Spring is here, and it happens to be the perfect time to examine the condition of your historic brick home. Melting ice and snow, along with spring rain, can give many clues to the state of your brick and mortar, both inside and outside. However, many homeowners make the mistake of believing their brick and […]

When you’re selling your historic brick home, you’re selling the decades-long story that comes with the property. Buyers of these properties are looking for the original character and charm along with the rich history of the house. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for some modern conveniences. At the same time, knowing where to […]

Owners of historic brick homes are often reminded to pay close attention to their exterior brick walls. Routine inspections and tuckpointing help ensure water doesn’t find its way into small cracks and gaps, which can lead to significant damage over time. But water on the above-ground bricks isn’t the only concern. With the spring thaw, […]

In many of D.C.’s historic districts, retaining walls help control soil erosion and runoff, providing safe transitions between ground levels. They provide beauty and charm, but they can quickly become a hazard without proper maintenance and repair. Different strategies are required depending on the type and degree of damage the retaining wall has sustained. Repairing […]

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, […]