Parapet walls are a familiar sight in Chicago. Parapet walls are portions of an exterior wall that extend above the roof. They serve both an aesthetic and practical purpose, acting as a firewall between buildings.

Parapet walls can cause problems for Chicago building owners. Because they are exposed to the harsh weather elements on three sides, parapet walls are more susceptible to cracking, spalling and efflorescence. Left unrepaired, a deteriorating parapet wall can cause water to leak down inside and outside the building walls, causing further damage.

While the weather’s still warm, check your parapet wall for signs of damage and overall structural integrity. Here’s what to look for:

• Horizontal cracking at the roof line
• Random vertical cracking, spalling or deterioration of the mortar due to excessive water penetration.
• Test coping and flashing should for water-tightness.

If you find damage or have concerns, give us a call for a free consultation and estimate. Shamrock Tuckpointing can repair or rebuild your parapet walls.

Brick is one of the defining elements of the classic Chicago bungalow. But over the years, dirt and mildew can build up on the surface of the brick, reducing its appeal. Brick cleaning can return your Chicago bungalow to its original glory while protecting the bricks from invasive growths like moss and ivy. Brick cleaning is not a job for a handyman or homeowner. Brick cleaning or brick power washing is far more involved than cleaning houses with traditional wood or vinyl siding. High pressure and professional strength pressure cleaners for brick and mortar are required in order to remove dirt and stains embedded into the pores, joints and cavities of the brick. You can avoid risking potential damage to the brick, or yourself, when you hire Shamrock Tuckpointing to power wash your brick. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Shamrock Tuckpointing has announced 10 percent discount on chimney rebuilds scheduled before April 15, 2011. Contact Shamrock Tuckpointing today to schedule a free estimate.

A new website from Shamrock Tuckpointing is designed to educate building owners about preventative maintenance for their brick and identify common sources of problems. With one click, customers can call, email or complete a form to get an estimate.

Key features of the site are:

• Mobile friendly navigation
• Brick Blog
• Galleries of commercial and residential projects
• Click to call phone number
• Option to email or submit form to request a quote

“We know customers are going online to find contractors and we want to provide as much information as we can to help building owners make decisions about their brick maintenance,” said owner John Gallagher.

Shamrock Tuckpointing, located in Alsip, Ill., has been serving the Chicago metra area for more than 30 years. Services include tuckpointing, chimney repair, lintel repair and caulking and sealing.