When you need a masonry contractor in Washington DC, finding companies to call is rarely the difficult part. The harder question is whether the contractor understands the building they are being asked to repair. After more than 20 years working on DC rowhouses, we have seen how easily a contractor can approach historic brick […]
A Guide to Historic Masonry Restoration in Washington DC
A homeowner calls about brick repair on their DC rowhouse, expecting the problem to be fairly contained. It looks like a repair job, and in some cases, that is exactly what it turns out to be. Other times, an evaluation uncovers a façade that has been repaired repeatedly over the years, with old patches, replaced […]
Brick Patio Installation in Washington DC: What to Know
A patch of brick can change the way a DC rowhouse yard feels and functions. Suddenly there is a place for a table, a few chairs, a grill, or a quiet corner outside the back door. The patio itself may look straightforward once it is finished, but getting it there is where the real planning […]
Lime Mortar vs. Portland Cement: Why It Matters for DC Homes
A stronger mortar is not automatically a better mortar. In fact, on a historic brick wall, choosing the harder material can put the original brick at greater risk. The mortar and brick were meant to work together, and the wrong combination can shift the wear onto the very masonry you are trying to preserve. For […]
Spalling Brick in Washington DC: Causes and What To Do
Spalling brick in Washington DC is one of the most common brick problems we see, and one of the most misunderstood. When a brick face starts flaking, chipping, or crumbling, it is easy to assume the brick itself is the problem. On an older building, though, that damage can point to moisture, mortar deterioration, or […]
Brick Repair Cost in Washington DC: What to Expect
See a cracked or crumbling brick on your DC rowhouse? Naturally, the next question is, “How much is this going to cost?” The answer to brick repair cost in Washington DC depends on more than counting damaged bricks. Matching the existing masonry, accessing the repair area, addressing surrounding mortar, and defining the full extent of […]
Brick Repair & Historic Masonry Restoration in Washington DC
Searching for brick repair in Washington, DC usually starts with a visible problem. You might notice loose bricks, crumbling mortar, cracks, or pieces of brick collecting below an exterior wall. While those signs are easy to spot, deciding how to repair them is not always as straightforward. Brick repair and historic masonry restoration are closely […]
Signs Your DC Rowhouse Needs Tuckpointing: What to Look For
Most homeowners notice something is wrong with their brickwork before they know what to call it. Crumbling mortar, white staining, loose bricks, and damp walls are all potential signs your DC rowhouse needs tuckpointing. Those changes are easy to dismiss as ordinary aging, even though they may indicate mortar that has reached the end of […]
Tuckpointing vs. Repointing: What DC Homeowners Should Know
Homeowners researching tuckpointing vs repointing while planning brick repair in Washington, DC, quickly notice that some contractors use one term over the other. The difference in wording has led to plenty of unnecessary confusion, especially when both appear to describe the same type of masonry repair. In American masonry, they generally do. After more than […]
Tuckpointing Cost in Washington, DC: Factors That Affect Your Estimate
How much does tuckpointing cost in Washington, DC? It is one of the first questions homeowners ask, and the answer depends on the property. Historic masonry repairs vary according to the building’s condition, repair area, access, materials, and related masonry work. This article focuses specifically on the factors that affect tuckpointing cost. If you are […]
