As a preservationist I love the enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area’s 100-year-old brick homes. The rich sense of history conveyed by these historic buildings is irreplaceable. According to experts, the durability of the brick and masonry facades depends primarily on its resistance to water penetration. 

As a preservationist I love the enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area’s 100-year-old brick homes. The rich sense of history conveyed by these historic buildings is irreplaceable. According to experts, the durability of the brick and masonry facades depends primarily on its resistance to water penetration. 

It’s not too early to tackle the yearly checkup of your old brick home. You don’t need to hire a pro to get started, although it may be warranted under certain circumstances. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items […]

It’s not too early to tackle the yearly checkup of your old brick home. You don’t need to hire a pro to get started, although it may be warranted under certain circumstances. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items […]

Ownership of an old brick home in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods comes with a unique set of responsibilities and decisions. Unlike owners of newer and more modern homes, you face the challenge of how to make your home comfortable while maintaining the authentic nature of its architecture and features. There are many elements to […]

Ownership of an old brick home in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods comes with a unique set of responsibilities and decisions. Unlike owners of newer and more modern homes, you face the challenge of how to make your home comfortable while maintaining the authentic nature of its architecture and features. There are many elements to […]

If your historic home has a brick chimney, fall is a good time to have it inspected. The exposed mortar in many Washington DC old brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. Although the right mortar joints can last for 25 years or more, your brick chimney may need to be repaired before the winter weather hits.

Owners of historic brick homes in DC often face structural challenges to the exterior of their homes – repair and maintenance of brick facades, steps and walkways that require professional expertise. The interior spaces also require frequent home repairs to worn out systems and surfaces. Some of these can be handled with “do-it-yourself” homeowner skills. 

  Homes in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their brick row houses. These 18th, 19th, and early 20th century brick residences tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists. Here’s a look at the history of old brick in the nation’s Capitol. 

  Homes in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their brick row houses. These 18th, 19th, and early 20th century brick residences tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists. Here’s a look at the history of old brick in the nation’s Capitol.