FAQ
Quality Masonry Is Quintessentially Chicago
Chicago is known for its striking brick and stone buildings. It is one of the things that make our area unique. Since 1938, Soumar Masonry has been keeping these important buildings, both commercial and residential, in top condition while providing new masonry construction services to ensure that the quality craftsmanship that is a quintessential part of Chicago masonry continues. From historic restorations to new builds and masonry maintenance work, Soumar delivers. Here are the answers to some of the questions customers typically have about masonry in Chicago.
What Is Masonry and Masonry Restoration?
Masonry is a catch-all term that refers to building something from individual pieces—usually brick, concrete, or stone. The individual pieces are held together by mortar. Masonry is a specialized type of building that is popular across the globe for its durability and its use of widely available materials. Masons have unique training in this style of building.
Masonry restoration involves the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of brick, concrete, or stone construction. Particularly for historic properties, using the right techniques for masonry restoration is essential to preserve the appearance of the structure and to ensure the longevity of the materials. Restoration must be performed by skilled masons with the appropriate training.
What Masonry Services Are Offered by Soumar Masonry?
Soumar Masonry offers a full range of masonry services in Chicago. Our work includes:
• Masonry construction for residential, commercial, and industrial properties
• Historic masonry reconstruction and renovation
• Tuckpointing
A good way to see the kind of craftsmanship we offer is to visit our gallery of featured projects. If you need masonry work in Chicago, chances are that we provide the services that you need.
Why Does Damaged Brick Need to Be Replaced?
One of the advantages of building with brick is that it typically requires less maintenance than other building materials. However, damaged brick does need to be repaired or replaced. Failing to do so could lead to structural integrity issues and will damage the appearance of the structure. Damaged bricks can also fall and cause injury. If you have one or more damaged bricks, let our masons inspect your property and determine the best strategy for repair or replacement.
What Is Tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing is a process for repairing mortar joints that have been weakened. When mortar begins to deteriorate, it stops repelling moisture, which allows moisture to soak into the surrounding brick or stone. This allows mold and mildew to grow, which can cause rotting. Additionally, the typical expansion and contraction that occurs with masonry with temperature fluctuations is exacerbated when extra moisture is trapped, which causes further damage.
During the tuckpointing process, the old mortar is removed and carefully replaced. This process is extremely technical and requires a high level of expertise and precision. Our tuckpoint specialists in Chicago are highly experienced and can provide the accuracy you need for the best results.
How Do I Know If I Need Tuckpointing or Brick Repair?
Cracks, holes, and crumbling pieces of mortar are key signs that you could benefit from tuckpointing services. Another way to figure out if you need tuckpointing, even if you don’t see any obvious deterioration, is to run a key across the surface of your mortar. If doing so causes dust to fall from the mortar joints, you likely need tuckpointing.
Brick damage tends to be easier to spot. Look for obvious signs of damage as well as fading. Have your bricks evaluated by a professional mason if you suspect an issue?
Get High-Quality Masonry Construction and Repair in Chicago
Masonry is complex work that requires skill, training, and experience. Trust the experts at Soumar Masonry in Chicago when you need brick and stone construction and repair. We work on all types of properties, from commercial masonry to residential and new to historic. Find out more about our work by contacting us today.