Brick Repair
Damaged brick repaired properly — matched, set, and built to last.
Quick Answer
Paul Lally's Masonry Inc. repairs damaged brick across Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs — spalled, cracked, loose, and bowing brick — by addressing both the brick and the water source that caused it, with matched units and mortar. Family-owned since 1988, insured. Free on-site estimate — call (708) 448-8866.
About This Service
Brick Repair in Chicagoland
Spalled, cracked, or missing bricks aren't just an eyesore — they're a liability. Water enters through damaged brick and travels through the wall, causing damage that compounds over time. A cracked brick above a window can mean a failing lintel. A face-split brick can mean freeze-thaw cycles have already gotten into the wall assembly.
We remove damaged units completely, source matching brick where possible, and tooth-in replacements with properly mixed mortar. The goal is a repair that holds structurally and blends visually — not a patch that pops off next winter.
What's Included
- Individual brick removal and replacement
- Spalled and face-split brick repair
- Cracked brick sections
- Brick matching and sourcing
- Tooth-in replacement on existing walls
- Mailbox, pillar, and accent wall repair
Our Work
Project Gallery
Residential Brick Repair
Mailbox & Pillar Repair
Warning Signs
Signs You Need Brick Repair
Spalled or Face-Split Brick
Brick faces that have popped off or split indicate water has penetrated the unit and freeze-thaw cycles have done their work. The exposed core absorbs water even faster — this needs to be addressed promptly.
Cracked Brick Units
Cracks through the brick itself (not just the mortar) can indicate structural movement, settlement, or a failing lintel above. The crack pattern tells us a lot about the cause.
Missing Brick
A missing brick is an open hole in your wall's weather barrier. Water, insects, and pests can enter freely. Emergency repair is usually warranted.
Soft or Deteriorating Brick
Brick that's soft to the touch or crumbles easily has lost its fired hardness. This is common on very old buildings and in areas with chronic moisture exposure.
Materials We Use
- Matched and reclaimed brick to suit older Chicago walls
- Type N and Type S mortar matched in color and hardness
- Corrosion-resistant wall ties where re-anchoring is needed
- Breathable masonry sealers applied after repair
What Affects the Price
- How many bricks are damaged and how widespread the spalling is
- Height and access — ground floor vs. upper stories needing scaffolding
- Difficulty of matching brick on older or discontinued styles
- Whether the wall is bowing and needs structural re-anchoring
- Fixing the water source — flashing, joints, or drainage
Every building is different. We provide free on-site estimates — call (708) 448-8866.
Making the Right Call
Brick repair vs. brick replacement
Repair addresses brick and mortar together when only some units have failed; replacement swaps out spalled or cracked units specifically. We do as few or as many as the wall actually needs, then repoint around them so water stays out.
Spot repair vs. a bowing-wall rebuild
A few spalled bricks is a spot repair. A bowing or bulging wall has usually lost its wall ties or taken on water and is a structural matter — often needing rebuilding of the affected section, not just face repair.
FAQ
Common Questions
Can you match my existing brick?
In most cases, yes — or very closely. We source from local suppliers and reclaim yards. An exact match isn't always possible with older brick, but we'll find the closest available and blend the mortar color to minimize the visual contrast.
How long does a brick repair take?
Most single-area residential repairs take one day. Larger sections or multi-story work may take two to three days. The mortar needs 24–48 hours to cure before the repair area should get wet.
Is a few cracked bricks really worth fixing?
Yes. Cracked brick exposes the interior of the wall to water. In Chicago, one winter of freeze-thaw cycles in an open crack can turn a small repair into a large one. Early repair is always cheaper.
More Services
Other Masonry Services We Offer
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