Complete Restoration for Brick, Block, and Stone Structures

Masonry restoration brings deteriorating brick, block, and stone structures back to their original strength and appearance. Whether you're dealing with decades of weathering, structural damage, or you want to preserve a historic building, professional restoration protects your investment and extends the life of your masonry for generations.

We handle everything from minor repairs to complete facade renovations, combining technical expertise with craftsmanship to deliver results that last.

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What Is Masonry Restoration?

Masonry restoration is the comprehensive process of repairing, rebuilding, and preserving brick, block, and stone structures. It goes beyond simple repairs to address underlying structural issues, match historic materials, and restore both the function and appearance of your building.

Restoration work includes:

• Tuckpointing deteriorated mortar joints
• Brick repair and replacement
• Stone restoration for natural stone elements
• Chimney repair and rebuilding
• Lintel replacement for failed supports
• Structural stabilization and reinforcement
• Historic preservation following appropriate standards
• Waterproofing and protective treatments
• Facade cleaning with power washing

The goal is to restore structural integrity while preserving or enhancing the building's original character.

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Signs Your Building Needs Restoration

Visible Deterioration:

• Crumbling or missing mortar
• Cracked, spalling, or loose bricks
• Sections of wall bulging or leaning
• Missing or damaged stone elements
• Efflorescence (white deposits)

Water Damage:

• Interior water stains or leaks
• Mold and mildew growth
• Rust stains from corroded lintels
• Ice damage on masonry faces

Structural Issues:

• Cracks in walls or foundations
• Doors and windows that stick
• Gaps between masonry and trim
• Settlement or movement

Age and Neglect:

• Historic buildings with original materials
• Properties with no maintenance history
• Buildings showing decades of weathering
• Previous poor-quality repairs failing

Don't wait until minor problems become major structural failures. Early intervention saves money and protects your building.

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Our Restoration Process

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We inspect your entire structure to identify all issues, not just obvious damage. This includes:

• Structural evaluation
• Material analysis
• Underlying cause identification
• Historic documentation (if applicable)
• Code compliance review

2. Detailed Restoration Plan

You get a clear proposal outlining:

• All work to be performed
• Materials and methods
• Timeline and phasing
• Cost breakdown
• Expected outcomes

3. Skilled Execution

Our experienced crews handle every aspect:

• Proper scaffolding and safety setup
• Careful removal of damaged materials
• Structural repairs and reinforcement
• Tuckpointing with matched mortar
• Brick and stone replacement
• Lintel repairs
• Waterproofing application
• Final cleaning and finishing

4. Quality Assurance

Every project includes:

• Regular progress updates
• On-site supervision
• Quality control checks
• Final walkthrough
• Documentation of work completed
• Maintenance recommendations

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Why Restoration Matters

Structural Safety

Deteriorated masonry isn't just ugly. It's potentially dangerous. Restoration addresses:

• Load-bearing capacity issues
• Wall stability problems
• Chimney collapse risks
• Falling brick hazards

Water Infiltration Prevention

Failed masonry lets water penetrate your building, causing:

• Interior damage to walls and ceilings
• Mold and health problems
• Rot in wood framing and supports
• Foundation deterioration
• Expensive secondary damage

Proper restoration creates weather-tight barriers that protect your entire building.

Property Value Protection

Well-maintained masonry:

• Maintains or increases property value
• Improves curb appeal
• Demonstrates responsible ownership
• Makes buildings more marketable
• Reduces insurance concerns

Historic Preservation

For historic buildings, restoration:

• Preserves architectural heritage
• Maintains historic character
• Meets preservation standards
• Qualifies for historic tax credits
• Protects community landmarks

Long-Term Cost Savings

Restoration is an investment that prevents:

• Complete rebuilds (10-20x more expensive)
• Interior remediation costs
• Emergency repairs at premium prices
• Ongoing deterioration expenses

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Restoration vs. Replacement

When to Restore:

• Structure is fundamentally sound
• Historic value or character
• Partial deterioration
• Good quality original materials
• Cost-effective compared to replacement

When to Rebuild:

• Severe structural failure
• Complete material breakdown
• Building code requirements
• Restoration costs exceed replacement
• Modern performance requirements

We'll give you an honest assessment of which approach makes sense for your situation.

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Historic Building Restoration

Historic masonry requires specialized knowledge and techniques:

Our Historic Restoration Expertise:

Material Matching:

• Analysis of original mortar composition
• Sourcing period-appropriate materials
• Custom brick and stone matching
• Historic color and texture replication

Preservation Standards:

• Secretary of Interior Standards compliance
• Local historic district requirements
• Documentation and approval processes
• Reversible repair methods when appropriate

Traditional Techniques:

• Lime-based mortars for older buildings
• Hot mixed mortars for specific applications
• Traditional joint profiles and tooling
• Period-appropriate finishes

Sensitivity to Character:

• Preserving distinctive features
• Matching existing craftsmanship
• Maintaining architectural integrity
• Minimal intervention approaches

We've restored buildings dating from the 1800s to mid-century modern, always respecting their unique character and construction methods.

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Commercial Masonry Restoration

Commercial properties face unique challenges:

Scale and Complexity:

• Multi-story buildings requiring extensive scaffolding
• Large surface areas needing coordination
• Phased work to minimize business disruption
• Multiple building materials and conditions

Occupied Building Considerations:

• Work scheduling around business hours
• Tenant communication and coordination
• Minimal disruption protocols
• Safety for occupants and public

Code Compliance:

• Current building code requirements
• ADA accessibility standards
• Fire safety regulations
• Structural engineering requirements

Budget and Timeline:

• Accurate cost estimates
• Realistic scheduling
• Progress tracking and reporting
• Change order management

We work with property managers, building owners, and tenants to deliver quality restoration on time and on budget.

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Restoration Costs

Restoration costs vary widely based on:

• Extent of damage
• Building size and height
• Material complexity
• Access requirements
• Historic requirements
• Additional repairs needed

Get a detailed estimate based on your specific situation. We provide transparent pricing with no surprises.

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Related Services

Our comprehensive masonry services include:

• Tuckpointing - Mortar joint repair and restoration
• Brick Repair - Individual brick replacement and repair
• Stone Restoration - Natural stone masonry work
• Chimney Repair - Complete chimney restoration
• Lintel Replacement - Steel and stone lintel repair
• Panel Brick Repair - Brick veneer restoration
• Caulking - Joint sealing and weatherproofing
• Waterproofing - Protective masonry treatments
• Power Washing - Professional masonry cleaning

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Why Choose Arrow Masonry

50+ Years of Restoration Experience

Since 1972, we've restored hundreds of buildings throughout Chicagoland. We've seen it all and know how to fix it.

Comprehensive Expertise

We handle all aspects of masonry restoration in-house. One contractor, complete service, coordinated results.

Quality Materials and Methods

We use proper materials matched to your building's needs. No shortcuts. No compromises.

Licensed, Insured, and Bonded

Fully certified and insured for projects of any size. Your property and our workers are protected.

Proven Results

See our completed projects and read customer reviews.

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Get Your Free Restoration Assessment

We'll inspect your building, identify all issues, explain your options, and provide a detailed estimate.

Call: (847) 776-6400

We serve the entire Chicagoland area with professional masonry restoration services.

Learn more about Arrow Masonry and our commitment to preserving and protecting your building.

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Professional masonry restoration since 1972. Protecting Chicagoland buildings for over 50 years.