5 Masonry Repairs You Should Never DIY in Chicago (and Why)
In a city like Chicago, where brick, stone, and concrete dominate the skyline, the urge to tackle a small masonry repair project yourself might seem harmless—at first. Maybe it’s a few crumbling mortar joints, a visibly damaged brick, or a chimney that’s seen better days.
But here’s the reality: some masonry repairs aren’t just difficult—they’re dangerous, expensive to get wrong, and subject to local building codes that most homeowners or building managers aren’t aware of.
This isn’t a YouTube tutorial situation. It’s your property, your safety, and often your investment value on the line.
At Krisbud Construction, we’ve spent over two decades fixing what DIY efforts couldn’t—and in some cases, what they made worse. If you’re a homeowner or manage a commercial property in the Chicagoland area, here are the five masonry repairs to never DIY in Chicago, and why trusting a licensed masonry company in Chicago is always the right move.
1. Tuckpointing Mortar Joints: Looks Easy, Isn’t
Tuckpointing is often underestimated because on the surface, it looks a lot like grouting. But unlike tile work, masonry construction involves highly specific materials, depths, curing times, and tools. Matching mortar color, joint profiles, and brick absorption rates is more science than guesswork.
Using the wrong type of mortar—often a quick-drying concrete mix from the hardware store—can actually cause more long-term damage to your brick walls. It leads to premature cracking, moisture trapping, and a patchy look that screams “DIY gone wrong.”
Hiring tuckpointing contractors ensures your work is code-compliant, matches the existing façade, and preserves the structural health of your building. If it’s not done with expert craftsmanship, you’ll be paying twice.
2. Chimney Repair or Rebuilding: The Risk Is Higher Than You Think
Whether it’s a cracked chimney cap, missing bricks, or leaning stacks, working on a chimney means working at height, around venting systems, and near the roofline—none of which are ideal for untrained hands.
Chimney repairs require scaffold systems, fall protection, and a deep understanding of load paths. They also involve evaluating structural movement, checking the integrity of flue liners, and addressing waterproofing—all while balancing on a roof. Not ideal Sunday afternoon material.
In the Chicago area, improperly restored chimneys are one of the top issues found during masonry inspections, and they can trigger code violations or worse—insurance liability.
Our team has completed countless chimney repair and restoration projects across the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs, and we’ve seen firsthand how much time and money a professional job saves in the long run.
3. Repairing Cracks in Brick or Concrete Block Walls
It’s easy to misread a crack. Not all are surface-level—and some are screaming signs of structural failure.
Horizontal cracks could mean foundation movement. Step cracks might be moisture-driven or a sign of bowing walls. Simply filling them in with store-bought sealant can make things worse by hiding active damage.
That’s why experienced Chicago masonry contractors never just “patch.” We assess the cause, the depth, and the risk—then we repair or repoint the right way. Whether your building is residential, commercial, or mixed-use, structural stability is not a gamble you want to take.
4. Replacing Bricks or Stone Units: One Wrong Move, Many Consequences
We get it. One cracked brick. A little damage. A couple of loose pieces. You think, “I’ll pop it out and plug in a new one.”
Unfortunately, improper brick replacement or stone resetting is one of the leading causes of water infiltration in older Chicago buildings.
Masonry isn’t just a surface finish—it’s a wall system. Each unit interacts with surrounding ones, and removing one without proper cuts, bonding, or masonry materials can destabilize the area around it.
Not to mention, matching existing materials in color, size, and texture requires a trained eye and access to sourcing that most DIYers simply don’t have.
5. Parapet Wall and Facade Repairs: High Stakes in High Places
Parapet walls are those little brick barriers that rise above your roof. They’re charming, yes—but they’re also constantly exposed to wind, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles.
When parapets start leaning or bricks begin to spall, repairs require not just skill but safety equipment, permits, and often scaffolding. DIYing this isn’t just risky—it’s probably illegal.
In Chicago, improperly repaired facade elements can lead to serious consequences, including forced repairs by the city or even temporary building vacates.
Our team handles these parapet wall repair and masonry restoration projects with the highest attention to detail and compliance—from scoping, to material matching, to completing the job on time and to code.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Masonry Repair Projects
It’s easy to think you’re saving money by taking on a masonry repair project yourself—but DIY often leads to:
Additional water damage
Poor material bonding
Failed home inspections
Safety risks for you or tenants
Bigger repair bills to undo the mistake
Masonry repair services aren’t just about finishing the job. They’re about doing it right—with the right tools, best materials, and trained labor.
And in Chicago, where cold seasons are long and masonry work has to stand up to the elements, shortcuts don’t hold up.
Call in the Pros: Contact Krisbud Construction
We’re a family-owned, Chicago-based masonry company with over 20 years of extensive experience in residential, commercial, and restoration projects. We’ve completed hundreds of successful repairs across the Chicagoland area, always focused on quality, safety, and long-term performance.
Whether you need tuckpointing services, chimney repair, or full masonry restoration in Chicago, our licensed professionals are ready to help.
✅ We deliver high-quality work
✅ We use only the best materials
✅ We meet the highest standards of craftsmanship
✅ And we finish the job in a timely manner—every time
Contact us today for a free consultation or estimate on your next masonry repair project. Don’t let a well-meaning DIY turn into a costly redo. Let’s protect your property the right way.