Tuckpointing becomes mandatory when mortar joints have cracked, flaked, or disintegrated due to the abrasive effects of the elements.

Penetrating moisture weakens the mortar that bonds the masonry units together, it also promotes premature deterioration of brick. Once moisture finds its way into a defect on the brick and freezes, it will cause the brick to defect. Once defective, the brick is rendered useless as it offers no structural support to the masonry wall. Removing defective brick will prevent water damage from spreading to the healthy and sound brick remaining.

Limestone, Renaissance Stone, Sandstone, and Terra Cotta are all different types of stone facades that Universal Masonry Group repairs.

Lintels, I-Beams and C-Channels with welded plates are all used to bridge openings within masonry walls such as windows, door frames, and garages. They are imperative in carrying the cumulative structural load of multi-floor heights of masonry.

If these crucial steel members corrode and bow, the structural stability of the masonry wall above becomes questionable. Faulty lintels will cause the masonry shores to sag, skew or worst case fall off. For this reason it is vital that lintels be replaced if found defective.

Chimneys are usually the first part of a masonry building to manifest signs of deterioration. This is due to the fact that chimneys are constantly bombarded by the elements. Resting above the roof-line virtually defenseless; chimneys do not have any roof or gutter system to divert water away from them as on the main part of your brick building.

A simple hairline crack in your chimney capstone, if neglected, can cause serious damage.

Universal Masonry Group implements a variety of sealant products depending on job specifications. Polyurethane, silicone, and butyl rubber caulk are commonly used to form a watertight seal to all types of perimeter, control and expansion joints should this be necessary.

Likely candidates for waterproofing include smooth/split face concrete block, limestone, renaissance stone, single wythe brick veneer walls, and sandblasted/water blasted common brick as they are all particularly porous. Universal Masonry Group also recommends sealing all types of masonry after any sort of rebuilding process is completed in order to sustain the new masonry work.

Universal Masonry Group utilizes two types of waterproofing agents: siloxane clearcoat and elastomeric color coat. Both products bond chemically to the substrate of the brick, block or stone and allow them to breathe while maintaining a waterproof layer.Universal Masonry Group’s waterproofing applications are for above grade vertical surfaces exclusively. Waterproofing agents do require re-applications every 3-5 years as the products breakdown over time.

Universal Masonry Group also provides cleaning services for brick and stone. Power Washing is a relatively safe and cost effective method of furnishing your masonry building with a fresh look.

Atmospheric dirt, carbon, mold and algae are all common deposits defacing brick surfaces. Chemicals, with the aid of a pressure washer, can work to uncover the original look of your brick. Universal Masonry Group pays special attention to preparing the worksite prior to any cleaning process to insure protection of exposed windows, doors, and landscaping.

We have noticed an increase in the amount of calls to our office relating to water permeation and damage on new construction (buildings only 1-3 years old). You would not think that new buildings would have such issues but we have considerable evidence to the contrary. In fact, we are providing you with two recent articles (one from the Chicago Sun Times and one from the Chicago Tribune) remarking on how prevalent these problems are.

Undoubtedly these leaking issues derive from initial workmanship flaws coupled with an inferior building material. Summer months can bring temperatures as high as 120 degrees on block walls which are directly exposed to the sun. Block walls exposed to the wind, snow and ice can drop the wall temperature to 20 or 30 degrees below zero. These temperature extremes expand and contract the block units creating small hairline cracks within the mortar joints and often within the block themselves. If water penetrates these cracks and freezes the cracks get larger. This pattern is repeated every freeze/thaw cycle. The same thing happens during the settling of a newly constructed block wall building. As the new foundation shifts it puts pressure on different areas of the building causing structural cracks within the mortar joints. Vibration from traffic and construction also puts stress on the block facade exacerbating the cracking of the mortar joints.

To combat these complaints Universal Masonry Group has devised a preventative maintenance program addressing each new construction problem and its solution. The following photos illustrate these serious workmanship concerns.

Any type of concrete pad, whether it be a balcony floor or a pedestrian walkway, will have repair issues. Concrete alone has a tendency to crack and matters could be exacerbated by standing water, outdoor carpet, deicing salts, chemicals, oils and gasoline. All of these could contribute to the decay of your concrete decking/flooring.

Detecting any cracking, pitting or leaking is indicative that your concrete deck needs restoration. If repairs are ignored, water infiltration into the substrate could systematically destroy the concrete and impair the infrastructure of the steel support members.

The method of repair starts with resurfacing the deck which involves etching, detailing and patching of structural cracks, voids, and pitted concrete. This is followed by the application of a polyurethane basecoat and a protective topcoat which flexes and expands to bridge any future shrinkage cracks or failed patches. In addition to providing a durable non-skid surface, this waterproof coating system protects occupied areas underneath from water damage and comes in a variety of colors to suit your needs.

Universal Masonry Group inspects all types of masonry structures from single family residences to large scale commercial properties.

With infrared imaging technology, Universal Masonry Group will locate the most probable sources of the leak and identify any damaged components on the exterior of your masonry building. Our leak detection services are for above grade vertical masonry facades exclusively (brick/block/stone).