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Chicagoland's Trusted Masonry Experts

Expert Brick Repair in Chicagoland

Period-matching brick sourcing and seamless replacement. We fix cracked, spalling, and damaged brick. 39+ years of North Shore experience. Licensed, insured, ASTM-compliant. Free estimates.

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39+
Years Experience
87
Reviews
2,800+
Projects
4.9
Star Rating

What Is Brick Repair?

Brick repair covers the replacement of cracked, spalled, or deteriorated individual bricks within an otherwise sound wall. The goal is to source period-matching brick, remove the damaged units without disturbing surrounding masonry, and install replacements with mortar that matches the original in strength, color, and joint profile. Done correctly, repairs are invisible within a season of weathering.

Six Signs You Need Brick Repair

Sign 1

Brick faces popping off or flaking (spalling)

Sign 2

Cracks running through individual bricks (not just mortar)

Sign 3

Bricks pushed out of plane or shifted position

Sign 4

Holes or missing brick in the wall face

Sign 5

Rust stains from corroded lintels pushing brick apart

Sign 6

Freeze-thaw damage - surface erosion on north/west exposures

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What Happens When You Delay Brick Repair

A single damaged brick allows water into the wall cavity. Once inside, freeze-thaw cycles damage adjacent bricks and mortar, causing damage to spread exponentially.

Cost Escalation Timeline

Timeline Condition Typical Cost
Year 0-1 Single brick cracked or spalled $50-$150 / brick
Year 1-3 Adjacent bricks begin spalling from moisture $300-$800 / section
Year 3-5 Wall section compromised, lintel corrosion $2,000-$5,000
Year 5+ Structural wall failure, full rebuild required $8,000-$20,000+

Featured Brick Repair Projects

Garage Wall Brick Replacement - Northbrook - completed work by Delta Masonry

Northbrook - 1965 Detached Garage

  • Scope: 30 bricks replaced, surrounding joints repointed
  • Mortar: Type N
View Case Study
Spalled Brick Replacement - 1940s Chicago Bungalow - completed work by Delta Masonry

Wilmette - 1940s Chicago Bungalow

  • Scope: 12 spalled bricks replaced, mortar joints repointed
  • Mortar: Type N lime-rich
View Case Study

Our Brick Repair Process

1

Damage Assessment

We identify which bricks need replacement, check for underlying causes (lintel failure, water infiltration, settlement), and determine if repair or rebuild is appropriate.

2

Brick Sourcing

We source matching brick from salvage yards, manufacturer archives, or custom runs. Color, size, texture, and era must match. Wrong brick is worse than damaged brick.

3

Careful Removal

Damaged bricks are cut out using precision tools without disturbing surrounding masonry. Mortar is removed from the cavity to full depth.

4

Cavity Preparation

The opening is cleaned, dampened, and sized for the replacement brick with proper mortar bed thickness.

5

Installation & Tooling

Replacement brick is set with matched mortar, joints are tooled to match the existing profile, and excess mortar is cleaned.

6

Inspection & Warranty

Final walkthrough to verify color match, alignment, and joint consistency. Covered under our 25-year written warranty.

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Technical Standards & Mortar Types

Brick selection is as critical as mortar selection. A replacement brick that is harder than the surrounding originals will cause the originals to fail faster. We test compressive strength before installation.

Mortar Type Compressive Strength Correct Use Risk if Misused
Type N 750 PSI Standard residential brick replacement, above-grade walls Correct for most applications with soft to medium brick.
Type S 1,800 PSI Lintels, load-bearing sections, below-grade work Required where structural loads are present. Too hard for decorative walls.
Type M 2,500 PSI Foundation walls, retaining walls Only for heavy structural applications. Never for face brick repair.

All Delta work follows ASTM C270 Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry.

Brick Repair Pricing

$50-$150
Per brick (single replacement)
$500-$2,000
Section repair (10-30 bricks)
$2,000-$5,000
Lintel + brick replacement
$3,000-$8,000
Parapet or wall rebuild

Cost depends on brick sourcing difficulty, access, and whether underlying issues (lintels, flashing) need repair. Free on-site estimate with exact pricing.

What Our Customers Say

4.9
★★★★★
Based on 87 verified reviews
★★★★★

"We had 12 spalled bricks on our front facade. Delta found matching salvage brick and you honestly cannot tell which ones are new. Excellent craftsmanship."

Jennifer L.
Wilmette, IL
★★★★★

"Our garage wall had a bulge from a corroded lintel. Delta replaced the lintel and 30 bricks. Solid work, fair price, clean job site."

David R.
Glenview, IL
★★★★★

"Three companies told us we needed a full wall rebuild. Delta showed us that only 8 bricks needed replacement plus some tuckpointing. Saved us thousands."

Patricia M.
Highland Park, IL

Related Articles

Masonry Education

How Illinois Weather Destroys Brick: Understanding Freeze-Thaw Damage

Learn how Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles, lake effect moisture, and temperature extremes damage brick masonry and what you can do about it.

Read Article
Brick Repair

What Causes Brick Spalling and How to Prevent It

Discover the science behind brick spalling, how wrong mortar causes it, early signs to watch for, and prevention and repair options.

Read Article

Questions about brick repair? We have answers. Call (847) 713-1648 or

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Brick Repair Service Areas

We provide professional brick repair services across Chicago's North Shore, Lake County, and northwest suburbs. 39+ years serving these communities.

North Shore

WinnetkaWilmetteKenilworthGlencoe

Lake County

Lake ForestLake BluffHighland ParkLibertyvilleWaukeganGurneeVernon HillsMundeleinGrayslake

Northwest Suburbs

EvanstonNorthbrookGlenviewDeerfieldArlington HeightsPalatineBuffalo Grove

Neighborhood Expertise

Every neighborhood on the North Shore has different brick, mortar, and construction eras. We know what your home is made of and how to repair it correctly.

Evanston

Era 1890s-1940s Building types Greystones, two-flats, apartment buildings Common material Soft common brick, often cream or buff colored Our approach Salvage brick sourcing from same era. Modern brick is too hard and too uniform for these buildings.

Wilmette & Kenilworth

Era 1920s-1950s Building types Tudor, Colonial, Georgian homes Common material High-quality face brick with decorative elements Our approach Precision matching for color and texture. These homes have visible facade brick where poor matches are obvious.

Northbrook & Glenview

Era 1950s-1980s Building types Ranch, bi-level, colonial tract homes Common material Standard machine-pressed brick Our approach Manufacturer matching is often still possible for post-war brick. We check production records before sourcing salvage.

Chicago North Side

Era 1880s-1930s Building types Two-flats, three-flats, courtyard buildings Common material Chicago common brick (soft, porous, irregular) Our approach Salvage-only sourcing. No modern manufacturer produces brick soft enough for these buildings. Lime mortar required.

Brick Repair FAQ

Common questions about brick repair answered by our licensed masonry experts.

Can you match my existing brick exactly?
In most cases, yes. We source from regional salvage yards that stock brick from every era of Chicago-area construction. For post-1950 brick, manufacturer matching through production records is often possible. We bring samples for your approval before starting work.
How many bricks can you replace before it is cheaper to rebuild?
As a general rule, if more than 30-40% of a wall section needs brick replacement, a rebuild becomes more cost-effective. Below that threshold, individual replacement preserves the original wall and is less disruptive.
Why are my bricks spalling?
The most common cause in Chicagoland is moisture trapped in the brick face that freezes and expands (freeze-thaw spalling). This is often caused by failed mortar joints, missing flashing, or mortar that is too hard for the brick. We identify and fix the root cause, not just replace the symptom.
Do you repair brick steps and stoops?
Yes. Brick step repair is one of our most common services. We replace individual bricks, re-mortar treads, rebuild caps, and address drainage issues that cause step failure.
How long does brick repair take?
Most residential brick repairs take 1-3 days depending on scope and brick sourcing time. We do not rush mortar curing - joints need 24-48 hours above 40 degrees F to set properly.
Is brick repair covered by insurance?
Brick damage from sudden events (vehicle impact, storm damage, fallen trees) is typically covered. Gradual deterioration from wear and weather is considered maintenance and is not covered. We provide documentation that can support claims for covered events.

Our Credentials

Since 1987
Licensed Illinois Masonry Contractor #104-016987. Continuously operating for 39+ years.
$2M
Full general liability coverage protects your property. Certificate of insurance provided on request.
Workers Comp
Full workers comp coverage for every crew member. You are never liable for on-site injuries.
4.9 Stars
87 verified reviews across Google and Yelp. Our reputation is built on results.
Family-Owned
Three generations of masonry expertise. No franchises, no corporate overhead. Personal attention.
Free Estimates
Every project starts with a free on-site inspection and detailed written estimate. No surprises.

Related Services

Residential

TuckpointingChimney RepairMasonry RepairConcrete ServicesStone MasonryPower Washing

Commercial

Commercial MasonryHistoric RestorationLimestone Restoration

Need Brick Repair? Let's Fix It Right.

Free on-site inspection and written estimate - no obligation. Serving the North Shore and Chicagoland for over 39 years.

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