Evanston's historic brick homes require a different level of masonry expertise than new construction. The right approach preserves both the original character and the structural integrity for the next generation.
Evanston's residential neighborhoods contain some of the most architecturally significant brick homes in the Chicago metropolitan area. Greystones from the 1890s, craftsman bungalows from the 1910s, and Georgian revivals from the 1920s and 1930s represent a century of masonry craftsmanship that defines the character of streets throughout the city. Preserving these buildings requires understanding not just masonry technique but the historical context of how and why they were built the way they were.
The most important principle in working on historic Evanston brick is the concept of soft mortar over hard brick. Original mortar in pre-1940 construction was often a lime-heavy mix significantly softer than the brick it was installed in — a deliberate design choice that allows the mortar to absorb movement and deteriorate before the brick does. Replacing this mortar with modern Portland cement mixes creates a joint harder than the brick, which causes the brick to crack and spall when thermal movement occurs. This mistake is irreversible and we see it on many Evanston homes that had tuckpointing work done in the 1970s and 1980s.
AMS approaches historic Evanston masonry with mortar analysis before any work begins on pre-1950 structures. We test the hardness of existing mortar, examine the brick type and condition, and specify a replacement mortar blend that matches the compressive strength of the original. For City of Evanston landmark structures, we provide documentation compatible with preservation review requirements.
Whether you need tuckpointing, brick replacement, chimney work, or a full foundation assessment on your Evanston home, AMS brings the expertise that historic masonry demands. We have been working in Evanston since 2007 and have completed projects on homes representing every era of the city's residential history. Contact us for a site evaluation that respects what was built here and protects it for what comes next.
