How Often Should You Repair or Maintain Brickwork in a Chicago Home?
When it comes to brick homes in Chicago, the truth is this: they’re beautiful, but they don't take care of themselves. Sure, bricks might seem like the most low-maintenance building material on the planet—but they still crack, crumble, and deteriorate over time, especially in this city.
If you’ve ever wondered “How often do I need to repair or maintain my brickwork?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from Chicago homeowners, and unfortunately, the answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all. That’s why this guide is here: to help you spot the signs, understand the timeline, and know when it’s time to call in the pros.
Why Brick Maintenance in Chicago Isn’t Like Other Cities
Chicago has its own unique set of masonry problems. It’s not just the age of the homes—it’s the weather. We’ve got everything: polar vortexes, lake-effect snow, sideways rain, sticky summers, and freeze-thaw cycles that absolutely wreck mortar joints.
Older buildings in the Chicago area often use Chicago common brick, which, while historic, is also softer and more porous than modern brick. That makes it more vulnerable to moisture intrusion, cracking, and eventual structural issues if not properly maintained. In short? Chicago brick walls take a beating, year after year.
Let’s put it this way: if your building had feelings, it would probably ask for a sweater and a good contractor.
How Often Should You Repair or Maintain Your Brickwork?
While the exact timing varies, here’s a general timeline we recommend for Chicago homes:
Inspect your exterior brickwork every 1–2 years
Schedule tuckpointing or repointing every 7–10 years, depending on exposure and age
Full brick wall restoration or rebuilding every 20–30 years, or sooner if there's visible damage and Chicago brickwork services are needed
These numbers aren’t set in stone (pun intended). If your brick home faces the wind, sits in a low spot with poor drainage, or hasn't had professional masonry attention in a decade, you might be overdue.
Think of it like a dentist appointment. You don’t wait until your tooth falls out—why wait until your wall’s bowing?
Pro tip: Brick structures on south-facing walls often deteriorate faster due to more intense sun exposure, while chimneys and parapet walls are highly vulnerable to Chicago’s freeze-thaw damage.
Signs It’s Time to Repair or Repoint Your Brickwork
So how do you know your home is due for some masonry love? Here are the most common signs that your brickwork may need repairs or tuckpointing soon:
1. Cracked or Missing Mortar Joints
Mortar is the glue that holds your bricks together. When it starts to fail, bricks loosen, shift, or fall apart entirely. Not a great look—or a safe one.
2. Spalling or Flaking Bricks
Spalling looks like your bricks are shedding skin—bits flaking off, especially near the base of the wall. It’s not just ugly. It means water is getting in and doing serious damage behind the scenes.
3. Efflorescence (White Powdery Residue)
That ghostly white dust you see on brick surfaces? It’s called efflorescence, and it’s a clear sign that water is moving through your masonry. In Chicago, that almost always means future brick damage.
4. Water Stains Inside the Home
If your bricks are failing, it won't stay outside for long. Moisture will find its way in—and it won’t text you first.
5. Bowing, Bulging, or Leaning Walls
This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s structural. If your wall looks like it’s leaning or “bubbling” out, stop reading and call a pro right now.
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters
Too many Chicago homeowners treat brick maintenance like it’s optional. It’s not. Delaying brickwork repairs can lead to:
Structural damage to your home or building
Interior water damage and mold
Rusting of steel supports behind the wall
Increased repair costs (because now you need to rebuild, not just repoint)
Potential Chicago masonry code violations if masonry becomes visibly unsafe
Keeping up with maintenance saves you money, stress, and quite possibly your next insurance claim. And hey, your home will look better too.
A Simple Brick Maintenance Plan for Chicago Homeowners
Here’s a lightweight routine you can actually stick to—no scaffolding required:
Spring + Fall Walkaround
Take 10 minutes twice a year to walk the perimeter of your property. Look closely at chimneys, parapet walls, and window headers.Look for the Warning Signs
Cracks, missing mortar, powdery residue, or discolored areas? Take photos.After Major Weather Events
Inspect after deep freezes, heavy rains, or heatwaves. Chicago doesn’t play nice with bricks.Keep a Record
Create a quick Google Doc or spreadsheet. It’s easier to spot gradual changes when you’ve got something to compare.
Even if you don’t need repairs this year, having a contractor inspect things every few years can help you stay ahead—and keep small issues from becoming wallet-busting problems.
When to Call a Professional Masonry Contractor in Chicago
If you notice bricks moving, water seeping in, or mortar falling out, don’t try to handle it with a YouTube tutorial. Brickwork repair in Chicago requires knowledge of both historic materials and local building codes.
Call a licensed Chicago masonry contractor if:
You’re seeing more than one area with damage
You’re unsure whether you need tuckpointing or full rebuilding
You want a long-term solution, not a band-aid
A good contractor will walk you through the issue, explain what caused it, and give you options—without pressuring you into an upsell.
At Krisbud Construction, we’ve been fixing Chicago brickwork for over 20 years. From parapet walls to full façade rebuilds, we know how to repair, restore, and protect brick structures the right way.
We specialize in:
Tuckpointing and repointing
Chimney and parapet wall repair
Lintel replacement and structural rebuilds
Preventative brickwork maintenance inspections
We’re local. We’re licensed. And we treat your property like it’s our own. You’ll get a clean jobsite, honest timeline, and real craftsmanship you can see in every joint. If you need help deciding on a reputable contractor, we detail seven questions you should ask before hiring a masonry contractor in Chicago.
Final Word: Don't Wait for the Bricks to Speak Louder
Chicago weather doesn’t cut you any slack—and neither does time. Stay ahead by checking your brickwork regularly and knowing when to call in the pros. Your house will thank you, your wallet will too, and your bricks? They’ll be standing tall for decades to come.
📞 Schedule your free inspection with Krisbud Construction today, and let’s keep your home strong from the outside in by using a professional Masonry & Tuckpointing Company in Chicago.