April 10, 2008 


The importance of masonry details












Brick facade if properly constructed and maintained will last a 'lifetime'.

However even the best maintenance will not help if the wall has been built incorrectly. That is why details such as expansion joints, lintels, shelf angles, flashings, etc. are so vital to the project.

- Lack of expansion joints will result in cracking and water penetration into the building.

- Incorrect installation of lintels and shelf angles (or substandard material used) may result in cracking, water penetration, mold and efflorescence, severe damage of masonry above the window opening and even crumbling of a wall caused by an overload.

- Water penetration, mold and efflorescence, corrosion, deterioration of structural steel - these are the results of an incorrectly installed flashing.


Attention to details is vital during any renovation project. Otherwise repairs aimed at correcting the mistakes will require a very experienced contractor and will be rather costly.

For more information, contact Forum Group, Inc. - highly experienced restoration contractors -
via e-mail or phone:
(773) 732.3051
(773) 871.0212
(773) 348.5821



result of lack of an expansion joint



incorrect installation of a lintel
(click to enlarge)




incorrect flashing




corner of Dearborn and Monroe after the fire		 Did you know??
 The Great Chicago Fire lasted almost three days (October 8 - October 10, 1871). Hundreds of people died in the fire and over 4 square miles of land had been destroyed.
Second star on the Chicago's flag commemorates this tragedy.

Six buildings survived, including: Chicago Water Tower and St. Michael's Church in Old Town.
area destroyed by the fire