent with your insurance adjuster.
Don’t assume everything is covered—ask, clarify, and get it in writing.
Most importantly, work with a contractor who’s done this before. We’ve dealt with everything from minor storm repairs to complete Chicago building masonry restoration projects after fire and impact damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tuckpointing?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
In almost all cases, tuckpointing services are considered routine maintenance—not an insurable event. But if your chimney collapses after a storm, and rebuilding it includes tuckpointing? That’s different. Then it’s part of a larger covered loss.
It all comes down to the reason for the repair and whether the damage caused was preventable or not.
Why Work with Krisbud Construction for Insurance-Related Masonry Repairs?
We’re a licensed masonry contractor with over 20 years of experience in the Chicagoland area.
And we don’t just repair brick—we help homeowners navigate the insurance process with:
On-site assessments and photos
Written damage reports
Code-compliant repairs using high quality materials
Clear communication from day one
Whether it’s a damaged facade, a leaning chimney, or a cracked foundation wall, we know how to restore your home safely—and help you get the coverage you’re entitled to.
Let’s Take the Weight Off Your Shoulders (Not Just the Brickwork)
If you’ve experienced masonry damage and think you may need to file a claim, let’s talk. We’ll inspect the problem, give you an honest assessment, and provide the documents your insurance company needs.
👉 Contact Krisbud Construction Masonry & Tuckpointing today for a free consultation and make sure your masonry claim is built on solid ground.