AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing, Inc

Waterproofing solutions are intended to protect your masonry from the ingress of wind-driven rain. When properly applied, these solutions penetrate deeply into the mortar, concrete block, brick or stone substrate, chemically bond to the silica, and set up a hydrophobic layer of protection without staining or discoloring the masonry. All masonry sealants are not created equal! AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing applies only Chem-Trete 100% silane sealants due to their distinct advantages over inferior waterproofing solutions found at the big-box stores and many masonry supply stores

The longevity of your grinding and tuckpointing project depends on several factors including the depth of the grinding performed by the mason, the quality of the mortar used to tuckpoint the ground out areas, and the ambient temperature when the work was performed. We monitor all of these factors (and more) to make your project structurally sound and beautiful to view.

The masonry wall above the roofline is typically referred to as the parapet wall. Parapet walls provide protection from roof falls, add strength and stability to the masonry structure, and usually contain aesthetically pleasing designs, patterns or metal cornices. Because parapet walls can be difficult to see or access, most owners, administrators and property managers do not realize their parapet walls are in need of service. Shifted capstones, loose coping tiles, brick and mortar debris on the ground, and water damage along the top-floor ceilings are all indications that the parapet wall needs immediate attention. AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing is well-versed in parapet wall restorations whether it is a 120-year-old building with watertable stones and dentil detail or a split-face concrete block structure with engineered stone accents.

Due to their difficult-to-reach location and relentless exposure to the elements, chimneys receive a lot of abuse which often goes unnoticed. AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing will not only diagnose your chimney issues, but explain in clear language how best to correct the condition(s) that led to the problem in the first place. Your work is guaranteed in writing to perform as you would expect from the leader in masonry restoration work. In the accompanying photo, an articulated boom lift helped surmount access issues due to this Lake Forest home's numerous rooflines.

AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing staff specialize in the cleaning of brick, stone, concrete, and terra cotta. This includes the removal of surface debris such as dirt, carbon, mold, algae, paint, and graffiti. Our crews make a special effort to properly prepare the work site prior to cleaning by protecting windows, doors and landscaping as much as possible. Primarily three cleaning methods are used: Chemical Cleaning There are many suitable cleaning agents available depending on the particular problem. Once the correct solution is selected, it is either rolled or sprayed upon the substrate, allowed to set up, and rinsed off. Chemical cleaning does not strip the exterior skin of the brick like sandblasting, so the appearance and integrity of the masonry is maintained. Sandblasting Sandblasting is a relatively inexpensive, effective method to remove surface contaminants. Unfortunately, it is very messy. Worse yet it blasts away the bricks' surface, which then no longer has sufficient protection for water. This often leads to premature deterioration and the need for expensive restoration. However, there are circumstances when sandblasting is appropriate and preferred. For example, sandblasted interior walls give a space a very appealing industrial look. And certain stubborn stains can be removed more completely by sandblasting rather than power washing. Power Washing Power washing includes using high pressure water spray, sometimes mixed with small amounts of sand. Since the sand is sprayed wet, it is less "dirty" than sandblasting and since less abrasive is used, the damage to your masonry wall is less than sandblasting. Let our staff evaluate your current masonry's condition and suggest the solution which meets your needs.

A lintel or I-beam is a piece of steel that spans an opening (e.g., a door or window) and supports the masonry above it. Over time as steel lintels and I-beams age, they rust and swell and deflect (i.e., become wavy) and create growing pressure within the masonry wall. This process is known as rust-jacking and if left unchecked can crack apart mortar and heave bricks out of alignment. The forces exerted upon the masonry by a rusting piece of steel are not unlike a nutcracker exerting pressure on a walnut. As the pressure grows, even the hardest masonry (or nut) blows apart. Severely deteriorated, deflected or otherwise defective steel lintels should be replaced with new, properly primed and painted steel, through-wall flashing and end dams. Defective steel cannot be "repaired" with a coat of paint and be expected to perform properly. Masking a defective steel support member with a coat of paint or bead of caulk can put the public at risk of catastrophic wall failure.

The City of Chicago's Department of Buildings requires all masonry structures seven stories or more to be inspected regularly by a licensed architect or engineer for defects in its facade. Depending on the building's classification, facade inspections are required every 4 to 12 years. AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing works with owners of commercial and institutional buildings and condominium associations to comply with their respective facade ordinances. We have longstanding relationships with the most respected engineering and architectural firms in Illinois, and work in conjunction with them to ensure appropriate facade compliance.