As president of RestoreWorks, my days are usually filled with the presence of Chicagoland's brick and stone. But a recent trip to Bolivia offered a chance to encounter a truly unique structure – the Palacio de Sal, a hotel built entirely from salt bricks. This may appear different at first glance from the limestone facades and terra cotta that grace Chicago's buildings. However, the Palacio de Sal serves as a fascinating reminder of the remarkable versatility and innovation in masonry construction and building envelope design. Carving a Legacy in Salt: The Story of the Palacio de Sal The ho ..read more

Preserving History and Protecting the Future in Hammond, IN St. Casimir School in Hammond, Indiana has been a cornerstone of the community for over 120 years. Founded in 1901, the school has provided generations of students with a quality Catholic education in a historic building that is a testament to the area's rich heritage.   To ensure this architectural gem continues to serve students well into the future, St. Casimir School partnered with RestoreWorks, Chicago's premier masonry restoration contractor, to complete critical building envelope repairs. The multi-month project focused ..read more

The lintel above a window serves a vital purpose, just like the one above a door. Lintels are primarily used in masonry and brick buildings to support the weight of structures above windows, doors and other wall openings. They are available in different materials, and their installation is guided by the relevant building codes.   RestoreWorks has repaired and replaced lintels in various types of buildings, including commercial buildings, churches, schools, and museums. We share how to identify potential lintel failure, the different types of lintels, and why you need to hire a profession ..read more

Is the integrity of your building's brickwork at risk? Observing street-level mortar deterioration often signals similar damage higher up, requiring expert intervention.   At RestoreWorks, we set the standard for masonry restoration. Our portfolio includes distinguished projects like the Chicago Theatre and the University of Illinois – Chicago’s Education, Theatre, Music and Social Work Building. Our commitment extends beyond mere restoration to precision color and profile matching of the original mortar for seamless integration.   This article outlines the significance of incorpora ..read more

Concrete façade repair and restoration is vital to maintain your building’s exterior appearance, sustain its interior comfort level, and preserve its value as a capital investment. It minimizes risk by keeping people outside the building safe and prevents potential damage to vehicles parked in front of the building. RestoreWorks offers the full spectrum of commercial and industrial restorative cleaning and masonry restoration services , including inspections and concrete façade repair. Our façade inspections are comprehensive. After uncovering the root cause of the deterioration, we suggest ..read more

The distinctive climate and architecture of Chicago present specialized challenges in maintaining the integrity of building envelopes. With a rich history spanning three decades in the Chicago area, RestoreWorks Masonry Restoration has accumulated a deep well of expertise in preserving these critical elements of a building's structure. We will delve into the prevalent building envelope issues encountered in the Chicagoland area, drawing on our extensive experience to outline maintenance essentials. The Risks of Deferred Maintenance Deferred maintenance of commercial building envelopes, p ..read more

Comprehensive Assessment of Balcony Damage Our process begins with a thorough assessment of balcony damage, focusing on issues that are common everywhere but can be exacerbated by Chicago's weather: Water Ingress and Efflorescence : Crucial in a city with fluctuating temperatures and precipitation.   Concrete Spalling and Cracking : A concern in areas with freeze-thaw cycles, like Chicago. Balustrade and Railing Degradation : Especially important where high winds are a factor. Surface Wear : Including challenges from both general use and specific climate-related stresses. Innova ..read more

As masonry restoration experts in the Chicagoland area, we have over 30 years of experience in ensuring the integrity and beauty of buildings. Today, we're diving into a crucial aspect of building maintenance: caulking and sealant repair and replacement. This might seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in protecting your building.   Understanding Caulking and Sealants Caulking and sealants are the unsung heroes of building maintenance. These materials seal the gaps in your building's envelope, preventing water, air, and even pests from entering. Caulking is typically used f ..read more

As a building manager, architect, or structural engineer, you undoubtedly recognize the value of preserving commercial structures' structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Tuckpointing is an essential part of building maintenance and restoration. In this blog post, we'll explore the realm of commercial building tuckpointing services and the reasons it's crucial for building upkeep and repair. Understanding Tuckpointing and Its Importance Tuckpointing Techniques The careful masonry restoration technique known as tuckpointing is used to fix the mortar joints in brick or stone structures. T ..read more

In the maintenance of commercial buildings, the importance of lintels and through walls cannot be overstressed. These elements are critical to the structural integrity and safety of your property. RestoreWorks offers premium lintel and through wall repair services designed to ensure the longevity and security of your building, addressing the specialized needs of structural engineers, architects, and building managers. Essential Lintel Repair Services for Structural Integrity Reinforcing Building Support Systems Lintels are the horizontal beams that provide support above doorways and window ..read more