Preguntas frecuentes

Water enters mortar joints, freezes overnight, expands, and cracks the mortar from inside. Over repeated winter cycles, joints hollow out and brick faces loosen. Spring and fall are ideal repair windows before winter accelerates the damage.

Tuckpointing removes deteriorated mortar and replaces it with matched mortar mix to restore joint integrity without replacing bricks. Masonry repair addresses brick units themselves—cracked, spalled, or structurally compromised stones that tuckpointing alone can't fix.

After spring hail and wind storms, before winter, or when buying a home. M&M inspects both attic space for moisture and ventilation issues and exterior rooflines for shingle, flashing, and valley damage—not just a visual walk.

Original mortar formulations used in pre-1980s construction break down faster under modern salt spray, vehicle exhaust, and freeze-thaw cycles. Brick units remain sound, but joint deterioration lets water infiltrate wall cavities and accelerates interior damage.

Ice dams force meltwater under flashing seams, corroding metal and loosening counter-flashing from mortar joints. Seasonal freeze-thaw widens gaps each year. Flashing failure shows up as interior ceiling stains near the chimney during heavy rain or snowmelt.

Surface cracks under a quarter-inch deep and isolated to one section can be patched. Heaving, multiple wide cracks, or structural settling that creates drainage problems require replacement because patch material won't bond to moving substrate.

Material selection consultation, attic ventilation assessment, old shingle removal, deck inspection and repair if needed, underlayment, new shingles or metal, flashing replacement, and valley work. Chicago installations account for wind exposure and snow load requirements.

UV exposure breaks down vinyl and paint finishes, while afternoon sun creates thermal expansion cycles that loosen fasteners. Wind-driven rain hits these walls hardest during storms, forcing water behind improperly sealed seams and flashing.

Clean gutters twice yearly—late spring after tree pollen and fall after leaf drop. Replace when seams separate, downspouts detach, or fascia boards show rot from overflow. Blocked gutters cause foundation pooling and basement seepage during spring snowmelt.

Composite decking resists freeze-thaw cracking and doesn't splinter, but costs more upfront. Pressure-treated lumber is cheaper and repairable but needs annual sealing. Both require proper joist spacing and drainage design to prevent seasonal movement and fastener failure.

Original mortar samples are tested for sand color, cement ratio, and lime content. Custom batches match both color and hardness so new mortar doesn't crack softer than surrounding brick or trap moisture by being too hard.

Wind lifts shingle edges and breaks sealant strips without tearing the shingle off. Water enters through nail holes or damaged underlayment during the next rain. Attic inspection reveals water stains and tracing the path identifies the breach point.