Milwaukee & Waukesha Metro Area

Milwaukee’s Premier Building Restoration Contractor

Expert facade restoration, concrete repair, masonry repair, and waterproofing for commercial and historic properties throughout Southeast Wisconsin. When Milwaukee’s most iconic buildings need restoration, they trust RSI.

28 Years Experience

EMR Below National Average

LECET Award of Excellence

Local Waukesha Office

Get a Free Consultation (952) 368-0463

Why Choose RSI for Milwaukee Restoration

Restoration Systems Inc. has served commercial property owners, building managers, and institutional clients throughout the Milwaukee and Waukesha metro area since 1997. We specialize in facade restoration, concrete repair, masonry repair, and waterproofing for historic and commercial buildings—with a proven track record of completing complex projects on time and on budget.

28 Years of Midwest Expertise — Founded in 1997, with principals averaging 25+ years experience each

Safety Excellence — EMR consistently below national average; LECET MN & ND Award of Excellence recipient

Local Presence — Waukesha office at 1604 Arcadian Ave for responsive service across Southeast Wisconsin

Integrity-Driven Work — We identify and fix problems others miss, often at no additional cost

Our Waukesha Office

RSI’s Wisconsin office is strategically located in Waukesha to provide responsive service throughout the Milwaukee metro area and Southeast Wisconsin. Our local presence means shorter response times, better understanding of regional conditions, and a commitment to the communities we serve.

Whether you’re managing a historic building in downtown Milwaukee, a commercial property in Brookfield, or an institutional facility in Racine, our team is ready to help you protect and preserve your building investment.

Address

1604 Arcadian Ave
Waukesha, WI 53186

Phone

(952) 368-0463

Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Emergency service available

Service Areas

We provide restoration services throughout Southeast Wisconsin, including:

Milwaukee

Waukesha

Brookfield

Wauwatosa

West Allis

Racine

Kenosha

Menomonee Falls

New Berlin

Greenfield

Oak Creek

Franklin

Muskego

Pewaukee

Oconomowoc

Delafield

Featured Case Study

Wisconsin Tower Condominiums: Restoring a Milwaukee Landmark

The Wisconsin Tower stands as one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable buildings—a stunning 1930s Art Deco landmark and the second tallest stone-faced building in the city. When the condominium association needed comprehensive facade restoration, they turned to RSI for our expertise in historic building preservation and complex access solutions.

This wasn’t a routine restoration project. The building’s height, downtown location, and architectural significance demanded meticulous planning, specialized equipment, and craftsmen who understood both the technical requirements and the historical importance of preserving Milwaukee’s architectural heritage. Over decades, Wisconsin’s harsh winters had taken their toll—deteriorating mortar joints, failing sealants, and stone damage required immediate attention to prevent further structural degradation.

What began as a challenging restoration evolved into a demonstration of what sets RSI apart: our commitment to doing what’s right. During the project, our team identified 10 additional areas requiring repair that weren’t in the original scope. Rather than issue change orders, we completed these repairs at no additional cost—because integrity isn’t something we compromise on.

The Engineering Challenge: Access at 250 Feet

Working on a 20+ story historic building in downtown Milwaukee presents unique challenges that most restoration contractors simply can’t address. The Wisconsin Tower required specialized aerial access equipment and careful coordination with city officials, building management, and residents to execute safely and efficiently.

Our team worked closely with the City of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Tower Condominium Association to design and deploy a custom access solution: a 250-foot aerial platform with 128-foot outreach capability. This engineering approach allowed our craftsmen to reach every inch of the 35,000 square foot facade while minimizing disruption to downtown traffic and building residents.

The complexity of this access solution required:

Detailed planning sessions with city traffic engineers and permitting officials
Coordination with the condominium board and property management
Custom platform positioning to maximize efficiency across multiple facade elevations
Daily safety briefings and weather monitoring protocols
Completion of all exterior work within a tight 20-day active work window

Restoration work in progress on the Wisconsin Tower showing significant structural repairs to the historic facade — RSI crews addressing structural issues on the Wisconsin Tower’s historic facade, demonstrating our expertise in complex high-rise restoration.

Stone Patching: Restoring Historic Masonry

The Wisconsin Tower’s limestone facade had suffered years of weather damage and material deterioration. Our stone patching experts restored damaged areas while preserving the building’s original 1930s architectural character.

Before

After

Integrity in Action: 10 Additional Repairs at No Cost

During our stone patching work, our craftsmen identified 10 additional areas of deterioration that weren’t included in the original project scope. Rather than submit change orders, we made the decision to complete these repairs at no additional charge. Why? Because it was the right thing to do. The stone damage we found would have continued to worsen, potentially leading to more extensive—and expensive—repairs down the road. At RSI, we believe doing what’s right isn’t optional; it’s how we’ve built our reputation over 28 years in the Midwest.

Tuckpointing: Mortar Matching Expertise

Proper tuckpointing requires more than just filling mortar joints—it demands precise color matching, correct mortar composition, and tooling techniques that respect the building’s original craftsmanship.

Before

After

Why Mortar Matching Matters for Milwaukee Buildings

Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on masonry. Water infiltrates deteriorated mortar joints, freezes, expands, and accelerates the damage with each cycle. Milwaukee typically experiences 50 to 70 freeze-thaw cycles annually—one of the highest rates in the country. This makes proper tuckpointing not just an aesthetic concern, but a structural necessity. Our craftsmen carefully analyze the original mortar composition to create precise color and texture matches that protect the building while preserving its historic appearance. On the Wisconsin Tower, we used traditional lime-based mortars that allow the masonry to breathe properly while providing lasting protection against Wisconsin’s demanding climate.

Sealant replacement work on the Wisconsin Tower Condominiums showing proper joint sealing techniques — Precision sealant application at the Wisconsin Tower, creating a continuous moisture barrier across expansion joints and window perimeters.

Sealant Replacement: Your First Line of Defense

Building sealants are your facade’s first line of defense against water infiltration. Over time, exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical movement causes even high-quality sealants to deteriorate. Failed sealants allow water to penetrate the building envelope, leading to interior damage, energy loss, and accelerated deterioration of surrounding materials.

On the Wisconsin Tower project, our team performed comprehensive sealant replacement across all expansion joints, window perimeters, and control joints. This work involved complete removal of the failed existing sealant, proper joint preparation, application of compatible primers, and installation of new high-performance sealant materials rated for Milwaukee’s extreme temperature range.

The sealant work complements our masonry restoration by creating a continuous moisture barrier that protects the building envelope as an integrated system. Rather than treating each repair type in isolation, our approach considers how tuckpointing, stone patching, and sealant replacement work together to create lasting protection.

For building owners and property managers, proper sealant maintenance can prevent far more expensive interior water damage and extend the service life of other facade components. We recommend sealant inspections every 5-7 years for commercial buildings in Wisconsin’s climate.

Wisconsin Tower Project Results

Delivering on our commitment to quality, safety, and integrity

35K

Sq Ft Restored

Active Work Days

Free Repairs Added

Safety Incidents

“RSI’s team demonstrated exactly what we hoped for when selecting a restoration contractor for the Wisconsin Tower. Their technical expertise was evident from the planning stage, but what truly impressed us was their integrity. When they found additional issues during the project, they didn’t use it as an opportunity to increase the budget—they simply fixed them because it was the right thing to do. That’s the kind of contractor you want working on a historic building.”

— Wisconsin Tower Condominium Association Board

Milwaukee Building Restoration Services

Comprehensive restoration solutions for commercial, institutional, and historic buildings throughout Southeast Wisconsin

Facade Restoration

Complete building envelope restoration including masonry repair, stone patching, tuckpointing, sealant replacement, and terra cotta restoration for historic and commercial facades.

Concrete Repair

Structural concrete restoration for parking decks, balconies, loading docks, and building foundations. Our solutions address spalling, delamination, corrosion damage, and structural deficiencies.

Masonry Repair

Expert brick and stone repair, tuckpointing, mortar matching, and masonry cleaning services. We specialize in historic masonry restoration that preserves architectural integrity.

Waterproofing

Below-grade waterproofing, foundation sealing, plaza deck waterproofing, and building envelope moisture protection systems to prevent water infiltration and structural damage.

Parking Structure Restoration

Comprehensive parking deck repair including concrete restoration, membrane waterproofing, joint sealant replacement, traffic coating systems, and structural rehabilitation.

Historic Preservation

Specialized restoration services for historic and landmark buildings, including Secretary of the Interior Standards compliance, historic tax credit documentation, and period-appropriate materials and techniques.

Facade Restoration Milwaukee: Expert Building Envelope Solutions

Milwaukee’s architectural heritage includes thousands of brick, stone, and terra cotta facades that require specialized care and expertise to maintain. From historic cream city brick buildings in the Third Ward to modern commercial high-rises downtown, RSI provides comprehensive facade restoration services that protect your investment while preserving architectural character.

Our facade restoration services address the full range of exterior building envelope needs:

Tuckpointing and Mortar Joint Repair

Failed mortar joints are one of the most common issues we encounter on Milwaukee buildings. Water infiltration through deteriorated joints leads to brick spalling, interior water damage, and accelerated structural deterioration. Our tuckpointing services include complete removal of damaged mortar, careful analysis of original mortar composition for accurate color and texture matching, and installation of new mortar using proper depth and tooling techniques.

For historic buildings, we work with lime-based mortars that are softer than the surrounding masonry—a critical factor for long-term performance. Using modern Portland cement mortars on historic brick can actually accelerate damage by transferring stress to the softer brick rather than allowing the mortar joints to flex as designed.

Brick Repair and Replacement

When brick units themselves have failed—through spalling, cracking, or structural damage—we provide expert brick repair and replacement services. Our craftsmen source matching brick when possible or utilize custom fabrication and dutchman repairs to maintain visual consistency across the facade.

Stone Patching and Restoration

Many Milwaukee buildings feature limestone, granite, or other natural stone facades that require specialized restoration techniques. Our stone patching services address:

Surface erosion and weathering damage
Cracking and structural stone failures
Staining and biological growth
Joint failures and water infiltration
Historic ornamental stone restoration

Did you know? Milwaukee experiences 50–70 freeze-thaw cycles annually—one of the highest rates in the country. This makes proper facade maintenance essential for protecting your building investment.

Terra Cotta Restoration

Many of Milwaukee’s most distinctive historic buildings feature ornamental terra cotta facades. These ceramic elements require specialized restoration techniques that differ significantly from brick or stone repair. Our team has experience with terra cotta cleaning, crack repair, glazing restoration, and replacement unit fabrication for severely damaged elements.

Building Sealant Systems

Sealants are critical components of any facade system, providing flexible waterproofing at expansion joints, window perimeters, and other critical transitions. We specify and install high-performance sealant systems rated for Wisconsin’s extreme temperature range and UV exposure conditions.

Parking Deck Repair Milwaukee: Concrete Restoration Experts

Parking structures face unique challenges in Wisconsin’s climate. The combination of vehicle traffic, de-icing chemical exposure, water infiltration, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles creates conditions that accelerate concrete deterioration faster than almost any other building component. RSI provides comprehensive parking deck repair and concrete restoration services designed to extend the service life of these critical assets.

Understanding Parking Deck Deterioration

Most parking deck failures stem from corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel. When de-icing salts and moisture penetrate the concrete, they reach the rebar and initiate corrosion. As the steel corrodes, it expands—creating internal pressure that causes the concrete to crack, delaminate, and spall. Left unaddressed, this deterioration accelerates, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the deck.

Our parking deck restoration process addresses this deterioration cycle through a systematic approach:

Comprehensive condition assessment including delamination surveys and chloride testing
Removal of all unsound concrete to expose corroded reinforcement
Cleaning and treatment of reinforcing steel
Repair of structural concrete using appropriate repair materials
Application of protective coatings or membrane systems
Joint sealant replacement and crack sealing

Traffic Coating and Waterproofing Systems

Preventing future water infiltration is as important as repairing existing damage. We install high-performance traffic coating systems that provide a durable, skid-resistant wearing surface while protecting the structural concrete below from moisture and chemical penetration. These systems are available in multiple colors and textures to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Proactive parking deck maintenance can extend service life by 15-20 years and reduce total lifecycle costs by 40-60% compared to reactive repair strategies.

Expansion Joint Repair

Expansion joints allow parking decks to accommodate thermal movement and structural loads. Failed expansion joints are a primary source of water infiltration and are often the first components to show visible deterioration. Our joint repair services include complete joint system replacement with modern, high-performance products designed for Milwaukee’s extreme temperature range.

Structural Repairs

When deterioration has progressed beyond surface repairs, structural rehabilitation may be required. Our team has experience with beam and column repairs, post-tensioning system rehabilitation, and other structural concrete restoration work that requires engineering oversight and specialized installation techniques.

Waterproofing Milwaukee: Protecting Buildings from the Ground Up

Water is the single greatest threat to building longevity. Whether it’s infiltrating through failed below-grade waterproofing, penetrating a compromised building envelope, or pooling on a plaza deck, water causes structural damage, interior deterioration, and unhealthy indoor conditions. RSI provides comprehensive waterproofing solutions for commercial and institutional buildings throughout the Milwaukee metro area.

Below-Grade Waterproofing

Foundation and basement waterproofing is critical for Milwaukee buildings, where high water tables and clay soils create persistent moisture challenges. Our below-grade waterproofing services include:

Foundation wall membrane systems (both positive-side and negative-side applications)
Drainage board and drainage mat installation
French drain and interior drainage systems
Sump pump installation and maintenance
Crack injection and leak remediation
Foundation coating and damp-proofing

Plaza Deck and Roof Waterproofing

Occupied spaces over parking garages, mechanical rooms, or other interior spaces require sophisticated waterproofing systems that can accommodate pedestrian traffic, thermal movement, and long-term exposure to the elements. Our plaza deck waterproofing solutions include hot-applied rubberized asphalt membranes, cold-applied systems, and sheet membrane applications depending on project requirements.

Building Envelope Moisture Management

Modern buildings require an integrated approach to moisture management that considers air barriers, vapor barriers, drainage planes, and flashing systems as interconnected components. Our building envelope services address:

Air and vapor barrier installation and repair
Through-wall flashing systems
Window and door flashing and sealing
Weep system installation and repair
Masonry water repellent applications

According to industry studies, water infiltration accounts for over 70% of all building envelope failures. Proper waterproofing is one of the highest-ROI investments building owners can make.

Leak Investigation and Remediation

Sometimes the source of water infiltration isn’t obvious. We provide comprehensive leak investigation services using moisture meters, infrared thermography, and systematic testing to identify infiltration pathways. Once the source is identified, we develop targeted repair solutions that address the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.

Why Milwaukee Buildings Need Expert Restoration

Understanding the unique challenges of Wisconsin’s climate and Milwaukee’s building stock

Wisconsin’s Harsh Climate

Milwaukee’s position on Lake Michigan creates a climate that’s exceptionally demanding on building materials. The combination of harsh winters, summer humidity, and temperature extremes accelerates deterioration in ways that contractors from other regions may not fully understand.

50–70 freeze-thaw cycles annually—among the highest in the U.S.
Temperature swings of 100°F+ between summer and winter extremes
Lake-effect moisture and humidity variations
Heavy use of de-icing chemicals on roads and walkways
Significant snowfall and ice accumulation

These conditions mean that even well-constructed buildings require more frequent inspection and maintenance than similar structures in milder climates. A restoration contractor who understands Wisconsin-specific challenges will specify materials and techniques appropriate for these conditions.

Milwaukee’s Historic Building Stock

Milwaukee is home to over 4,500 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, plus thousands more contributing structures in historic districts. These buildings require specialized restoration approaches that preserve their architectural character while addressing structural needs.

Historic cream city brick unique to the Milwaukee region
Ornamental terra cotta facades from the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Limestone and sandstone commercial buildings
Cast iron and structural steel requiring corrosion protection
Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and other significant architectural styles

Working on historic buildings requires knowledge of period-appropriate materials and techniques, as well as familiarity with Secretary of the Interior Standards and local historic preservation guidelines. RSI has the experience to navigate these requirements while delivering lasting restoration results.

Safety First, Safety Always

Our commitment to safety protects our team, your property, and your building’s occupants

Years in Business

25+

Avg Principal Experience

<1.0

EMR (Below Avg)

LECET

Award Recipient

Our Safety Commitment

Every project is different, but one thing never changes: our commitment to safety. From worksite to teamsite, we put the highest level of care and safety into everything we do. This isn’t just corporate talk—it’s backed by measurable results and industry recognition.

Our Experience Modification Rate (EMR) consistently remains well below the national average, reflecting our proactive approach to safety management. A lower EMR means fewer workplace incidents, lower insurance costs, and more importantly, team members who go home safe every day.

Safety Credentials

Repeat recipient of the LECET MN & ND Contractor Award of Excellence
Comprehensive safety training programs for all field personnel
Regularly updated safety policies and procedures
Daily job hazard analysis and safety briefings
Objective and subjective safety outcome tracking
OSHA compliance and continuing education requirements
Specialized training for high-rise and aerial platform work

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our Milwaukee restoration services

How do I know if my building needs facade restoration?

Several warning signs indicate that your building may need facade restoration. Look for visible cracks in mortar joints, spalling or flaking brick, efflorescence (white salt deposits), water staining on interior walls, or loose masonry units. In Milwaukee’s climate, we recommend professional facade inspections every 5-7 years for commercial buildings over 20 years old.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s better to address them early. Minor repairs are significantly less expensive than major restoration work, and catching problems early prevents the cascading damage that occurs when water infiltrates the building envelope.

What is the typical timeline for a facade restoration project?

Project timelines vary significantly based on building size, condition, access requirements, and scope of work. A focused tuckpointing project on a small commercial building might take 2-3 weeks, while comprehensive facade restoration on a high-rise like the Wisconsin Tower required detailed planning and coordination over several months, with 20 days of active work.

We provide detailed project schedules during the proposal phase so you can plan accordingly. Weather is always a factor in Wisconsin—masonry work requires temperatures above 40°F for proper curing, which affects scheduling for fall and spring projects.

How much does facade restoration cost in Milwaukee?

Restoration costs depend on multiple factors including building height, facade materials, extent of deterioration, access requirements, and scope of work. Tuckpointing typically ranges from $8-25 per square foot depending on joint depth and mortar requirements. Stone patching, brick replacement, and structural repairs add to the cost based on specific conditions.

We provide detailed proposals with transparent pricing after conducting a thorough building assessment. For budgeting purposes, we’re happy to provide preliminary estimates based on our initial inspection.

Do you work on historic buildings and landmark properties?

Yes, historic building restoration is one of our specialties. We have extensive experience working with properties on the National Register of Historic Places, local landmark buildings, and contributing structures in historic districts. Our team understands the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and works within these guidelines to preserve architectural character while addressing structural needs.

We can also assist with historic tax credit documentation when applicable, providing the detailed documentation required to demonstrate compliance with preservation standards.

What types of buildings do you work on?

RSI works on a wide range of commercial, institutional, and multi-family properties including:

Office buildings and commercial high-rises
Condominiums and apartment buildings
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Educational institutions (schools, universities)
Municipal buildings and government facilities
Parking structures and parking decks
Industrial facilities and warehouses
Religious and cultural institutions
Retail and mixed-use properties

How do you handle occupied buildings during restoration?

Most of our projects are on occupied buildings, and we’ve developed extensive protocols to minimize disruption while maintaining safety. This includes scheduling noisy work during business hours, coordinating access with building management, protecting entry points and common areas, and communicating schedules to occupants in advance.

For residential buildings like condominiums, we work closely with property management and HOA boards to keep residents informed and address any concerns promptly. Our goal is to complete quality work while respecting the daily lives of building occupants.

What is your warranty on restoration work?

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties that vary based on the type of work performed. Tuckpointing and masonry repair typically carry a 5-year warranty against workmanship defects. Waterproofing systems may include manufacturer warranties in addition to our workmanship guarantee. Specific warranty terms are detailed in each project proposal.

More importantly, we build lasting relationships with our clients. Many of our customers have been with us for decades, and we’re always available to address questions or concerns that arise after project completion.

Can you work on buildings of any height?

Yes. We have the equipment, expertise, and safety protocols to work on buildings of virtually any height. Our access solutions include aerial lifts up to 250 feet, swing stage scaffolding for high-rise work, and traditional scaffolding for lower buildings. The Wisconsin Tower project demonstrated our capability to handle complex high-rise access with our 250-foot platform and 128-foot outreach configuration.

For each project, we determine the most efficient and safe access method based on building height, facade configuration, surrounding conditions, and scope of work. Our team includes personnel with specialized training in high-rise restoration safety protocols.

Do you provide emergency repair services?

Yes. Building emergencies—like falling masonry, severe water infiltration, or structural concerns—require immediate response. We maintain emergency response capability and can typically have personnel on-site within 24-48 hours for urgent situations. Our initial response focuses on making the situation safe and preventing further damage, followed by development of a comprehensive repair plan.

If you have an emergency restoration need, call our office directly at (952) 368-0463. For non-emergency inquiries, we typically respond within one business day.

What sets RSI apart from other restoration contractors?

Three things differentiate RSI: expertise, integrity, and safety. With principals averaging over 25 years of experience and 28 years as a company, we’ve seen virtually every restoration challenge Milwaukee’s buildings can present. We understand the specific demands of Wisconsin’s climate and the unique characteristics of regional building stock.

Our integrity commitment is demonstrated through actions, not just words. On the Wisconsin Tower project, we identified and repaired 10 additional issues at no additional cost—because it was the right thing to do. And our safety record, with an EMR consistently below the national average and LECET Award recognition, reflects our commitment to protecting our team and your property.

Ready to Start Your Restoration Project?

Contact us today for a free on-site assessment. Our team will evaluate your building’s needs and provide a detailed proposal with no obligation.

Request Assessment Call (952) 368-0463