... Tuckpointing & Repointing | Parapet Wall Rebuilding | Masonry Chimney Repair and Rebuilding| Steel Lintel Replacement | Masonry Restoration | Masonry Waterproofing | Porch Rebuilding | Building Code Violations Resolution | Concrete Work | and more...
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Tuckpointing & Masonry Contractor Chicago – Reviews from Our Customers
Tuckpointing & Masonry Chicago IL – Most Common Problems
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Services Provided by EDMAR Corporation Masonry – Chicago Masonry Contractor
EDMAR Corporation Masonry, one of the best tuckpointing & Chicago masonry contractors. Performing masonry repair Chicago for over 30 years. Our expertise in brickwork and masonry renovation processes has helped to maintain this city’s charm and improved its homes, offices, churches, and stores. Whether your Chicago masonry construction projects are large or small, or if you need brick replacement or masonry parapet walls repair, our dedicated team can help, always sure to do it once, and do it right.
Chicago Building Code Violation Tickets? We specialize in correcting masonry and porch violations!
For over 30 years, EDMAR Corporation – masonry contractor Chicago, has specialized in correcting City of Chicago building violations for commercial, residential, and industrial properties.
EDMAR Corporation is a full service Chicago masonry contractor that solves masonry building violations and porch violations from start to finish. Our team of licensed professionals pull the necessary permits, produce drawings and calculations, complete necessary repairs, to ensure that everything complies with the City of Chicago building code.
Our experience and astounding reputation (check our Yelp reviews & Google reviews) speak volumes about our Chicago masonry services. As fully licensed, bonded, and insured masonry contractors in Chicago, we can assure you that any repairs performed on your property will be completed in a thorough, safe, and efficient manner.
Chicago Building Code Violation Tickets? We specialize in correcting masonry and porch violations!
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For over 30 years, EDMAR Corporation – masonry contractor Chicago, has specialized in correcting City of Chicago building violations for commercial, residential, and industrial properties.
EDMAR Corporation is a full service Chicago masonry contractor that solves masonry building violations and porch violations from start to finish. Our team of licensed professionals pull the necessary permits, produce drawings and calculations, complete necessary repairs, to ensure that everything complies with the City of Chicago building code.
Our experience and astounding reputation (check our Yelp reviews & Google reviews) speak volumes about our Chicago masonry services. As fully licensed, bonded, and insured masonry contractors in Chicago, you can rest assured that any repairs performed on your property will be completed in a thorough, safe, and efficient manner.
For a FREE estimate, please contact our offices at 1-847-724-5600 or email us to schedule an appointment. An experienced specialist will walk you through the necessary repairs, provide you with a recommendation, and get you on the way to a violation-free building as fast as possible.
What is Tuckpointing, Re-pointing, and Pointing?
- What is Tuckpointing?
Chicago masonry wall tuckpointing (or tuck-pointing) refers to a process of using two contrasting colors of pigmented mortar (one of them usually matches the masonry wall brick color), to create an illusion of a fine mortar joint between the two layers of bricks.
- What is Re-pointing?
Chicago masonry wall re-pointing involves cutting away deteriorated mortar from between the bricks, masonry blocks and/or stones, cleaning the joints, and refiling them with new mortar.
- What is Pointing?
In masonry, the word “Pointing” describes an external portion of a masonry wall mortar joint, the line between bricks, stones, and/or CMU’s.
Tuckpointing and Repointing
Chicago weather makes national news, and the mortar and brickwork feel the brunt of it. That’s why tuckpointing in Chicago is so important – to keep buildings safe and sound (and stunning) year round. No matter the wear and tear, our mortar repointing can restore each building to its original luster.
Tuckpointing and Repointing
Chicago weather makes national news, and the mortar and brickwork feel the brunt of it. That’s why tuckpointing in Chicago is so important – to keep buildings safe and sound (and stunning) year round. No matter the wear and tear, our mortar repointing can restore each building to its original luster.
What is Tuckpointing, Re-pointing, and Pointing?
- What is Tuckpointing?
Chicago masonry wall tuckpointing (or tuck-pointing) refers to a process of using two contrasting colors of pigmented mortar (one of them usually matches the masonry wall brick color), to create an illusion of a fine mortar joint between the two layers of bricks.
- What is Re-pointing?
Chicago masonry wall re-pointing involves cutting away deteriorated mortar from between the bricks, masonry blocks and/or stones, cleaning the joints, and refiling them with new mortar.
- What is Pointing?
In masonry, the word “Pointing” describes an external portion of a masonry wall mortar joint, the line between bricks, stones, and/or CMU’s.
Tuckpointing and Repointing
Chicago weather makes national news, and the mortar and brickwork feel the brunt of it. That’s why tuckpointing in Chicago is so important – to keep buildings safe and sound (and stunning) year round. No matter the wear and tear, our mortar repointing can restore each building to its original luster.
Click for more info...
What is Tuckpointing, Re-pointing, and Pointing?
- What is Tuckpointing?
Chicago masonry wall tuckpointing (or tuck-pointing) refers to a process of using two contrasting colors of pigmented mortar (one of them usually matches the masonry wall brick color), to create an illusion of a fine mortar joint between the two layers of bricks.
- What is Re-pointing?
Chicago masonry wall re-pointing involves cutting away deteriorated mortar from between the bricks, masonry blocks and/or stones, cleaning the joints, and refiling them with new mortar.
- What is Pointing?
In masonry, the word “Pointing” describes an external portion of a masonry wall mortar joint, the line between bricks, stones, and/or CMU’s.
Brick Wall / Parapet Wall Repair – Restoration – Rebuilding
Mortar isn’t the only thing that gets damaged by Chicago winters – bricks can absorb moisture and become weathered by extreme temperatures, leading to spalling and cracked surfaces, and deteriorating complications down the line.
Brick deterioration is often a result of failing mortar joints so these two services, tuckpointing/repointing and brick wall repair, are closely associated. All you need to do is call you local masonry contractor Chicago.
- What is a Chicago Masonry Parapet Wall?
Masonry structure parapet walls are vertical extensions of the building wall system above the roof line, balcony, or walkway. They can serve function of a fall-protective barrier, act as a firewall between two buildings, or have purely aesthetic purpose.
Parapet wall terminates with copings or caps, which are made from various materials. The most common types used in Chicago are metal, stone, clay tile, or precast concrete.
- How often and when the Parapet Wall should be evaluated?
Just like every other masonry structure parapet wall should be inspected by qualified Chicago masonry companies on regular basis. Taking our Windy City climate into consideration, the ideal time to call masonry contractor Chicago, and ask for masonry parapet wall evaluation would be twice a year: in the fall and in the spring.
- What are the signs of Parapet Wall deterioration? The most common signs of moisture damage and freeze-thaw penetration on parapet walls are:
Cracked / open mortar joints, loose / missing mortar | Spalled faces of bricks, CMU’s, stone, or loose masonry units | Efflorescense | Loose, cracked, chipped coping units | Cracks in seams between coping units | Cracks / gaps in roof flashing | Parapet wall buckling
Brick Wall / Parapet Wall Repair – Restoration – Rebuilding
Mortar isn’t the only thing that gets damaged by Chicago winters – bricks can absorb moisture and become weathered by extreme temperatures, leading to spalling and cracked surfaces, and deteriorating complications down the line.
Brick deterioration is often a result of failing mortar joints so these two services, tuckpointing/repointing and brick wall repair, are closely associated. All you need to do is call you local masonry contractor Chicago.
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- What is a Chicago Masonry Parapet Wall?
Masonry structure parapet walls are vertical extensions of the building wall system above the roof line, balcony, or walkway. They can serve function of a fall-protective barrier, act as a firewall between two buildings, or have purely aesthetic purpose.
Parapet wall terminates with copings or caps, which are made from various materials. The most common types used in Chicago are metal, stone, clay tile, or precast concrete.
- How often and when the Parapet Wall should be evaluated?
Just like every other masonry structure parapet wall should be inspected by qualified contractors on regular basis. Taking our Chicago climate into consideration, the ideal time to call masonry contractor Chicago, and ask for masonry parapet wall evaluation would be twice a year: in the fall and in the spring.
- What are the signs of Parapet Wall deterioration? The most common signs of moisture damage and freeze-thaw penetration on parapet walls are:
Cracked / open mortar joints, loose / missing mortar | Spalled faces of bricks, CMU’s, stone, or loose masonry units | Efflorescense | Loose, cracked, chipped coping units | Cracks in seams between coping units | Cracks / gaps in roof flashing | Parapet wall buckling
Any of the masonry parapet wall deterioration signs listed above shouldn’t be ignored and corrected as early as possible.
How to Replace a Steel Lintel Like a Pro…
Because no two buildings are the same, sometimes we may need to follow slightly different path to achieve the same result.
- Cut into the mortar between the bricks above the compromised lintel.
- Structure above the compromised lintels (on larger openings) may need to be supported.
- After cutting mortar between the bricks, safely remove them, clean and reset in place, replace damaged ones if necessary.
- Remove old, damaged lintel, or cut out and weld new I-Beam’s bottom plate.
- Install new steel lintel sealed with corrosion resistant paint.
- Install stainless steel drip edge on top of the new lintel (over NP1 caulking).
- Install self-adhering rubber flashing.
- Secure flashing with termination bar and seal top edge of the termination bar with mastic caulking.
- Install weep system between the bricks / along the new lintel to help drain any water from the inner wall.
- Reinstall previously cleaned brick and tuck-point with mortar matching existing in color and shape.
I-Beam & Lintel Replacement
Steel lintel replacement in Chicago is a vital necessity. When these load bearing components warp and corrode, they jeopardize the architectural integrity of the wall it supports. If you suspect any problems with a lintel or I-beam structure, we can assess the situation, and if still possible, fix it in a manner that improves its life considerably.
Once heavily corroded, the only solution left is to replace the lintel, this process can be simple and just involve removal of a few bricks above the compromised lintel. However, if there are already significantly displaced bricks above the lintel, loose or missing mortar, noticeable masonry wall buckling, more extensive work may be required. To find out what might be involved in correcting this potential problem, call your local masonry contractor Chicago.
I-Beam & Lintel Replacement
Steel lintel replacement in Chicago is a vital necessity. When these load bearing componnents warp and corrode, they jeopardize the architectural integrity of the wall it supports. If you suspect any problems with a lintel or I-beam structure, we can assess the situation, and if still possible, fix it in a manner that improves its life considerably.
Once heavily corroded, the only solution left is to replace the lintel, this process can be simple and just involve removal of a few bricks above the compromised lintel. However, if there are already significantly displaced bricks above the lintel, loose or missing mortar, noticeable masonry wall buckling, more extensive work may be required. To find out what might be involved in correcting this potential problem, call your local masonry contractor Chicago.
How to Replace a Steel Lintel Like a Pro…
Because no two buildings are the same, sometimes we may need to follow slightly different path to achieve the same result.
- Cut into the mortar between the bricks above the compromised lintel.
- Structure above the compromised lintels (on larger openings) may need to be supported.
- After cutting mortar between the bricks, safely remove them, clean and reset in place, replace damaged ones if necessary.
- Remove old, damaged lintel, or cut out and weld new I-Beam’s bottom plate.
- Install new steel lintel sealed with corrosion resistant paint.
- Install stainless steel drip edge on top of the new lintel (over NP1 caulking).
- Install self-adhering rubber flashing.
- Secure flashing with termination bar and seal top edge of the termination bar with mastic caulking.
- Install weep system between the bricks / along the new lintel to help drain any water from the inner wall.
- Reinstall previously cleaned brick and tuck-point with mortar matching existing in color and shape.
I-Beam & Lintel Replacement
Steel lintel replacement in Chicago is a vital necessity. When these load bearing componnents warp and corrode, they jeopardize the architectural integrity of the wall it supports. If you suspect any problems with a lintel or I-beam structure, we can assess the situation, and if still possible, fix it in a manner that improves its life considerably.
Once heavily corroded, the only solution left is to replace the lintel, this process can be simple and just involve removal of a few bricks above the compromised lintel. However, if there are already significantly displaced bricks above the lintel, loose or missing mortar, noticeable masonry wall buckling, more extensive work may be required. To find out what might be involved in correcting this potential problem, call your local masonry contractor Chicago.
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How to Replace a Steel Lintel Like a Pro…
The list below itemizes the most common sequence of steps we perform when replacing steel lintels. Because no two buildings are the same, sometimes we may need to follow slightly different path to achieve the same result.
- We will cut into the mortar between the bricks above the compromised lintel.
- Bricks above the compromised lintels (on larger openings) may need to be supported to prevent possibility of wall failure.
- After cutting mortar between the bricks they will be safely removed (the same bricks will be reset in place after cleaning unless damaged, in which case they will be replaced). We will only remove number of bricks that is necessary for lintel replacement and new flashing installation.
- Old, damaged lintel will be removed entirely or I-Beam’s flange will be cut out and replaced with a new one.
- New steel lintel sealed with corrosion resistant paint will be set above the opening.
- Stainless steel drip edge will be installed on top of the new lintel (over NP1 caulking).
- Self-adhering rubber flashing will be installed next…
- Secured with termination bar along its top edge. Mastic caulking will be applied along top edge of the termination bar.
- Weep ropes will be placed in between the bricks / along the new lintel to help drain any water away from the inner wall.
- The same bricks will be reinstalled and tuck-pointed with mortar matching existing in color and shape as close as possible.
Brick Chimney Repair
Brick chimney repair is never just about aesthetics – it is first and foremost a safety and sometimes life-threatening issue. Bricks can come loose and endanger passers-by, and there can also be masonry problems within, affecting the operation of fireplaces, and / or furnaces and water heaters. Always opt to have your chimney inspected if you suspect there to be any kind of problem.
To find out if you need brick chimney repair, you can perform basic chimney evaluation on your own, but, DON’T EVER lean a ladder against your chimney section extending above the roof!
Observe and evaluate chimney’s condition from the ground, by using binoculars, alternatively call a professional Chicago chimney repair specialist from one of the masonry companies Chicago. Any of the CMU or brick chimney problems described below should be serviced as soon as possible.
- The most common masonry chimney problem you’ll be able to notice from the ground is crumbling / missing mortar between the bricks or cinder block units. This can also be a sign of even more significant deterioration inside the stack.
- Spalling is another problem that can be easily spotted on a brick chimney surface. If you notice cracks and peeling sections of bricks, it means that they retain moisture and chimney condition requires further investigation by a professional.
- Masonry chimney crown is what seals the top of a chimney and prevents rain water from running inside of it. Usually it’s a slab of concrete, sandstone block, or sometimes just a mortar sealed layer of bricks. It might be difficult to determine its condition from the ground level but, if you notice any displacement or cracks along the edges, have it further evaluated.
- Masonry chimney flashing may not be always visible from the ground level. If you can get a glimpse of it, maybe using a pair of binoculars, look for separation from chimney walls and deformation.
- One last thing that you should be able to determine while standing on the ground is if your chimney is straight or leaning in any direction. Any deviation from perfectly vertical line could be a sign of critical and dangerous condition requiring immediate servicing.
Brick Chimney Repair
Brick chimney repair is never just about aesthetics – it is first and foremost a safety and sometimes life-threatening issue. Bricks can come loose and endanger passers-by, and there can also be masonry problems within, affecting the operation of fireplaces, and / or furnaces and water heaters. Always opt to have your chimney inspected if you suspect there to be any kind of problem.
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You can perform basic chimney evaluation on your own, but, DON’T EVER lean a ladder against your chimney section extending above the roof!
Observe and evaluate chimney’s condition from the ground, by using binoculars, or call a professional Chicago chimney repair specialist. Any of the CMU or brick chimney problems described below should be serviced as soon as possible.
- The most common masonry chimney problem you’ll be able to notice from the ground is crumbling / missing mortar between the bricks or cinder block units. This can also be a sign of even more significant deterioration inside the chimney walls.
- Spalling is another problem that can be easily spotted on a brick chimney surface. If you notice cracks and peeling sections of bricks, it means that they retain moisture and chimney condition requires further investigation by a masonry contractor or qualified chimney expert.
- Masonry chimney crown is what seals the top of a chimney and prevents rain water from running inside of it. Usually it’s a slab of concrete, sandstone block, or sometimes just a mortar sealed layer of bricks. It might be difficult to determine its condition from the ground level but, if you notice any displacement or cracks along the edges, have it further evaluated by a professional.
- Masonry chimney flashing may not be always visible from the ground level. If you can get a glimpse of it, maybe using a pair of binoculars, look for separation from chimney walls and deformation.
- One last thing that you should be able to determine while standing on the ground is if your chimney is straight or leaning in any direction. Any deviation from perfectly vertical line could be a sign of critical and dangerous condition requiring immediate servicing.
Masonry Waterproofing
Waterproofing of your property’s masonry surfaces is a very efficient way to minimize moisture and water penetration. Why only “minimize” and not “fully prevent” water penetration? Masonry structures, like vertical walls for example, may have multiple penetrations, such as doors, windows, vents, etc.
Every one of those masonry wall penetrations must have correctly installed flashing, and, in most circumstances, all the joints between the masonry and any other materials penetrating masonry sealed with exterior rated caulking. Without it, no matter how well you seal the CMU blocks, bricks, stone, or any other masonry materials, the rain water may still penetrate along the seams or through a poorly installed or because of a missing flashing material.
Every building is different and there might be several variables that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on masonry waterproofing – that’s what we do. We examine the masonry structure, and prescribe the most optimal sequence of masonry waterproofing procedures. Sometimes the basic will work, so spot-pointing / tuckpointing/or repointing, caulking and spraying of the sealer. On other occasions, wall penetrations will require installation of flashing as well.
Masonry Waterproofing
If you need to have your house or masonry building waterproofed, whether it is made from brick, CMU blocks, or stone, we have decades of expertise behind our belts and hundreds of successfully completed projects.
Masonry Waterproofing
If you need to have your house or masonry building waterproofed, whether it is made from brick, CMU blocks, or stone, we have decades of expertise behind our belts and hundreds of successfully completed projects.
Masonry Waterproofing
Waterproofing of your property’s masonry surfaces is a very efficient way to minimize moisture and water penetration. Why only “minimize” and not “fully prevent” water penetration? Masonry structures, like vertical walls for example, may have multiple penetrations, such as doors, windows, vents, etc.
Every one of those masonry wall penetrations must have correctly installed flashing, and, in most circumstances, all the joints between the masonry and any other materials penetrating masonry, sealed with exterior rated caulking. Without it, no matter how well you seal the CMU blocks, bricks, stone, or any other masonry materials, the rain water may still penetrate along the seams or through a poorly installed or because of a missing flashing material.
Every building is different and there might be several variables that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on masonry waterproofing – that’s what we do. We examine the masonry structure, and prescribe the most optimal sequence of waterproofing procedures. Sometimes the basic will work, so spot-pointing / tuckpointing / or repointing, caulking and spraying of the sealer. On other occasions, wall penetrations will require installation of flashing as well.
Masonry Waterproofing
If you need to have your house or masonry building waterproofed, whether it is made from brick, CMU blocks, or stone, we have decades of expertise behind our belts and hundreds of successfully completed projects.
Click for more info...
Masonry Waterproofing
Waterproofing of your property’s masonry surfaces is a very efficient way to minimize moisture and water penetration. Why only “minimize” and not “fully prevent” water penetration? Masonry structures, like vertical walls for example, may have multiple penetrations, such as doors, windows, vents, etc.
Every one of those masonry wall penetrations must have correctly installed flashing, and, in most circumstances, all the joints between the masonry and any other materials penetrating masonry, sealed with exterior rated caulking. Without it, no matter how well you seal the CMU blocks, bricks, stone, or any other masonry materials, the rain water may still penetrate along the seams or through a poorly installed or because of a missing flashing material.
Every building is different and there might be several variables that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on masonry waterproofing – that’s what we do. We examine the masonry structure, and prescribe the most optimal sequence of waterproofing procedures. Sometimes the basic will work, so spot-pointing / tuckpointing / or repointing, caulking and spraying of the sealer. On other occasions, wall penetrations will require installation of flashing as well.
Chicago Concrete Installation
Chicago concrete installations take up a significant portion of our daily routines. We specialize in replacing / installing new concrete stairs, and flatwork, such as concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, patios, garage slabs, and aprons. New concrete installations have to follow certain sequence of processes mandatory for the concrete to perform properly..
Depending on circumstances, this first stage of new concrete installation / replacement might require earth moving equipment, in order to remove greenery and existing surfaces, create space that will accommodate sub-base. The granular sub-base is compacted to form sufficient support for the new concrete.
The concrete forms are set along the perimeter, held with wooden or metal stakes in place.
Once the area has been outlined with the forms, it’s time to pour ready mix, distribute it evenly and level it to create positives drainage / direct water away from the property.
Most of the concrete cracks, some sooner, some later, sometimes just a hairline crack here and there, which usually has not structure significance. To minimize, and sometimes completely eliminate possibility of concrete surface cracking caused by restrained shrinkage, loads and other stresses, contraction / construction / isolation joints are created.
Finishing concrete installation process involves creating uniform edges, and screeding the concrete surface to ensure proper grade and smoothness. Once this is done, the concrete is left alone for curing which takes 28 days, where the first week is the most critical.
Technically you can walk on a concrete after 24 hours, but, be gentle, don’t drag or twist your feet, keep dogs from walking on it as well since they can scuff the surface. If you can, stretch that initial time frame as much as possible. Also, avoid using any ice melting products for at least one year after the new concrete installation. Some of those chemicals are described as safe for new concrete installations, but we recommend using sand or kat litter for traction instead.
New Concrete Installation
Chicago concrete installations take up a significant portion of our daily routines. We specialize in replacing / installing new concrete stairs, and flatwork, such as concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, patios, garage slabs, and aprons. New concrete installations have to follow certain sequence of processes mandatory for the concrete to perform properly.
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Depending on circumstances, this first stage might require earth moving equipment, in order to remove greenery and existing surfaces, create space that will accommodate sub-base. The granular sub-base is compacted to form sufficient support for the new concrete.
The concrete forms are set along the perimeter, held with wooden or metal stakes in place.
Once the area has been outlined with the forms, it’s time to pour ready mix, distribute it evenly and level it to create positives drainage / direct water away from the property.
Most of the concrete cracks, some sooner, some later, sometimes just a hairline crack here and there, which usually has not structure significance. To minimize, and sometimes completely eliminate possibility of concrete surface cracking caused by restrained shrinkage, loads and other stresses, contraction / construction / isolation joints are created.
Finishing process involves creating uniform edges, and screeding the concrete surface to ensure proper grade and smoothness. Once this is done, the concrete is left alone for curing which takes 28 days, where the first week is the most critical.
Technically you can walk on a concrete after 24 hours, but, be gentle, don’t drag or twist your feet, keep dogs from walking on it as well since they can scuff the surface. If you can, stretch that initial time frame as much as possible. Also, avoid using any ice melting products for at least one year after the new concrete installation. Some of those chemicals are described as safe for new concrete installations, but we recommend using sand or kat litter for traction instead.