We stop water infiltration before it becomes a brick replacement — with matched mortar, clean joints, and work that lasts 20–30 years.
Grinding out and replacing mortar seems simple, but in the hands of a subcontractor it becomes a disaster. Using the wrong cement ruins the structural breathability of a luxury facade, trapping moisture and permanently scarring the brick faces.
Standard repairmen universally apply cheap Portland cement. On older estates, this traps moisture and forces the softer historic brick to shatter during winter freezes. We analyze and match the exact compressive strength required.
Rushed laborers use oversized grinders, slicing into the brick faces above and below the joint. Our master artisans utilize specialized diamond blades and hand chisels to preserve the pristine edge of your facade.
Inexperienced subs simply wipe fresh mortar across the wall, leaving a messy white film that permanently clouds the masonry. We tool our joints cleanly and perform meticulous acid washes to restore the building's original brilliance.
"Tuck and run" crews barely scratch the surface before applying new mud. This thin layer falls out within two years. We grind down a minimum of 3/4-inch to ensure the new mortar bonds permanently with the inner core.
We apply the same engineering discipline used in our custom home builds to restore the structural integrity of your aging facade.
5 phases · 1 standard of excellence
We take samples of the original, failed mortar to determine its aggregate composition and compressive strength, formulating a custom Type O, N, or S mix that perfectly mimics the original.
Why it matters: A mismatched mortar doesn't just look bad; it causes structural spalling within a single Chicago winter.
Our in-house crew utilizes HEPA-filtered masonry saws to grind out the decayed joints uniformly to a minimum depth of 3/4-inch, exposing a solid base for the new mortar to grip.
Why it matters: Cutting corners here means the new mortar simply falls out. We grind deep.
We blast the joints with compressed air to remove all dust, then lightly hydrate the brick faces. This critical step prevents the dry brick from immediately sucking the moisture out of the new mortar.
Why it matters: Flash-drying mortar becomes brittle instantly. Proper hydration ensures a permanent cure.
Our custom-home builders meticulously pack the custom-tinted mortar into the joints in multiple layers, striking it flush or concave to exactly match the existing architectural profile.
Why it matters: The repair must vanish. Our men are trained to replicate complex, historic joint strikes perfectly.
Once cured, we perform a controlled wash to remove any residual mortar haze from the brick faces, optionally applying a silane-siloxane penetrating sealer for ultimate weatherproofing.
Why it matters: We return your luxury property to a pristine, polished state without the messy white smears left by amateurs.
We never hand tuckpointing jobs off to subcontractors. The rigorous quality control demanded by our custom home division is applied to every mortar joint we restore.
Grinding mortar creates massive dust. Operating in high-end neighborhoods, we employ rigorous HEPA containment strategies to protect your landscaping and neighbors.
We don't settle for "close enough." Using specialized dyes and sand aggregates, we tint our mortar so the repaired areas blend invisibly into the aged facade.
Our family name is on the line. We refuse to perform shallow "tuck and run" smears. We grind deep to ensure our restorations last for generations.
Chicago freeze-thaw cycles destroy ignored mortar.
Find out how serious it is — and what it'll cost — in 60 seconds. Free.
8 warning signs. 60 seconds. Realistic tuckpointing cost range for your Chicagoland home.
"Used this before calling AMS — the estimate was spot on. Saved me from getting overcharged by another contractor."
— Karen L., Winnetka homeowner
Cost ranges are based on typical Chicagoland tuckpointing projects (2026). Your free on-site estimate from AMS may vary based on actual brick type, mortar depth, and access.
See how we surgically restore the structural integrity of historic and luxury facades while preserving their original aesthetic.
Securing investments across Chicagoland.
Every job is different — but here's what most Chicagoland homeowners pay. All pricing includes mortar matching, cleanup, and a written warranty.
Prices vary by mortar depth, access difficulty, and scaffold requirements. Your free on-site estimate is the only accurate number. Book yours here.
Every project gets a free written estimate — scope, materials, and timeline in writing — before a single tool touches your brick. No surprises.
"AMS matched our 1920s limestone perfectly. Not a single neighbor could tell where the new tuckpointing began."
Thomas A.
Winnetka, IL · North Shore
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We guarantee our tuckpointing will structurally revitalize your facade while blending aesthetically with the original masonry. We will not leave the site until the repair is virtually invisible.
Clear answers on how we surgically restore failing mortar to protect your asset.
We serve homeowners throughout the Chicago metro — from the North Shore to the Western Suburbs and beyond.
Don't see your city? Contact us — we likely serve your area.
