What is a lintel and why do they fail on Chicago buildings?
A lintel is the horizontal support — usually a steel angle — that carries the brick above a window or door. On Chicago buildings, exposed steel lintels rust over time, and as the rust expands it lifts and cracks the brickwork above — a process called ‘rust jacking.’ A failing lintel shows up as cracked brick, gaps, or sagging above openings, and needs replacement before the wall is damaged further.
What are the signs of a failing lintel?
- Cracked or stair-step cracks in the brick directly above a window or door.
- Visible rust or a bulging, flaking steel angle above the opening.
- Gaps opening up between brick courses.
- Brick that looks pushed up or displaced above the window.
How is a lintel replaced?
The mason carefully supports the brick above, removes the rusted steel lintel and the affected brick, installs a new galvanized or coated steel lintel sized for the load, and rebuilds the brickwork with matching brick and mortar. Done right, it restores structural support and stops the water and rust cycle that caused the failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lintel replacement cost in Chicago?
Cost depends on the number and size of openings, height, and how much brick must be rebuilt. Each lintel is typically priced individually. A free inspection gives an accurate quote.
What happens if I ignore a rusted lintel?
The rust keeps expanding and jacking the brick, widening cracks and eventually threatening the wall above the opening. Addressing it early is far cheaper than a larger rebuild.
Can lintels be repaired instead of replaced?
Lightly rusted lintels can sometimes be cleaned and coated, but once rust jacking has cracked the brick, replacement is the reliable long-term fix.
Get a Free Chicago Masonry Estimate from CTC
CTC Masonry Group has restored Chicago brick, stone, and concrete since 1994 — tuckpointing, chimneys, lintels, parapet walls, foundations, and full masonry restoration across the city and suburbs. Free estimates, permits pulled, and workmanship that holds up to Chicago winters.