Restoring the Integrity and Appearance of Your Brick Facade
Brick has been the preferred exterior material for commercial buildings for centuries—and for good reason. Durable, attractive, and low-maintenance, quality brickwork can last well over a century. But even the best brick facades eventually require repair. Weather exposure, structural movement, impact damage, and simple aging cause bricks to crack, spall, and deteriorate. Bi-State Masonry, Inc. provides professional commercial brick replacement and repair services throughout the Iowa and Illinois corridor, from Des Moines to the greater Chicago area. With over 26 years of experience restoring brick facades on government facilities, universities, schools, and commercial buildings, we deliver repairs that blend seamlessly with existing masonry and stand the test of time.
Damaged bricks aren't just an aesthetic problem—they compromise your building's weather resistance and can accelerate deterioration of surrounding masonry. Water enters through cracks and damaged faces, causing freeze-thaw damage that spreads to adjacent bricks. Left unaddressed, localized damage becomes widespread facade failure. Our skilled masons identify and repair brick damage before it spreads, preserving your building's structural integrity and appearance while avoiding costly large-scale restoration.
Common Types of Brick Damage
Understanding how brick damage occurs helps building owners identify problems early and make informed decisions about repairs. Several types of damage commonly affect commercial brick facades in Iowa and Illinois.
Spalling
Spalling occurs when the face of a brick flakes, chips, or pops off, exposing the softer interior. This damage typically results from moisture trapped within the brick freezing and expanding—a particular concern in our region with approximately 100 freeze-thaw cycles each winter. Spalled bricks lose their weather resistance and deteriorate rapidly once the protective fired surface is compromised. Severely spalled bricks must be replaced to restore the wall's integrity.
Cracking
Bricks can crack from structural movement, impact, thermal stress, or manufacturing defects. Vertical cracks often indicate settlement or structural issues. Horizontal cracks may result from expansion pressure or shelf angle displacement. While hairline cracks may be cosmetic, larger cracks allow water infiltration and should be addressed. Depending on severity, cracked bricks may be repaired in place or replaced entirely.
Erosion and Weathering
Over decades of exposure, brick surfaces gradually erode from wind, rain, and atmospheric pollutants. This weathering is normal and usually cosmetic on quality brick. However, softer or underburned bricks may erode significantly, losing dimensional integrity and creating water management problems. Severely eroded bricks require replacement.
Impact Damage
Vehicle strikes, equipment impacts, and vandalism can chip, crack, or dislodge individual bricks. Impact damage is typically localized and straightforward to repair by replacing the affected units. Prompt repair prevents water infiltration through the damaged area.
Efflorescence Staining
White crystalline deposits on brick surfaces indicate water movement through the masonry. While efflorescence itself doesn't damage brick, it signals moisture problems that cause other deterioration. Addressing the water source and cleaning affected surfaces restores appearance, but the underlying moisture pathway must be corrected.
Settlement and Movement Damage
Building settlement, thermal expansion, or structural movement can crack bricks and open mortar joints in characteristic patterns. Stair-step cracks following mortar joints are classic signs of settlement. Addressing movement-related damage requires understanding and potentially correcting the underlying cause, not just replacing damaged bricks.
Our Brick Replacement & Repair Services
Bi-State Masonry provides comprehensive brick repair services for commercial buildings. We assess damage, recommend appropriate repairs, source matching materials, and execute quality restorations.
Individual Brick Replacement
When bricks are damaged beyond repair—severely spalled, cracked through, or missing pieces—replacement is the appropriate solution. Our masons carefully remove damaged bricks without disturbing surrounding masonry, clean the cavity, and install matching replacement bricks with properly formulated mortar. Done correctly, individual brick replacement is virtually invisible once complete.
Section Rebuilding
When damage extends across multiple bricks or entire wall sections, rebuilding may be more practical than individual unit replacement. We carefully document the existing pattern and bond, remove the damaged section, and rebuild with matching brick and mortar. Section rebuilding is common below leaking window sills, at damaged corners, and in areas with extensive spalling.
Brick Face Repair
Minor spalling or chipping can sometimes be repaired without full brick replacement. Using specialized repair mortars color-matched to the existing brick, we can rebuild damaged faces and restore the brick's profile. Face repair is appropriate for cosmetic damage where the brick body remains sound, offering a cost-effective alternative to replacement.
Crack Repair
Cracks that don't require full brick replacement can be sealed or filled to prevent water infiltration. We use appropriate repair materials based on crack width and whether the crack is active (still moving) or dormant. For structural cracks, we may recommend engineering evaluation before cosmetic repair.
Cleaning and Stain Removal
Brick cleaning removes dirt, biological growth, efflorescence, and staining that detract from your building's appearance. We use appropriate cleaning methods for each situation—low-pressure washing, chemical cleaners, or gentle abrasive techniques—selected to clean effectively without damaging the brick surface. Proper cleaning often reveals the true condition of brickwork and identifies areas needing repair.
Preventive Treatments
After repairs are complete, we can apply breathable water repellent sealers that help prevent future moisture damage. These treatments reduce water absorption while allowing vapor transmission, protecting bricks from freeze-thaw damage without trapping moisture. Sealer application is particularly valuable for older or softer bricks prone to spalling.
Brick Matching Excellence
The success of brick replacement depends largely on matching the replacement bricks to existing masonry. Poor matches create obvious patches that detract from building appearance. Our experience and resources enable excellent brick matching even for challenging situations.
Color and Texture Matching
We evaluate existing brick for color range, texture, surface finish, and dimensional characteristics. Brick color varies not just between manufacturers but within individual production runs, so matching requires careful attention to the full range of colors present in the existing wall. We source samples and evaluate them against your building before committing to materials.
New Brick Sourcing
Many brick types remain in production decades after original construction. We work with brick manufacturers and distributors throughout the region to source matching bricks for your project. When exact matches exist, new brick provides consistent quality and availability.
Salvaged Brick
For older buildings with discontinued brick types, salvaged brick may provide the best match. We have sources for salvaged brick and can locate specific types when needed. Salvaged brick offers authentic aging and weathering that can match existing masonry better than new production.
Custom Manufacturing
For historic buildings or special situations where matching is critical and standard options aren't adequate, custom brick manufacturing is possible. Several manufacturers produce custom-matched brick in smaller quantities. While more expensive, custom brick ensures accurate matching for prominent or historically significant buildings.
Mortar Matching
Mortar color significantly affects the overall appearance of brick repairs. We match mortar color to existing joints, accounting for weathering and the color range present in original construction. Proper mortar matching is as important as brick matching for invisible repairs.
Commercial Sectors We Serve
Bi-State Masonry provides brick replacement and repair services to commercial and institutional clients throughout our Iowa and Illinois service area.
Government Facilities
Federal, state, and local government buildings often feature significant brick facades requiring ongoing maintenance. We understand government procurement requirements and have completed brick repair projects for various government agencies, including work requiring prevailing wage compliance.
Municipalities
City halls, fire stations, libraries, and other municipal buildings rely on our brick repair services to maintain public facilities. We work within municipal budgeting processes and scheduling requirements.
Schools and Universities
Educational campuses frequently include historic and contemporary brick buildings spanning many decades. We've completed brick repair projects for school districts and universities throughout the region, including work for the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the Iowa DOT. We schedule repairs to minimize disruption to academic activities.
Corporations
Corporate office buildings, headquarters facilities, and business campuses trust Bi-State Masonry to maintain brick facades that project professional image and protect real estate investments.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and medical facilities require contractors who can work without disrupting patient care. We have experience with healthcare facility requirements and coordinate our work appropriately.
Historic Buildings
Historic brick buildings require special care to preserve their character and comply with preservation standards. We have experience with historic masonry repair, including appropriate materials and techniques for buildings subject to historic preservation requirements.
Industrial and Warehouse
Industrial facilities with brick construction benefit from our practical approach to repairs that prioritize function and durability appropriate for industrial applications.
Retail and Commercial
Retail buildings, shopping centers, and mixed-use developments rely on attractive brick facades to draw customers. We keep commercial properties looking their best with responsive repair services.
Why Choose Bi-State Masonry for Brick Repair
Brick replacement and repair requires skill, experience, and attention to detail. Here's why commercial building owners and facility managers choose Bi-State Masonry.
Masonry Specialists
We're masons—it's all we do. Our focused expertise means deep knowledge of brick types, construction methods, deterioration patterns, and repair techniques. General contractors may subcontract masonry work or lack the specialized knowledge for quality brick repairs. With Bi-State Masonry, you get true masonry specialists.
26+ Years of Experience
Since 1999, we've been repairing brick facades throughout Iowa and Illinois. We've worked on virtually every type of commercial brick building, from modern construction to century-old historic structures. This experience enables accurate assessment, appropriate recommendations, and quality execution.
Skilled Craftsmen
Our merit-based workforce includes experienced masons who take pride in their craft. Brick replacement that blends invisibly with existing masonry requires skill developed over years of practice. Our craftsmen deliver that quality consistently.
Matching Expertise
Finding the right replacement brick is often the biggest challenge in brick repair. Our experience, supplier relationships, and knowledge of brick sources enable us to match even difficult brick types. We don't settle for "close enough" matches that leave obvious patches on your building.
Comprehensive Capabilities
Brick repair often involves related work—tuckpointing, waterproofing, lintel repair, or caulk replacement. As a full-service commercial masonry contractor, we handle all aspects of brick facade maintenance, providing coordinated solutions rather than piecemeal repairs.
Competitive Pricing
Our efficient operations and merit-based workforce enable competitive pricing for commercial brick repair. We provide detailed estimates that clearly outline scope and costs.
Regional Service Area
We serve commercial clients from Des Moines to the greater Chicago area—throughout Iowa and Illinois. This regional coverage allows us to maintain your buildings across multiple locations with consistent quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if damaged bricks need replacement or can be repaired?
The decision depends on damage severity and type. Bricks with minor surface chips or shallow spalling can often be repaired with color-matched repair mortar. Bricks that are cracked through, severely spalled with exposed interior, or structurally compromised require replacement. During our assessment, we'll identify which bricks need replacement versus repair and explain our recommendations.
Can you match my building's existing brick?
In most cases, yes. We have extensive experience sourcing matching brick from current production, salvage sources, and custom manufacturers when necessary. We evaluate your existing brick carefully and source samples for approval before beginning work. For very old or unusual brick, matching may require more effort, but we're usually able to achieve excellent results.
How long do brick repairs last?
Quality brick repairs should last as long as the original construction—often 50 years or more. The key factors are proper material selection (matching brick and appropriate mortar), correct installation technique, and addressing any underlying issues causing the original damage. We focus on durable repairs, not temporary fixes.
Will repairs be visible?
Our goal is repairs that blend invisibly with existing masonry. With proper brick and mortar matching, skilled installation, and appropriate weathering time, repairs should be very difficult to detect. New mortar will initially appear slightly different from weathered original mortar but will blend over time.
What causes brick spalling?
Spalling typically results from moisture within the brick freezing and expanding, which breaks off the brick face. Water can enter through deteriorated mortar joints, cracks, or the brick surface itself if it's porous or damaged. Soft or underburned bricks are more susceptible. Preventing spalling requires controlling moisture entry through proper pointing, waterproofing, and drainage.
How do you access upper floors for brick repair?
Depending on the building and project scope, we use scaffolding, swing stages, boom lifts, or other access equipment appropriate for the situation. We plan access methods that enable efficient work while ensuring safety and minimizing disruption to building operations.
Request a Brick Repair Assessment
Don't let damaged bricks compromise your building's appearance and weather resistance. Contact Bi-State Masonry for a professional assessment of your brick repair needs. We'll evaluate the damage, recommend appropriate solutions, and provide a detailed estimate.
Call (309) 786-8800 or request an assessment online. We serve commercial clients throughout Iowa and Illinois, from Des Moines to the greater Chicago area. With over 26 years of commercial masonry experience, Bi-State Masonry delivers brick repairs that restore your building's integrity and appearance.