Stories From the Field
- A Tribute to Howard Reese (January 3, 1944 - April 8, 2022) (04/08/22)
- Scaffolding Saves the Day (09/20/21)
- Reputation for Honesty & Integrity (07/16/21)
- We Leave Your Masonry Restoration Project Debris Free (06/18/21)
- Window Lintel Replacement Work in East Lakeview (05/28/21)
- An On-going Commitment to Safety (04/24/21)
- AAA-1 Masonry Goes International (04/01/21)
- Quality Work That Will Last For Generations (12/10/20)
- The End of the Work Season Approaches (11/20/20)
- Exceptional Masons Produce Exceptional Masonry Work (09/24/20)
- Changing of the Season (03/08/20)
- The Seasonality of the Masonry Restoration Trades (12/20/19)
- AAA-1 Masonry In A Nutshell (11/20/19)
- No Project Too Big or Too Small (11/08/19)
- What Sets Us Apart (10/19/19)
- Heavy-Duty Vinyl Tarpaulins - An Affordable Means of Stopping Water Infiltration Through Your Masonry Walls (10/01/19)
- Glass Block Windows (06/12/19)
- The Impact of Our Erratic Spring Weather (05/10/19)
- Many (Skilled) Hands Make Light Work (04/19/19)
- Recipient of the 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award (03/15/19)
- Prohibition-Era Building Materials (01/31/19)
- Recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award (02/01/18)
- Repairing Mortar Joints in Lakeview (08/27/17)
- What's That Haze On My Bricks? (08/15/17)
- Grinding & Tuckpointing (07/14/17)
- Some Thoughts About Safety (#5 in a Series) (03/15/17)
- Masonry Restoration Work & Cold Weather Considerations (#2 in a Series) (02/13/17)
- Masonry Restoration Work & Cold Weather Considerations (#1 in a Series) (01/20/17)
- An Industry In Growing Demand (12/20/16)
- Some Thoughts About Safety (#4 in a Series) (07/28/16)
- "High Quality" Masonry Sealers (06/20/16)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (05/18/16)
- Chimney Restoration in Hinsdale (04/30/16)
- Ask the Hard Questions (04/16/16)
- Masonry Restoration Case Study (04/06/16)
- Unique Flashing Detail (03/21/16)
- Valentine's Day Truth (02/14/16)
- Happy 30th Anniversary to Frank Kruk! (02/04/16)
- Some Thoughts About Safety (#3 in a Series) (01/20/16)
- Masonry Restoration at Second Church of Christ, Scientist (12/28/15)
- Expression of Gratitude (12/11/15)
- The Importance of Conducting Annual Inspections (11/25/15)
- Proper Site Protection Worth Every Cent (11/05/15)
- Former Dairy Undergoes Masonry Transformation (Part 2) (10/31/15)
- Unusual Brick Discovered (09/30/15)
- New Parapet Wall Project in East Ravenswood (09/16/15)
- Former Dairy Undergoes Masonry Transformation (Part 1) (07/14/15)
- Some Thoughts About Safety (#2 In a Series) (07/02/15)
- Some Thoughts About Safety (#1 In a Series) (06/29/15)
- Enduring Masonry in Oak Park (06/20/15)
- Whatever the Job Requires! (06/15/15)
- Residential Chimney Project in Glencoe (06/02/15)
- AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing is Your Restoration Company (05/09/15)
- Restoring Fourth Presbyterian Church's Historic Fountain (04/06/15)
- Water Leaks – Sound Familiar? (01/15/15)
- Some Thoughts About Safety & Insurance (12/11/14)
- Why Temperature Matters At This Time of Year (11/11/14)
- Kudos to Frank Kruk (09/15/14)
- Counting My Blessings! (07/31/14)
- Your Brick Structure Can Last Another 100+ Years with Preventative Maintenance (07/08/14)
- Masons Are Like Farmers (06/13/14)
- Look Up! (05/28/14)
- Bring Your Child to Work Day (04/24/14)
- AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing Receives BBB's 2013 Complaint-Free Award (02/28/14)
- Heavy Duty Tarps: Effective, Durable Solution for Winter Leaks (02/18/14)
- Why Weather Matters (01/27/14)
- A Few Thoughts About Quality (12/10/13)
- If You Build It Right the First Time... (09/01/12)
- More Common Than You Think (07/06/12)
- Flashing or Through-Wall Flashing (05/05/12)
- Extensive Edison Park Office Project (Underway) (04/24/11)
- Wright Chimney Restoration (03/15/11)
- Lincoln Park Residential Restoration (09/09/10)
- Critical Facade Inspection Work (08/15/10)
- Residential Chimney Rebuild (07/01/10)
- Vehicular Impact With Building (07/20/09)
- Taken For A Ride (06/15/09)
- Chronic Water Damage (05/10/09)
- Brick Wall Repair (11/15/08)
Stories From the Field
Post: Chronic Water Damage
Sunday May 10, 2009
A well-respected property management company turned to AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing to find the source of chronic water damage at one of its turn-of-the-century lofted condominium buildings in Chicago.
Initially, the culprit appeared to be severely damaged bricks and mortar stemming from a destructive sand-blasting job performed by the developer during condo conversion. An up-close inspection revealed hastily repaired mortar joints and poor quality brick replacement in the work area. Due to the rapid approach of winter and the Association's budget constraints, AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing installed a heavy-duty vinyl tarp and stainless steel fasteners to protect the area until the spring.
When work commenced the following year, we were surprised to see just how poorly the developer had "rebuilt" the wall (see photo). No wonder the wall had a history of water infiltration!
After only one day of work, the defective masonry, including the brick windowsills, had been dismantled and rebuilt back to their original sound and plumb condition. Since the completion of the restoration work in 2009, there have been no reports of water in the work area.
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