Masonry Cleaning Services in the Chicago Area
Welcome to Corona Craft Restoration, your premier choice for professional masonry cleaning services for commercial and residential properties across the Chicago area.
With over 20 years of experience in building restoration, our team delivers exceptional craftsmanship and lasting results on every project. Masonry cleaning is often one of the first steps in a broader restoration project, working alongside services like tuckpointing, concrete facade repair, and terracotta restoration to bring a building back to its best.
What is Masonry Cleaning?
Masonry cleaning is the careful, controlled removal of dirt, stains, biological growth, efflorescence, pollution deposits, and other contaminants from the surfaces of brick, stone, concrete, terracotta, and other masonry materials. It's not power washing. It's not a one-size-fits-all process. It's a specialized service that requires a thorough understanding of the substrate being cleaned, the nature of the soiling, and the cleaning method best suited to the situation.
Chicago buildings accumulate decades of grime. Air pollution, hard water deposits, biological growth, rust staining from corroding shelf angles or metal elements, and general weathering all leave their mark over time. Left untreated, these deposits can accelerate deterioration by trapping moisture against the surface and masking developing cracks or damage that needs attention.
That's why we frequently recommend scheduling masonry cleaning before undertaking tuckpointing, brick repair, or limestone restoration work.
Why Masonry Cleaning Method Matters
The wrong cleaning method can do more damage than the dirt it's removing. High-pressure washing can drive water deep into masonry assemblies and damage mortar joints. Harsh chemical cleaners can etch stone surfaces and discolor brick. Abrasive methods like sandblasting can permanently damage the face of historic brick, removing the dense outer layer that protects the softer material beneath.
At Corona Craft Restoration, we assess the substrate and soiling type before recommending any cleaning method. We select from a range of proven approaches, including low-pressure washing, chemical cleaning, biological treatment for organic growth, poultice applications for deep staining, and steam cleaning for delicate or historic surfaces.
For buildings where cleaning is part of a larger scope, we coordinate with our flashing system inspections, shelf angle assessments, and caulking evaluations so the cleaning process informs and supports the broader restoration plan.
Our terracotta cleaning approach uses low-pressure techniques and pH-appropriate cleaning agents to safely remove soiling without compromising the material. This work often precedes or accompanies our terracotta facade repair services.
Terracotta Cleaning
Our Masonry Cleaning Services
At Corona Craft Restoration, we offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each project:
We apply biocidal treatments that kill existing growth and inhibit regrowth, followed by gentle cleaning to remove the residue.
Biological Growth Treatment
We use targeted cleaning methods for concrete, including hot water extraction, chemical degreasing, and biological treatments. For concrete that needs structural attention beyond cleaning, our concrete facade repair and concrete coating services round out the full restoration picture.
Concrete Surface Cleaning
We remove efflorescence deposits and work with clients to identify and address the underlying water management issues, whether that means repairing flashing systems, improving caulking, or completing tuckpointing work.
Efflorescence Removal
We use methods that remove soiling without damaging the brick face or mortar joints. After cleaning, brick surfaces are better prepared for any follow-up tuckpointing or brick repair work.
Brick Cleaning
Limestone, granite, sandstone, and other natural stone materials each respond differently to cleaning. We tailor our approach to the specific stone type. For buildings where limestone restoration is part of the project scope, our limestone repair services integrate seamlessly with the cleaning phase.
Stone Cleaning
our services:
We use professional-grade graffiti removal products that lift paint from the surface without damaging the underlying masonry, and we can apply anti-graffiti coatings after cleaning to make future removal easier.
Graffiti Removal
Our team knows how to match the right method to the right material. We assess, plan, and execute with precision. Learn more about our team.
Expert Craftsmanship
We understand what's at stake on historic properties and approach historic masonry cleaning with the care and sensitivity it deserves.
Preservation of Historical Integrity
Two decades of building restoration work in Chicago means we've cleaned virtually every type of masonry on virtually every type of building. See examples of our work in our project gallery.
20+ Years of Experience
Our Approach to Masonry Cleaning
WHY CHOOSE CORONA CRAFT RESTORATION?
We work with trusted cleaning product suppliers and use formulations proven safe and effective for the substrates we work on.
Best-in-Class Products and Partners
Here's why we stand out:
At Corona Craft Restoration, we combine tradition and innovation to bring you unparalleled masonry cleaning services. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the industry.
Benefits of Professional Masonry Cleaning
Investing in professional masonry cleaning services offers numerous benefits for property owners. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property by removing dirt, grime, and stains, but it also helps preserve the structural integrity of the masonry.
1. Enhanced Appearance
2. Extended Longevity
3. Improved Safety
Investing in professional masonry cleaning services offers numerous benefits for property owners. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property by removing dirt, grime, and stains, but it also helps preserve the structural integrity of the masonry.
Investing in professional masonry cleaning services offers numerous benefits for property owners. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property by removing dirt, grime, and stains, but it also helps preserve the structural integrity of the masonry.
Appearance
A clean facade transforms the appearance of a building, restoring color and detail that may have been obscured for years under layers of grime and pollution.
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Longevity
Masonry cleaning helps prevent deterioration caused by organic growth, pollutants, and environmental contaminants. By removing harmful substances, we extend the lifespan of the structure and reduce the need for costly repairs in the future.
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Safety
Clean masonry surfaces can also improve the overall safety of the building by eliminating slippery moss and algae. Lastly, preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of historical properties through professional cleaning can help maintain their cultural and historical significance, ensuring that these landmarks can be enjoyed by future generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should masonry be professionally cleaned?
Most buildings benefit from professional cleaning every 5 to 10 years in an urban environment like Chicago. Buildings with persistent biological growth may benefit from more frequent cleaning.
Is masonry cleaning safe for historic buildings?
Yes, when done correctly with the right methods and products. Our team has extensive experience on historic properties and understands the specific requirements involved.
Will cleaning remove stains from corroding metal elements?
Rust staining can be addressed with targeted cleaning, but the root cause must also be fixed. We always look at the source of staining as part of our assessment, and where needed we can address the underlying issue through our shelf angle replacement or other repair services.
What other facade services do you offer?
Tuckpointing, brick repair, limestone repair, concrete facade repair, window glazing, caulking, masonry cleaning, flashing systems, shelf angle replacements, and concrete coatings. View all services.
Juan and his team are extremely organized, they provide schedules of the work that needs to be done and the work is always completed following those timelines while staying within budget. The work is done correctly according to the specifications submitted by the engineering firm. I wouldn't change a thing — the Board and Management are extremely pleased with CCR. The project that was awarded them is the largest capital project ever undertaken by the Association. We very much appreciate Juan's diligence and his leadership.
The CCR team has done a fantastic job of identifying issues that needed attention, completing the work needed while working closely with the engineering firm that the Association hired to oversee the facade project.
Dan Harvey / General Manager at The Heritage at Millennium Park
Our company needed some tuckpointing work and concrete work on a couple of our properties. The owner, Juan explains the work they will do in detail. I know the job will be completed in a timely manner, they will do an excellent job and will execute the right solutions. I would absolutely recommend Juan and the Corona Craft team!
Corona Craft Restoration does excellent work. They are on time, courteous and professional.
Anne Weaver / Manager of multiple RESIDENTIAL HIGH RISEs in Chicago
The professionalism and interpersonal skills of the CCR crew contribute significantly to the project’s success, as they prioritize keeping everyone informed throughout the process. Their commitment to quality is evident in their detailed work, including concrete repairs, complete concrete coating and painting, railing painting, and the thorough removal and application of a comprehensive membrane system.
I highly recommend Corona Craft Restoration for any masonry needs!
One of CCR's key strengths is their ability to communicate complex engineering concepts in a clear and accessible way, which significantly benefits clients and stakeholders.
Abraham Ferretis / Chief Engineer at The Heritage at Millennium Park
The project was completed on-time and on budget with the highest levels of professionalism, workmanship/craftsmanship and customer service. The firm is led by a man of integrity, honesty and professionalism who knows his trade and customer service extremely well.
Corona Craft Restoration was the contractor for a major and multi-year facade repair and restoration project of a 58 floor high rise condominium building while I was association president.
George B / Condominium Association PPresident
They have completed projects such as masonry restoration, brick repair and replacement, tuck pointing, and general maintenance on the outside and inside of all of our buildings, including underground garage maintenance. They are prompt, perform the work in a well mannered and on time performance, reasonable in cost and explains in detail what and how needs to be corrected, including photos in their proposals. A respected local business for Mount Prospect, who has connections for other services if needed. Happy and glad to continue to work with and do business with Corona Craft Restoration.
Our Condominium Association is made up of 3 buildings with 205 residential units. Juan Corona and his team have been providing services for over 5 years for us.
Alan Cervenka / Condominium Association Member
Ready to Restore Your Terracotta Facade?
Contact Corona Craft Restoration today to schedule a consultation and get an expert assessment of your facade's condition.
