You are the proud owner of a beautiful old house located in a neighborhood of historic homes. You and your neighbors value the quality and aesthetics of your homes and are careful to preserve their historic authenticity whenever you make renovations. Did you know that it’s possible to have the modern updates and conveniences that […]

The exposed mortar in many old brick Washington DC chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. The right mortar joints can last for 25 years or more, but are greatly affected by the weather. If your historic home has a brick chimney, it may need to be repaired before the winter weather hits.

Owners of old brick houses in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods might notice a crumbling or flaking of the surface of their brickwork. This form of deterioration, known as spalling, usually results from some form of water damage. If your old home is brick and you’re not familiar with spalling, here’s what you should know. 

Owners of old brick houses in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods might notice a crumbling or flaking of the surface of their brickwork. This form of deterioration, known as spalling, usually results from some form of water damage. If your old home is brick and you’re not familiar with spalling, here’s what you should know. 

 “Windows are the eyes of a house.” As the most visible elements of old homes, windows define the character and curb appeal of the buildings. Moreover, they offer clues to the history and architectural integrity of the home. Unfortunately, historic windows are frequently cited as the source of energy loss and owners are encouraged to […]

Like most owners of old houses, your renovation plans probably include matching as many of the authentic building parts – doors, flooring, fixtures, and millwork – as possible. It is possible to find reasonably priced, period materials by shopping the salvage market. 

The windows in historic homes are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. Although old windows can be a challenge to maintain and repair, there are many benefits to retaining existing windows.

Are you thinking about buying and restoring an old house? The chances are that you are “curb appeal shopping” in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods. In spring and summer and, even fall, when homeowners refresh their entrances, gardens, and walkways, the stately elegance of historic DC brick homes can be seductive. Here are some things […]

When I see an old brick house with crumbling or flaking of the surface of the brick wall, I recognize a type of damage known as spalling brick. If the brick wall is part of the main structure of the building, the weakening of mortar can become a severe problem. The integrity of the building […]

When I see an old brick house with crumbling or flaking of the surface of the brick wall, I recognize a type of damage known as spalling brick. If the brick wall is part of the main structure of the building, the weakening of mortar can become a severe problem. The integrity of the building […]