Photo placeholderTechnician inspecting a crack in a poured concrete basement wall
Foundation Repairs
Evaluation and repair of cracked, shifting, or settling foundations, matched to what your home actually needs.
Learn More about Foundation RepairFoundation Repair & Waterproofing for Northbrook Homes
Cracked walls, a wet basement, or a chimney that's coming apart? We find out what's causing the problem and fix it the right way. Call us or send a request and we'll set up a time to take a look.
- Foundation & structural repair
- Waterproofing & drainage
- Chimney & masonry
Request an Inspection
Tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you to schedule a visit.
Common signs
Noticing Any of These at Your Property?
These signs don't always mean major repairs, but they're worth having a professional look at. Select an issue to learn how it's typically addressed.
Foundation cracks
Wider, horizontal, or stair-step cracks in walls.
Basement leaks
Water at the walls, floor joint, or cracks.
Water intrusion
Damp walls, musty air, or mineral deposits.
Uneven floors
Sloping floors or doors that stick.
Wall movement
Basement walls that bow, lean, or shift.
Drainage issues
Runoff collecting near your foundation.
Standing water
Pooling in the yard or basement after rain.
Chimney deterioration
Crumbling mortar or damaged brick.
Our services
Foundation, Waterproofing & Masonry Services
From the footing to the top of the chimney, we repair the parts of your home that keep it solid and dry.
Photo placeholderFinished basement wall after waterproofing work
Waterproofing
Solutions for basement leaks, damp walls, and water intrusion, from interior systems to exterior water management.
Learn More about Basement WaterproofingPhoto placeholderHelical pier being installed beside a residential foundation
Helical Piers
Steel pier systems that may be used to support and stabilize certain settling foundations.
Learn More about Helical PiersPhoto placeholderOpen trench with gravel and perforated pipe for a French drain
French Drain Installation
Gravel-and-pipe drainage systems that collect excess water and redirect it away from problem areas.
Learn More about French Drain InstallationPhoto placeholderMason repointing mortar joints on a brick chimney
Chimney Repairs
Masonry repair for cracked mortar, damaged bricks, and deteriorating chimney crowns.
Learn More about Chimney RepairPhoto placeholderBrick chimney being rebuilt above the roofline
Chimney Rebuilds
Partial or full chimney rebuilds when deterioration goes beyond what repair can address.
Learn More about Chimney RebuildingPhoto placeholderClose-up of a repaired crack in a poured concrete foundation wall
Foundation repair
A Stable Foundation Supports Everything Above It
When a foundation shifts or cracks, the effects can show up throughout the house: sticking doors, drywall cracks, uneven floors, or water in the basement. Left alone, some of these issues can progress over time.
Proper evaluation matters because foundation problems have different causes. We assess the conditions at your property and recommend a repair suited to them. Every home is different, and so is every repair plan.
- Crack repair
- Structural stabilization
- Foundation reinforcement
- Helical pier systems
Photo placeholderDry, finished basement after a waterproofing project
Basement waterproofing
Keep Water Where It Belongs: Outside
Basement water usually comes from a combination of factors: cracks, saturated soil pressing against walls, poor grading, or roof runoff that ends up next to the foundation. Effective waterproofing starts with finding the source.
Basement moisture
Damp walls, musty air, and condensation
Foundation wall leaks
Water entering through cracks and joints
Exterior water intrusion
Water pushing in from saturated soil
Drainage & water management
Directing water away from the house
Helical piers, explained simply
Support From Deeper, More Stable Soil
Helical piers are steel shafts with screw-like plates. They're turned into the ground until they reach soil suited to carry the load, then attached to the foundation with a bracket.
- Evaluate. We review the signs of settlement and the structure.
- Install. Piers are advanced into the ground beside the foundation.
- Connect. Brackets tie the piers to the footing to help support it.
Helical piers may be used in certain foundation stabilization applications. They aren't right for every home, and we'll explain whether they fit yours.
Learn About Helical PiersSimplified illustration, not to scale.
French drain installation
Redirect Water Before It Becomes a Problem
A French drain gives groundwater an easier path to follow, away from your foundation, basement, and soggy areas of the yard.
- 1
Collect
Water moving through the soil reaches the gravel-filled trench.
- 2
Channel
It flows through the gravel into a perforated pipe.
- 3
Discharge
The sloped pipe carries water to a safer location on the property.
- French Drain Installation
Photo placeholderBrick chimney with fresh mortar joints after repair
Chimney & masonry
Chimney Repair, Masonry Repair & Rebuilds
Weather, water, and freeze-thaw cycles wear down chimney masonry over time. Many issues can be spotted from the ground. Look for:
- Cracked mortar joints
- Loose masonry
- Damaged or flaking bricks
- General deterioration
Depending on the condition, we may recommend chimney repair such as tuckpointing and brick replacement, or a partial or full chimney rebuild.
Why homeowners call us
A Careful, Straightforward Approach to Repairs
Complete Repair Solutions
Foundation, waterproofing, drainage, and masonry under one roof, so related problems are addressed together.
Professional Evaluation
We look for the cause behind the symptoms before recommending any repair.
Clear Project Communication
You'll understand what we found, what we recommend, and why, in plain language.
Durable Repair Methods
Repair approaches selected for long-term performance, not quick cosmetic fixes.
Attention to Structural Details
Careful workmanship on the parts of your home that hold everything else up.
Home Protection Focus
Every recommendation is aimed at protecting your home's structure and interior.
How it works
Our Process, Step by Step
No guesswork. Here's what to expect from first call to finished project.
Contact Us
Call or send a request describing what you're seeing at your property.
Property Evaluation
We inspect the problem area and look for the underlying cause.
Recommended Solution
You get a clear explanation of the options and our recommendation.
Repair or Installation
Our crew completes the agreed work with care for your property.
Final Review
We walk through the completed work with you and answer questions.
Before & after
Project Results
Drag the slider to compare. Project photos are being added. The images below are placeholders for real completed work.
Photo placeholderAfter: repaired foundation wall (replace with real project photo)
Photo placeholderBefore: foundation wall crack (replace with real project photo)
Service area
Foundation & Masonry Repair Based in Northbrook, Illinois
Our office is located at 1 Northfield Plaza in Northbrook. We work with homeowners and property owners on foundation, waterproofing, drainage, and chimney projects. Not sure whether your property is in our area? Give us a call and we'll let you know.
Chicago Expert Masonry and Foundation Repairs 1 Northfield Plaza, Suite 300, Northbrook, IL 60093 224-669-1919Map placeholderEmbed Google Map for 1 Northfield Plaza, Suite 300, Northbrook, IL 60093
FAQ
Homeowner Questions, Answered
When should I have a foundation crack inspected?
It's worth having a crack looked at if it is wider than a hairline, runs horizontally or in a stair-step pattern, lets water in, or appears to be growing. Cracks paired with sticking doors or uneven floors are also worth evaluating.
What causes basement water problems?
Common causes include foundation cracks, saturated soil and hydrostatic pressure, poor yard grading, and gutters or downspouts that discharge too close to the house. Often more than one factor is involved.
What are helical piers?
Helical piers are steel shafts with helix-shaped plates that are screwed into the ground and attached to a foundation. They may be used in certain situations to help support and stabilize a settling foundation. Whether they're appropriate depends on your property.
How does a French drain work?
A French drain uses a gravel-filled trench and a perforated pipe. Water in the soil flows into the gravel, enters the pipe, and is carried to a discharge point away from the problem area.
Can a damaged chimney be repaired, or does it need to be rebuilt?
Many chimneys can be repaired with tuckpointing, brick replacement, or crown repair. When damage is extensive or the chimney is leaning, a partial or full rebuild may be recommended.
How much will my repair cost?
Every property is different, so we don't quote prices without seeing the issue. After evaluating your property, we'll explain the recommended approach and provide an estimate.
Have a different question? Contact us or call 224-669-1919.
Request an inspection
Concerned About Your Foundation or Water Intrusion?
Let Chicago Expert Masonry and Foundation Repairs evaluate the issue and help determine the appropriate next step.
Call us directly224-669-1919