mobile Created with Sketch.

Masonry Inspection Chicago

Masonry is a popular building material. This rectangular block is reliable due to its strength, durability, versatility, and resistance to fire, noise, and termites.

To optimize its functionality, however, structures built with this material need to pass a masonry inspection. Chicago residents should turn to Chicago Building Inspections for their masonry structure concerns.

We’re here to provide the best and most pertinent information we can uncover. It’s very important to know the problems that may affect your masonry structure. To help you pass a masonry inspection in Chicago, here is a list of things inspectors are looking for:

Cracking

Cracks are the obvious thing to look for in a masonry inspection in Chicago. There are many factors that may lead to this problem.

Cracks can be caused by settling or expanding and contracting due to temperature changes. If cracks are found during a masonry inspection in Chicago, you need to have repairs done immediately.

Spalling

This kind of deterioration can be caused by freezing, thawing, or thermal expansion and contraction. Signs of spalling in your building will be looked for during a masonry inspection in Chicago. Spalling is commonly uncovered during a masonry inspection in Chicago because of the city’s freezing weather.

Clearance

Part of a masonry inspection in Chicago is determining whether the proper materials were used. Most types of bricks are intended to be kept above the ground. On the other hand, there are types of bricks specifically for underground use. Use the appropriate materials for certain parts of your building to pass a masonry inspection in Chicago.

Mortar Deterioration

Using high-grade materials doesn’t guarantee that a structure will pass a masonry inspection in Chicago. The mortar that glues these units together also needs to be of good quality. If your building shows signs of mortar deterioration, you won’t pass a masonry inspection in Chicago.

Water penetration is the greatest deteriorator of mortar. In a masonry inspection in Chicago, the examiner will check if the mortar used for your structure is water-resistant. Only use this variant to pass a masonry inspection in Chicago.

Weep Holes

These features are looked for in a veneer wall during a masonry inspection in Chicago. Weep holes are drainage provisions that allow water to drain out of the wall system. These are integral to a wall’s longevity because, without them, water will diminish the masonry units as time passes.

That’s why weep holes are checked during a masonry inspection in Chicago. To pass a masonry inspection in Chicago, you should also check for damage caused by the lack of weep holes.

Moisture

Water is the enemy of masonry. This factor can decide whether your building passes a masonry inspection in Chicago. Inspect areas near the bottom of walls or any area that might accumulate water. Then, make sure your walls are protected from moisture. This way you’ll be able to pass a masonry inspection in Chicago.

Efflorescence

This is a minor concern that’s looked for during a masonry inspection in Chicago. Efflorescence occurs when water moves through a wall and brings out salt to the surface. As the water evaporates, salt gets left behind.

A masonry inspection in Chicago isn’t necessary to spot efflorescence. This appears as white, fluffy salt deposits that can be wiped off. This isn’t a huge issue during a masonry inspection in Chicago.

Bowing

This happens when a masonry veneer wall projects outward away from its wood framing. Bowing is a common issue for old buildings during a masonry inspection in Chicago. If bowing is found during a masonry inspection in Chicago, you may have to take the wall down.

Need a Team of Experts for Your Structure’s Masonry Inspection in Chicago?

Chicago Building Inspections has assembled one of the sharpest teams to perform masonry inspection in Chicago. Our company offers a lot of services, which include a masonry inspection in Chicago. Contact us today if you need a masonry inspection in Chicago!

Your Trusted Building Inspectors in Chicago

Before purchasing your next home, a building inspection must be conducted first. Some houses may seem wonderful outside, but if you look deeper, you may find things you wish you didn't know.

Here at Chicago Building Inspections, our goal is to help you understand the condition of your current or prospective house. We serve potential home buyers, builders, investors, and associations.

Get to Know More About Chicago Building Inspections

Although our company was founded in 2015, we have already been providing building inspections since 2008. For more than 10 years, we have conducted expert-level inspections for thousands of establishments and units, which earned us a reputation as one of the most thorough in Chicagoland.

With over 250 years of collective experience, you can be assured that our inspectors are extremely thorough, efficient, and fair. Although our services may not be modestly priced, we can guarantee that we’re not tire-kickers. We are one of the most cost-effective inspection companies in Chicago and we will provide you a detailed report of your home’s condition.

We also strive to stay on top of the ever-changing world of construction materials and installment methods. Our team is in constant communication with trusted tradespeople to improve our understanding of something new that we’ve seen or want to further investigate.

Organizations We Support

We believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. The following are some of the organizations that our small and local business supports:

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• Greater Chicago Food Industry

• Adoption Center of Illinois

• Paws

You Can Trust Us With Your Home

We have passed the gauntlet of energy auditing and surveys via Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and Building Performance Institute (BPI). Our team has also completed extensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and thermal imaging training as well as countless moisture intrusion inspections and investigations.

We also have two licensed architects and an engineer on our team. With this, you can be assured that we will give you the most comprehensive report regarding the condition of your house.

Why Choose Chicago Building Inspections for Your Place?

We are not the only inspection company in Chicago, and our fees come at a premium. However, what sets us apart from others is that we continuously provide excellent inspection findings as well as timely and continual support. We also do not back down from tough projects.

We Provide Thorough and Easy-to-Understand Reports


To make our reports as detailed as possible, we put a myriad of sample images, links, PDFs and best practices that can help you understand the condition of your building. We also prioritize the repairs that you need immediately and what can wait.

We Perform Extensive, Diverse, and Experienced Inspections


With more than 250 years of experience, our team has already performed 15k+ inspections. Our expertise on the ins and outs in the industry is considered exceptional.

What We Offer

We provide a wide range of services from building inspection to consultation. Find out the full list of what we offer.

• Expert-level inspection for homes, condos, commercial buildings, and estate.

• Moisture Intrusion

• Energy Audits and Comfort Inspections

• Thermal Imaging

• HVAC Inspection and Recommendations

• Property Condition Assessments

• Association Inspections

• Expert Witness or Third Party Inspection

• Radon Testing

• Construction Consulting

Request for an Inspection Online

Secure a time and date for your building inspection in the convenience of your own home. Simply send us an email and we will get back to you quickly to address your needs. We will also follow up to confirm pricing and final details.

The cost will depend on how big and how complex your project is. Our pricing is competitive and flexible. With this, you can be assured that we will give you what you paid for.

For further inquiries, we have a full-time office manager who is always willing to answer your questions. Get in touch with Chicago Building Inspections today. Call 312.INSPECT!

Masonry inspection chicago

Request an Inspection Online

This is the best way to start the process, ensuring a text, email, or voicemail doesn’t get lost in today’s digital traffic. For more complex projects, feel free to contact us and we will respond quickly regarding your needs.

Schedule Now

Stay Educated

Snippets of things we see, tips and oddities we’ve encountered in the field. Knowledge is power.

View Our Blog