Built on Craftsmanship. Driven by People. Proven by Results.
Restoring the Past. Building the Future.
For more than 40 years, Building Restoration Corporation (BRC) has served as the Midwest’s trusted leader in restoring and preserving both historic and modern structures. Our award-winning team combines traditional masonry craftsmanship with advanced technology to diagnose, repair, and protect the building envelope with surgical precision.
Our Expertise: Managing the Entire Restoration Lifecycle
At BRC, our expertise lies in managing every phase of your project—ensuring that the solution is as structurally sound as it is cost-effective. We don’t just fix symptoms; we solve the underlying issues that threaten your building’s longevity.
- Detailed Evaluation: We begin with a forensic approach to diagnose the root cause of masonry failure and water infiltration.
- Strategic Planning: Our goal is to develop a plan that addresses all your building’s needs while respecting your budget and timeline.
- Precision Execution: From tuckpointing and façade repair to waterproofing, our craftsmen deliver lasting performance that property managers, architects, and owners have come to depend on.
From landmark façades to contemporary high-rises, we provide the value and reliability you need when quality truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need tuckpointing or repointing, and how can you tell which one our building needs?
Technically speaking there is a big difference between the words “tuckpointing” and “repointing.”
Tuckpointing is an old joint repair method that involves pointing in a lime mortar that matches the color of the surrounding brick, then coming back through and striking in a thin white lime mortar bead that mimics the appearance of narrow “butter joints” commonly seen in historic masonry buildings in Europe. Here in the US we don’t typically do tuckpointing in its traditional sense. Over the years the term “tuckpointing” has evolved into the common nomenclature for mortar joint replacement in the United States.
Repointing refers to the process of removing original failed mortar back to sound material and pointing in a replacement mortar that matches the original in material properties, aggregate profile, color, texture and profile.
Long story short, in the United States (for the most part) TUCKPOINTING = REPOINTING and the words are often used interchangeably. The short answer is it depends on the condition of the existing mortar. During an on-site evaluation, we look at depth of deterioration, cracking, and moisture issues. We walk you through what we see and explain the best long-term solution for your building.
How much does repointing (tuckpointing) cost per square foot for a multi-story brick building?
Costs can vary widely based on access, height, mortar condition, joint size, and the amount of preparation needed. Multi-story buildings often require scaffolding or swing stages, which affects pricing. After a site visit, we provide a clear, detailed proposal so you understand exactly what is included and why.
Can you match our existing mortar color and joint style so repairs blend in?
Yes, and this is something we take very seriously. We analyze the existing mortar material properties, color, texture, and joint profile, especially on older or historic buildings. Our goal is for repairs to blend naturally so they do not stand out or change the character of the façade. Equally important to a successful repointing project is that we repoint with a mortar that matches the material properties of the original mortar that we are repointing over top of.
We have water leaking through the brick. Can you help find where it is really coming from?
Absolutely. Water intrusion is often more complicated than it looks from the inside. We perform building envelope evaluations to track how water is entering, whether through masonry, flashing, sealants, or roof interfaces. Finding and repairing the root cause is the only way to stop recurring leaks. In some cases an invasive investigation is needed to review flashing and backup wall conditions.
Do you repair or install through-wall flashing to stop ongoing masonry leaks?
Yes. Failed or missing flashing is a major cause of chronic leaks. We assess existing flashing systems and can repair or install new through-wall flashing and weep systems as part of a comprehensive restoration approach, not just a surface fix.
Our parapet wall is cracking and leaking. Does it need repair or a partial rebuild?
Parapet issues can range from minor mortar deterioration to structural instability. During an inspection, we look at cracking, movement, coping conditions, roof membrane shrinkage, and moisture damage. In some cases, targeted repairs are enough. In others, a partial rebuild is the safest and most cost-effective option long term.
What causes brick spalling, and can it be repaired without rebuilding the wall?
Spalling usually happens when moisture gets into the brick and freezes, often made worse by hard mortar or failed waterproofing. Depending on severity, we can replace individual bricks, repair surrounding mortar, and address the moisture source without rebuilding the entire wall. The key is addressing the root cause of the damage, not just the damage itself.
Do you replace sealants and caulking around windows, expansion joints and control joints?
Yes. Sealant failures are one of the most common entry points for water. We remove failed materials and install new, properly specified sealants around windows, doors, control joints, and penetrations to help protect the building envelope as a whole. Read more about the importance of proper caulking and sealant replacement.
Can you clean brick or stone without damaging the masonry or changing its appearance?
We can. Masonry cleaning needs to be done carefully. We select cleaning methods based on the material, age, and condition of the façade. Our goal is to remove staining and buildup while preserving the original look and integrity of the masonry. Ultimately, if you’re having your masonry building cleaned, we encourage using the gentlest means possible.
What does the process look like from inspection to starting the project?
It starts with an on-site evaluation where we assess conditions and discuss your concerns. From there, we provide a detailed scope and proposal. Once approved, we coordinate access, staging, and protection before work begins. We keep communication clear throughout so there are no surprises.