Owners of a historic DC brick home know that they need to maintain the mortar joints of the old brick facades of their home. Tuckpointing, or repointing, is the process by which the joints are restored. It’s not always easy to know when to contact a professional. Here are some tips for how you and […]
Winter’s Coming — Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
When water pipes freeze in the cold weather, homeowners face multiple disasters. Aside from the inconvenience of turning on taps that produce no water, there is the potential for water damage to the interior if the pipes burst. Older homes found in historic neighborhoods may be particularly prone to damage and discomfort caused by frozen pipes.
Winter’s Coming — Some Things to Consider About Exterior Maintenance Schedule for Your Old Brick Home
You have a never-quite-finished list of exterior maintenance and repair issues to manage if you own an older brick home. These maintenance projects can be time-consuming, and you may not have the budget or time to address everything that needs attention at once. But, on the other hand, letting some issues go too long can […]
Thinking About Exposing an Old Interior Brick Wall?
Interior decorating fashions have recently undergone a substantial revision, which includes an appreciation of exposed vintage brick walls.
Security Bars on Windows: Yes or No?
The purpose of security bars on windows is to deter home invasion. Many homeowners opt to remove the old bars now that a broader range of home security options is available. However, when they are mounted in or attached to old brick, this can present an additional challenge.
What to Do About Those Tree Roots Pushing Up Your Walkways
Have you ever encountered a troublesome hump in a patio or on a neighborhood sidewalk, especially when pushing a baby stroller or trying to navigate a wheelchair? If so, you know how tree roots can cause serious problems. Not only does this obstacle ruin the aesthetic appeal of the hardscape itself, but it also poses […]
Five Facts to Know about Maintaining Historic Windows
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.
How to Take Care of Brick Walkways
In the historic neighborhoods of Washington DC, brick walkways and steps of homes, in deep reds, oranges and browns, create unique curb appeal for entryways – until they need repair. Bricks that are broken, cracked, buckling or uneven are not only unattractive but also present a safety hazard. Repairs made in the fall will ease […]
Now’s the Time to Get a Bird’s Eye View of Your Chimney
If your historic brick home has a brick chimney, now is the right time to consider the need for a chimney repair. Deteriorating chimney bricks or mortar in homes built before 1930 aren’t just a cosmetic problem, but rather a serious potential source of water leaks into your home. A visual inspection of your chimney […]
Should You Worry About Ivy Growing on Your Brick Home?
Do you have ivy growing on the walls of your brick home? It can certainly look beautiful — it can add a thick green texture to the wall and give your home a woodsy feel. However, ivy can be destructive for historic DC brick homes built before 1930.
