Damaged, spalled, or missing brick is more than an eyesore — it is an accelerating problem that grows every freeze-thaw cycle. Here is how professional replacement stops the damage.
Damaged or spalled brick is a problem that accelerates faster than most homeowners realize. Once the face of a brick breaks away — exposing the softer inner material — water absorption increases dramatically at that location. Each freeze-thaw cycle widens the damage to adjacent bricks. What appears as isolated cosmetic damage in October can become a section of failed veneer by April. Addressing damaged brick when you first notice it is almost always the most cost-effective approach.
The most common causes of brick damage in Chicagoland are freeze-thaw spalling (caused by water trapped in porous brick faces), impact damage from vehicles or landscaping equipment, and deterioration from improper pressure washing or chemical cleaning. Each cause leaves a different pattern of damage and sometimes requires a different repair approach. Our assessment identifies not just the damaged bricks but the cause of the damage — so the repair addresses the source, not just the symptom.
Replacement brick must match the existing in color, texture, size, and hardness. This is the most challenging part of the repair for older homes, where the original brick may be from a manufacturer no longer in business. AMS maintains relationships with regional brick suppliers and salvage yards that specialize in matching historical brick. We bring physical samples to every assessment and do not proceed with replacement until an acceptable match is confirmed — because a mismatched repair that is visible from the street is sometimes worse than the original damage.
For brick replacement projects, AMS provides a written scope that identifies every brick to be replaced by location, the replacement brick selected and its source, and the mortar specification. We photograph the existing conditions before work begins and provide after documentation for homeowner records. If you have noticed brick damage on your home anywhere in Chicagoland, contact us — early replacement prevents the significantly higher cost of full section rebuilds.
