If you are the owner of a historic DC brick home, you are probably familiar with the need to maintain the mortar joints of the brick facades of your home. Tuckpointing, or repointing, is the process by which the joints are restored. New owners may be unsure of how to tell if their brick walls […]

For owners of historic brick homes, missing or damaged bricks in the building’s facades are a call to action. These stately exteriors require restoration to preserve their timely authenticity and to protect their structural integrity. 

“Windows are the eyes of a house.” They define the character of the home and create a visual impact that distinguishes its curb appeal. Original 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.

The exposed mortar in many Washington DC old brick 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.

  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. 

The enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area’s 100-year-old brick homes conveys a rich sense of history. According to experts, the durability of the brick and masonry facades depends primarily on its resistance to water penetration. Owners of these historic brick homes should become familiar with the signs of water damage and when to […]

Spring is the prime time to get outside and do a visual inspection of your historic DC brick home. While you’re enjoying the clean, fresh air, you can identify any problems with the exterior walls. Occasionally, owners of brick homes will find sections of the façade that are coated with a white powdery substance. 

When the warm summer evenings begin to lengthen, many homeowners in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods enjoy the comfort and privacy of a backyard patio. These exterior rooms significantly expand a home’s living and entertaining space into the outdoors. 

Does your exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration?  Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find a masonry contractor in DC who has the appropriate expertise.   

 Owners of historic DC brick homes are frequently tackling a renovation project. Many of these projects are designed to achieve period authenticity and style; others are geared more toward increasing the value of the real estate. Not all home improvement projects are equally cost effective.