Repointing That Respects Veneer-Era Brick
Much Mount Prospect housing uses brick veneer over frame—joints still matter when freeze water sits in the bed. We repoint selectively where joints fail, using mixes suited to veneer-era brick rather than soft 1890s lime walls.
Our process
- 1 Hard modern mortar harms soft historic brick Vintage brick was laid in pliable lime mortar, and both materials weather symbiotically. Impermeable Portland cement traps moisture within the wall, diverting freeze-thaw stress onto the brick faces. For any pre-1960 the established northwest suburbs home, replicating the original mortar's softness is an imperative, not a choice.
- 2 Mortar analysis precedes the first cut We first analyze the existing joint for its color, aggregate, texture, and compressive strength before formulating a replacement. Test batches are judged against the aged original, not a new sample. Only after this verification do we commence removal and repointing.
- 3 Quiet work that preserves a home's character The virtue of repointing lies in its structural reinforcement rendered invisible. Joints are cut to proper depth, packed in successive lifts, and tooled to the historic profile. The wall regains its resilience without sacrificing its patina of age.
- 4 Free On-Site Estimate Schedule a free, no-pressure estimate in Mount Prospect and nearby IL communities.
Repointing for Mount Prospect homes
Hard modern mortar harms soft historic brick
Vintage brick was laid in pliable lime mortar, and both materials weather symbiotically. Impermeable Portland cement traps moisture within the wall, diverting freeze-thaw stress onto the brick faces. For any pre-1960 the established northwest suburbs home, replicating the original mortar’s softness is an imperative, not a choice.
Mortar analysis precedes the first cut
We first analyze the existing joint for its color, aggregate, texture, and compressive strength before formulating a replacement. Test batches are judged against the aged original, not a new sample. Only after this verification do we commence removal and repointing.
Quiet work that preserves a home’s character
The virtue of repointing lies in its structural reinforcement rendered invisible. Joints are cut to proper depth, packed in successive lifts, and tooled to the historic profile. The wall regains its resilience without sacrificing its patina of age.
Why Mount Prospect Homeowners Choose Us
The masonry of older Mount Prospect homes merits more than a superficial fix. Our network of masons investigates the moisture origin behind each issue, prepares mortar that works in harmony with the original brick, and tools each joint to replicate the wall’s historic profile. A written proposal and a clear written estimate are included with every job.
Ready to start your repointing project?
Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll match you with a local pro for a free, no-pressure estimate.