During the winter in the midwestern United States, office buildings and other property are sometimes exposed to large temperature swings during short periods of time. Being below zero one day and near fifty degrees a day or so later is not that uncommon. Changeable weather like this is conducive to a freeze and thaw cycle, where we experience rain, snow, melting of ice and then re-freezing at night when the mercury drops once again. This frequent change in temperature can result in uncomfortable drafts or water damage to your home or office.

This is important because not only do drafty rooms and leaky areas make your office space feel less than cozy, it also contributes to increased costs for heating and other utility bills. Obviously, it is a good idea to jump on these issues before they become a larger problem and require major repair.

Replacing Exterior Caulking

To guard against this occurring to your structure, it is highly recommended you inspect exterior caulking of your building on a regular basis to see if it needs to be serviced or possibly even replaced. Make checking on the caulked areas surrounding all your doors and windows a regular routine, at least once a month. If you notice any caulk that appears to be cracking, pulling away from the window frame or door jambs or is completely missing, it is a good bet you need to have the caulking replaced.

Replacing or repairing caulk can be a difficult task, so it is best to have a tuckpointing professional complete the job unless you have knowledge of the work involved. We are located in Palatine and service the entire Chicago metropolitan area, and we know the importance of caulking your building to keep out leaks and drafts. We are professional and experienced and make use of a variety of sealant products depending on your particular needs. Polyurethane, silicone, and other types of caulk are used to form a waterproof barrier to all joints to prevent leakage and drafts.

For any specific questions regarding caulking repair or replacement please call Arrow Masonry today at (312) 329-0750. Arrow has over 50 years of experience working on large, industrial buildings or smaller homes and knows what it takes to keep your structure looking and functioning at top efficiency.

In the world of modern architecture, there are few more impressive looking buildings than a stately home residence or a large office complex built of bricks. A structure erected with bricks presents itself as solid and strong, is aesthetically pleasing and exudes a sense of class and style to any neighborhood.  However, despite its well-deserved reputation of being solid and extremely durable, brickwork can and will fail if it is not maintained properly or is mistreated. This is especially true if the brick is over 100 years old. Additionally, repairs made using inappropriate cement mortars, among other things, can result in the breakdown of your brick structure.

How do you know if your brickwork needs a repair or upgrade? Just being old does not necessarily mean a repair is needed. Some common warning signs to look for include bricks that are beginning to crumble, are loose or missing pointing, walls that bulge in appearance, cracks through the brickwork and internal or external damp spots. Also keep in mind bricks that have spalled (deteriorated due to water seepage) are more susceptible to moisture penetration and may eventually lead to structural issues for the wall. Fortunately, there are a number of options when it comes to maintaining and repairing old brickwork.

Severely damaged bricks can simply be cut out and replaced. Any replacement bricks should match as closely as possible in size, durability and texture as the original bricks and should be laid in the same manner. You can also treat damaged bricks with mortar made up of tinted lime for a new appearance. After replacement it is also important to leave new bricks and mortar in place so they can blend in place naturally over the course of time.

If repairing the brickwork is not something you feel comfortable doing yourself it is advised you contact an experienced bricklayer who has worked on older buildings. In the Chicago area your best option is to give Arrow Masonry and Exteriors, Inc. a call. Headquartered in Palatine, Arrow Masonry has been providing the highest quality tuckpointing and masonry restoration services to commercial and residential communities for more than 50 years. Arrow Masonry takes pride in customer satisfaction and assures all its clients their workmanship will be up to your high standards.

Contact Arrow today or call them at 847-776-6400 to view a complete list of all the quality services they provide to its clients including split-face brick repair and restoration and much more!

When planning the first stages of new construction, location, materials and funding are all matters of extreme importance. After all, a structure cannot be erected without the actual bolts and steel, professional workers, proper approved equipment and financial backing. In addition to these considerations, it is also essential that all building codes are in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

Building codes are a set of rules and regulations that clarify the standards for objects that are to be constructed, such as an office building or personal residence. All architectural ventures planned for development must conform to the local code or codes to obtain permission from the governmental council. A building code is enforced to ensure the safety and general welfare of the population as it relates to the construction of buildings and any other structures.

Some examples of work that requires a permit and must comply with codes are garage or deck construction for a residence, the demolition of a building, additional wings to be added to a structure or the remodeling and repair of a commercial establishment. Retaining walls, sheds, alarm installation and most signage also usually require a permit and are subject to local codes and regulations.

Building codes are adhered to and followed by many types of professionals, such as architects, engineers, construction companies and safety inspectors. They are also used for different purposes by subcontractors, real estate professionals and insurance companies, among others. Codes regulating the design and construction of buildings vary depending on the specific location of the work, so it is imperative to follow the codes regulating the exact geographic area.

Arrow Masonry and Exteriors has been successfully completing projects in the Chicago area for more than 50 years with very positive results.  Arrow always goes to great lengths to ensure the masonry building work performed is code compliant, while at the same time protecting the structure’s investment value and its aesthetic appeal. Arrow also performs critical inspections on rooftops and brick and concrete walls for its clients to ensure they are up to date with all codes and will advise on any repairs that need to be completed.

Call Arrow Masonry today at 312-329-0750 for any questions regarding correcting code violations, building code compliance and for all your tuckpointing and masonry needs.