Are you thinking about painting the exterior of your historic brick home? Whatever your reasons for a change, think carefully before making that decision. Once you paint brick, you are committed to either a cycle of repainting every three to five years or to removing the paint. 

Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for the old brick retaining walls that support tiered gardens in front of the old homes. Owners know that these hardworking structures add value and authenticity to the home and should be preserved and maintained with traditional design and materials.

As the seasons warm, it’s time to take a critical look at your historic DC brick home. Signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find  masonry contractors skilled in traditional tuckpointing methods and materials.

Washington DC’s neighborhoods are renowned for their historic brick houses. The classic beauty found in the design of  these 18th, 19th, and early 20th century residences is legendary. They also 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 […]

As a preservationist I love the enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area’s 100-year-old brick homes. The rich sense of history conveyed by these historic buildings is irreplaceable. According to experts, the durability of the brick and masonry facades depends primarily on its resistance to water penetration. 

When I see an old brick house with crumbling or flaking of the surface of the brick wall, I recognize damage. If the brick wall is part of the main structure of the building, the weakening of mortar can become a severe problem. The integrity of the building may be at stake. Here is what […]

 If you are the recent owner of a historic home in DC, the chances are that you are looking at a renovation project. Preservation of the building’s authentic characteristics is critical to retaining it’s historic value. If your old house is located in a historic district, there are probably guidelines for you to follow. It’s important […]

“Windows are the eyes of a house.” They define the character of the home and create a visual impact that distinguishes its curb appeal. On historic homes, the windows are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation.

“Windows are the eyes of a house.” They define the character of the home and create a visual impact that distinguishes its curb appeal. On historic homes, the windows are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation.

Old houses are known for their many hand-crafted features, like hardwood floors, which give unique character to these buildings. These old floors, laid with the craft and materials of a previous time, have most likely seen lots of use. Restoring the worn, scratched and stained old floors is a favorite winter project.