Masonry guides for Chicago homeowners

Straight answers to the questions we hear most: when to tuckpoint, what affects the cost, how to compare estimates and how to choose a contractor.

No two tuckpointing jobs are the same. See what drives the cost of tuckpointing in Chicago and how to get an accurate written estimate.

Tuckpointing and repointing are often used as the same word. Here is what each one means and what your brick wall really needs.

Chicago’s freeze-thaw winters wear down mortar. Here is the best time to tuckpoint, why winter work is a problem and how to plan ahead.

What a written masonry or tuckpointing estimate should include, so you can compare quotes in Chicago fairly and avoid surprises.

Can you tuckpoint yourself? See when a small DIY repair is fine, what can go wrong and when to call a Chicago mason.

Licensed, insured, written estimate: what to check before hiring a tuckpointing or masonry contractor in Chicago.

A cracked chimney crown lets water into the brick. Learn the signs, and when a crown repair is enough and when to rebuild the chimney.

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