Masonry, Tuckpointing & Chimney Blog

Are you in need of cracked brick repair? In this blog, Custom Brick & Stone discusses the causes and solutions to your cracked brick. Get a free quote now!

Need a custom outdoor pizza oven in Frankfort, IL? Custom Brick & Stone has 20 years of masonry and custom pizza oven experience. Get a free quote now!

Maintaining your commercial masonry is not only essential for keeping your building looking nice, but it is also important for its structural integrity and will end up saving you money on major repairs in the future. Many property owners hesitate to repair their commercial masonry due to the cost without the knowledge of some cost-effective strategies for commercial masonry maintenance that can save you money in the long run. Custom Brick & Stone specializes in commercial masonry repair and will be providing some useful tips in this blog. 1. Regular Inspections and Timely Repairs The most cost-effective approach to commercial masonry maintenance is fixing the problem before it becomes a larger problem in the future. Regular inspections from professional masons will allow us to identify minor damage before they escalate into major masonry problems. Addressing small cracks or signs of water damage in your brick or stone quickly can prevent the need for extensive and costly repairs down the line. Custom Brick & Stone offers free, detailed estimates after inspecting your damaged masonry. 2. We Use Only Top-Quality Materials Quality materials such as sealants, coatings, and mortars are important to protect your masonry against the elements for years to come. These materials act as a barrier, preventing water leaks, mold, mildew, cracks, and more. Custom Brick & Stone relies on the best quality materials in order to provide our commercial buildings with the best results that will last. The long-term benefits outweigh the expense of repairing water-damaged masonry. 3. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance Measures Preventive commercial maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected and expensive masonry repairs. Tasks such as gutter cleaning, checking for proper water drainage, and removing vegetation near masonry structures can significantly extend the lifespan of your commercial property’s masonry. If you neglect these maintenance tasks, call in our professional commercial masonry team to lend you a hand in repairing any damaged masonry brick or stone. CHOOSE CUSTOM BRICK & STONE T O MAINTAIN YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Our expert masons will cover all your masonry needs, whether your commercial building may need chimney repair, stone or brick repair, fireplace maintenance, or tuckpointing. With 20+ years of experience in commercial masonry, you can count on Custom Brick & Stone to use high-quality materials and pay close attention to details so that our projects have no imperfections and will last you for many years. We work with commercial clients, property management companies, and associations closely to ensure your masonry is maintained properly. Cost-effective commercial masonry maintenance involves a combination of proactive measures, investments, and a commitment to repair maintenance. Property owners can ensure the longevity of their masonry structures without breaking the bank if they act fast before the damage worsens. The upfront costs of commercial maintenance are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost that comes with major masonry repair. Custom Brick & Stone has been offering commercial masonry maintenance to Chicagoland and NW Indiana for over 20 years. Call us today for a free quote!

In the world of construction and home renovation, masonry plays a major role in improving your home’s curb appeal and structural integrity. Our skilled masons have been offering expert masonry services for many years and have many masonry services to offer - whether it’s a repair or a full structure build. In this blog, we will be going more in depth about the masonry services we provide. The sky’s the limit on what custom brick or stone structure we can construct for your home or business! Brick and Stone Tuckpointing: Brick and stone tuckpointing are two main masonry restoration services we offer at Custom Brick & Stone. Tuckpointing isn’t only about fixing mortar joints, it is also a way to create a much more aesthetically pleasing brick or stone structure. Our skilled masons first remove deteriorating mortar and replace it with fresh, matching mortar, enhancing both the appeal and structural integrity of your building or structure. Fireplace Building and Restoration: Need a fireplace built or restored? Fireplaces are not only important to keep warm in the winter, but they also create a beautiful living space in your home as the focal point that radiates character. Whether you’re thinking about building an indoor or outdoor fireplace, or are in need of fireplace restoration or refacing, we can help! We can construct any custom brick or stone fireplace that will match your home’s aesthetic. If you already have a fireplace, you can also consider a fireplace refacing. Fireplace refacing consists of adhering new brick or stone on top of your existing fireplace structure. Chimney Building and Restoration: A chimney is a vital component of any fireplace system and can sometimes get overlooked without proper maintenance. Our professional masons are skilled in chimney construction and restoration, ensuring that your chimney not only looks great, but is functioning properly as well. From rebuilding crumbling chimneys to building new chimneys, our masonry professionals at Custom Brick & Stone can handle any chimney job. Outdoor Kitchen & Living Area Construction: If you’re dreaming of an outdoor kitchen or living space, we are happy to work together to create you your custom oasis. Masonry is the main skill needed to construct a beautiful stone or brick outdoor kitchen and living space. We use our masonry expertise to blend the natural beauty of stone and brick and combine it with the functionality of an outdoor living space. From custom built grills to outdoor fireplaces, our expert masons can craft you your own custom built dream oasis in your backyard! Outdoor living space projects are our favorite because of the amount of creativity we get to use with you in order to create something beautiful and custom to your liking. Masonry services tend to combine both art and construction techniques as we strive to create stone or brickwork that will stand out and be unique to your own liking. Through services like brick and stone tuckpointing, fireplace building and restoration, fireplace refacing, chimney rebuilds and repairs, and outdoor kitchen and living space construction, our masons can face any masonry job! Masonry is more than mortar and stone, it’s creating an art piece with such great quality that it will last in your home or business for decades. Contact Custom Brick & Stone today to plan your upcoming stone or brick masonry service or for any questions! We serve Orland Park , Dyer , Crown Point , and surrounding areas!

In this blog, we discuss the process of fireplace refacing to help you feel better prepared for your next home improvement!

An outdoor kitchen is the perfect addition to any backyard oasis, creating memorable experiences with friends and family, and providing a space for outdoor entertainment. At Custom Brick & Stone , we specialize in designing and building a custom outdoor living space or kitchen tailored to your unique needs and style preferences. In this blog, we will be pointing out some additions you may want to consider before designing your outdoor living space! 1. Layout & Design The first step in creating your new custom outdoor kitchen is deciding on the layout and design. Consider the space you have available, the proximity to your indoor kitchen, and how you plan on using the open area. Popular layouts include L-shaped, U-shapes, and linear designs for your custom brick and stone . You will want to plan your design while keeping in mind not only the aesthetics, but the functionality of your future outdoor kitchen! 2. Choosing your Appliances The most exciting part of planning an outdoor living space is choosing all of the kitchen appliances you may want in order to make your dream oasis a reality! Start with the basics: Grill : A high-quality stone grill is the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. Options range from gas to charcoal, and even pellet grills. Consider the size and features that suit your cooking needs. Refrigerator : A refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen allows you to keep ingredients fresh and drinks cold without having to run inside constantly! Sink : A sink would be a great help for your outdoor living space. It will help to keep your space clean while cooking full meals outside. Side Burner : If you take your grilling seriously, these can be used for cooking sides or sauces while grilling your main dish on the brick or stone main grill. Smoker : For those who love to experiment with new flavors and cooking techniques, a smoker is an excellent addition to your outdoor kitchen. Pizza Oven : Create restaurant style pizzas in your own living space with a built-in pizza stove! 3. Countertops & Workspaces Choosing the right countertops for your outdoor living space is extremely important. Durable, weather-resistant materials like granite, stainless steel, or concrete are popular choices. You will want to leave enough space for plenty of countertops for meal prep and serving. 4. Storage Storage is often forgotten about in outdoor kitchen designs. Cabinets and drawers provide a place to keep your cooking utensils, tools, and silverware. Consider going with materials which are naturally resistant to moisture. 5. Seating and Dining Whether you’re wanting an island with barstools, or a dining table with chairs, make sure there is enough space for you and your guests to relax and enjoy the freshly grilled meal! 6. Roofing and Shade To continue enjoying your outdoor kitchen in all weather conditions, consider adding a shading option like pergolas, umbrellas, or awnings. While you’re at it, also consider outdoor heating! Transform your backyard into an outdoor paradise with Custom Brick & Stone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our custom outdoor kitchen designs and building services in New Lenox , Palos Park , Tinley Park , Orland Park , Crown Point , Saint John , and surrounding areas!

Unfortunately, due to weathering and time, at some point you will need a chimney repair . At Custom Brick & Stone, one of our specialties is chimney repairs, and in this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the different types of chimney repairs and when they are necessary. This will help you to decide which route to take when searching for a professional to handle your repairs! 1. Chimney Cap Replacement: When you’re noticing wind coming down your chimney & downdrafts, a broken or missing chimney cap may be the culprit. Soot or ash can blow down your chimney, so it will be pretty easy to notice when your chimney cap needs to be replaced. 2. Masonry Repair: Masonry chimneys may show signs of wear and tear over the years, including cracks, loose bricks, or crumbling mortar. Here are the four most obvious reasons you’ll need masonry repair: The chimney crown is cracked or crumbling. You see gaps between the bricks (missing mortar) The faces of bricks are falling off. You have water leaks on the inside of your home, either running down the face of the brick or seeping out from the masonry. 3. Flue Liner Replacement: A damaged or deteriorating flue liner can compromise your chimney's ability to safely vent smoke and gases. Here are some common clues that will tell you whether you need your chimney liner replaced or not. You start noticing broken pieces of masonry in your fireplace You’re seeing more condensation Foul smells are coming through your chimney Visible damage or deterioration 4. Chimney Crown Repair: The chimney crown serves as a protective barrier against water infiltration. Here are some common reasons for repair: Any visible cracks- big or small Water damage to interior walls Rusted firebox or damper Cracking mortar or dark spots 5. Waterproofing Your Chimney: Water damage is a common chimney issue that can lead to costly repairs. If you are noticing any water coming in from your chimney, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible! Water damage can cause major issues in your home and water coming from a chimney or roof is the most common way it occurs. 6. Chimney Flashing Repair: Faulty or damaged chimney flashing can lead to water leaks and structural damage in our home. Here are some common reasons you may need a repair: Rust stains Discolored bricks Noticeable leaking inside or outside the chimney Visible gapping in caulking Water stains 7. Damper Repair or Replacement: A malfunctioning damper can result in drafts, heat loss, and reduced energy efficiency. This one is pretty obvious as the main reason you would need repair is that the damper will not close. This will increase your risk on downdraft & other issues. 8. Smoke Chamber Repair: The smoke chamber plays a vital role in directing smoke and gases up the chimney. If your chimney damper is in good condition, yet you are still noticing smoke pouring in once you light a fire, then your smoke chamber is most likely damaged and will need repairing. 9. Full Chimney Rebuild: In extreme cases of chimney damage, a full chimney rebuild may be necessary. We'll discuss the circumstances that warrant a complete chimney reconstruction and how our team can guide you through the process. Our experienced technicians at Custom Brick & Stone understand that a well-maintained chimney is not only a necessity but also an aesthetic part of your home. Our team is ready to assess your chimney's condition and provide the necessary repairs to keep it in top shape. Whether it's a simple cap replacement or a full chimney rebuild, you can trust us to deliver quality craftsmanship and unmatched expertise. Contact us today to schedule your chimney inspection and ensure your chimney remains a safe and beautiful part of your home. We service Chicagoland & NW Indiana in towns such as Orland Park , Crown Point , Tinley Park , New Lenox , Palos Park , Saint John , Homewood and surrounding areas!