A brick lintel supports the masonry above a window or door. When it rusts, bends, or cracks, the brickwork around the opening can shift. Small problems may lead to larger repairs if water enters and Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles continue to stress the wall.
At Casey Tuckpointing, we repair and replace brick lintels throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs. We have served local property owners since 1994. Our family-owned team is licensed, fully insured, and trained to handle both small residential repairs and larger commercial masonry work.
What Is a Brick Lintel?
A lintel is a horizontal support placed above a window, door, or other wall opening. In many Chicago buildings, the lintel consists of steel or another strong material hidden behind the brick. It carries the weight of the masonry above the opening and transfers that load to the wall on each side.
Over time, moisture can reach the steel. The steel may rust and expand. This pressure can push nearby bricks out of place. Mortar joints may crack, and the masonry above the opening may begin to sag.
A damaged brick lintel is more than a cosmetic concern. It can affect the safety, weather protection, and stability of the wall. Our lintel, beam, and channel repair service can help identify the cause and the right repair method.
Signs Your Brick Lintel Needs Repair
Lintel problems often show up slowly. Look closely at the brick above your windows and doors. Contact a masonry professional if you notice any of these signs:
- Cracks that extend from the corners of a window or door
- Bricks that bow, bulge, or sit lower than nearby courses
- Rust stains below or beside the opening
- Flaking or broken brick faces
- Crumbling mortar joints
- A steel angle that appears bent or heavily rusted
- Gaps between the lintel and the surrounding brick
- Water stains or damp areas inside near the opening
- Windows or doors that stick after the wall changes shape
A small crack does not always mean the lintel has failed. The cause may be old mortar, movement in the wall, or water damage. We inspect the full area before we recommend work. That helps prevent unnecessary repairs and gives you a clear plan.
Why Brick Lintels Fail in Chicago
Chicago masonry faces hard weather. Water enters small cracks and open mortar joints. When temperatures fall, that water freezes and expands. When temperatures rise, it thaws. These repeated freeze-thaw cycles can weaken mortar, brick, and steel supports.
Rust is another common cause. A steel lintel needs protection from moisture. When water reaches the metal, rust takes up more space than the original steel. That expansion places pressure on the brick above and around the opening.
Poor past repairs can also create problems. A mortar mix that is too hard may damage older brick. A patch that does not match the wall may allow water to collect. Missing flashing, damaged coping, and open joints can send water toward the lintel.
The Brick Industry Association identifies water infiltration through deteriorated mortar joints as one of the leading causes of structural damage in brick buildings. Repairing the source of the water matters as much as repairing the visible crack.
Brick Lintel Repair vs. Replacement
The right solution depends on the condition of the lintel and the surrounding masonry. We may recommend repair when the support remains sound and the damage is limited. This can include removing loose mortar, treating surface rust, replacing damaged bricks, and sealing vulnerable joints.
Replacement may make more sense when the lintel has severe rust, major bending, or a loss of structural strength. In that case, we carefully remove the affected brickwork, support the masonry above, install a properly sized replacement, and rebuild the opening.
We may also need to replace damaged bricks at the same time. Bricks with deep cracks, large chips, or severe spalling may not protect the wall from water. Our brick repair and replacement work includes matching the existing color, size, and texture as closely as possible.
We do not treat every lintel problem the same way. A historic Chicago building may need a different approach than a newer home. We consider the age, design, brick type, mortar, and condition of the entire wall.
What Does Brick Lintel Repair Cost?
The cost depends on the number of openings, access, brick damage, support needs, and whether the lintel requires repair or full replacement. A simple repair may cost less than a project that includes scaffolding, extensive brick removal, and water-control work.
Angi reports a typical lintel replacement cost of $300–$700 per lintel. This figure provides a general guide, not a final quote. A property with several damaged openings may require a larger project. Hard-to-reach areas and related masonry damage can also affect the price.
For comparison, HomeGuide reports $700–$2,000 for minor to moderate brick repair. If the lintel problem has caused widespread damage, the work may include brick replacement, mortar repair, waterproofing, or facade restoration.
We provide a free estimate after reviewing the condition of the masonry. Our goal is to explain what needs attention now and what can wait. We offer reasonable prices without pushing work that your building does not need.
How We Repair a Brick Lintel
Every project starts with an inspection. We examine the lintel, brick courses, mortar joints, window or door opening, and nearby areas for signs of water entry. We also look for movement, rust, and previous repair work.
A typical repair may include these steps:
- Inspect the opening and document the visible damage.
- Identify the source of moisture or movement.
- Protect the window, door, landscaping, and nearby surfaces.
- Install temporary support when the masonry requires it.
- Remove loose or damaged brick and mortar with care.
- Repair or replace the lintel as the project requires.
- Install matching brick where old units cannot be reused.
- Repoint the joints with a suitable mortar.
- Seal or repair nearby areas that allow water to enter.
- Clean the work area and review the finished repair with you.
We do not subcontract our masonry work. Our team remains responsible for the quality of the project from the first inspection through follow-up service. We can also coordinate permits when the work requires them.
Do You Need Waterproofing After Lintel Work?
A new lintel will not solve a water problem if water continues to enter above the opening. We check nearby mortar joints, flashing, coping, parapets, and facade areas during the inspection.
Depending on the condition of the wall, you may need waterproofing and chemical sealing. These services help limit water entry through vulnerable masonry. We use the repair plan to address the cause instead of only covering the symptom.
Water stains inside your home or building deserve attention. They may come from the lintel, a window joint, a roof edge, or another part of the facade. We trace the visible signs and explain what we find before starting work.
Brick Lintels and Commercial Building Repairs
Property managers and condo associations often face more than a repair decision. They may also need inspection records, permits, access planning, and documentation for a city notice.
A damaged lintel can contribute to loose brick and other facade concerns. If your building has a notice or possible safety issue, our critical inspection services can help you understand the condition of the masonry. We also handle code violation correction and facade rehabilitation for commercial and multi-unit properties.
Our team works with property managers, general contractors, architects, realtors, condominium associations, and homeowners. We understand that clear scheduling and communication matter. We can explain the work in plain language and help keep the project moving.
Why Choose Casey Tuckpointing?
Casey Tuckpointing is a family-owned and operated business founded by Kazimierz Sieracki. We have served Chicago and surrounding suburbs since 1994. Our experience includes brick lintel repair, brick replacement, tuckpointing, chimney work, stone repair, terra cotta work, and building facade rehabilitation.
We bring European masonry craftsmanship and modern repair methods to each project. We match materials with care, protect the surrounding property, and keep the work area orderly. We are licensed and fully insured.
Our 5.0 Google rating with 86+ reviews reflects the trust our customers place in our work. References are available upon request. You can also read more about our approach in our guide to professional masonry services in Chicago.
We serve Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Norridge, Lincolnwood, Elmwood Park, and surrounding suburbs. There is no job too small or too large for our masonry team.
When Should You Call a Masonry Contractor?
Call us when you see spreading cracks, falling brick, rust stains, or a visible change above a window or door. Do not wait for a brick to fall or for water to reach the inside of the building.
Early attention can limit the amount of brick removal and related repair. It also gives you more choices. We will not use scare tactics. We will inspect the wall, explain the condition, and provide a clear estimate for the work.
If you are unsure whether a crack involves the lintel, send us a photo or schedule an inspection. A professional review is safer than guessing at a structural masonry problem.
Request a Free Brick Lintel Estimate
Casey Tuckpointing can inspect your brick lintel and explain the next step. Call our masonry team at (847) 962-6309 to speak with us. You can also request a free estimate online.
Casey Tuckpointing
3637 N Luna Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: (847) 962-6309
Email: info@caseytuckpointing.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–6PM | Sat 7AM–2PM | Sun closed
You can also find us on Yelp, the BBB, or Google Maps. A timely inspection can protect your brickwork and help you plan the right repair.