As the weather warms up and brings us into Spring, assessing winter damage on your historic brick home’s walkways, patios, driveways, retaining walls and urban gardens should be a priority. Keeping this hardscaping safe not only protects you from injury but also adds to your home’s curb appeal and increases the longevity of your outdoor […]

Historic brick-and-mortar homes are long-lasting, with a solid ability to withstand the elements, and generally have low maintenance requirements. However, low maintenance certainly doesn’t mean no maintenance. As the decades pass, your mortar joints will inevitably begin to fail to some degree, leaving your home open to potential water damage. Spotting the signs of impending […]

Historic brick homes in DC are a testament to industrialization, urban expansion and evolving building codes. Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, the British made a decision to use brick instead of wood for its reconstruction. By the time America gained its independence, fires were already common as cities began to grow. For […]

Although used interchangeably with “plaster,” stucco now usually refers to an exterior finish, while plaster is considered a suitable option for interior walls. Some historic homes were designed with stucco as the intended finish, though many historic brick exteriors were replaced with stucco due to its increased popularity during particular decades of the 19th and […]

As winter continues to drag on, it can seem like spring will never come. Homeowners often daydream about warmer weather and how they will use outdoor spaces to their full potential. If you own a historic brick home, you’ll want to pay special attention to the unique needs of your exterior spaces. Consulting with a […]

Historic brick homes provide a welcome feeling of warmth and charm against winter’s chilly backdrop – but they are not immune to the cold, freezing rain, ice and snow. In fact, historic brick homes need a bit more attention than some other buildings in order to deal with D.C.’s long winters and plunging temperatures. Identifying, […]

Renovating your historic brick home can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, as the charm and character of these homes often come along with hidden challenges. It’s essential to employ smart strategies when considering renovations and repairs, and to approach each project with a well-thought-out plan.

As the owner of a historic brick home, you know the inherent charm of the house is the result of the craftsmanship that went into building it. With proper maintenance, these homes were designed to stand the test of time, although many homeowners don’t know that maintaining the brick isn’t only about cosmetic upkeep. The […]

When it comes to historic brick homes, inspecting and maintaining the mortar joints to keep water out is important. This is much easier on the visible exterior than it is for basements. However, it is critical to keep an eye out for damage. The below-grade bricks are subject to environmental pressures your above-ground bricks are […]

A fence or gate is one of the most important investments you can make for your property’s safety and privacy. Wood and iron work both mingle well aesthetically with the traditional façades of historic brick homes. These materials are available in a broad range of styles, maintaining the architectural integrity of your home, while adding […]