Winter weather, with its freeze and thaw patterns, brings renewed attention to the problems associated with the ice dams that form on the eaves of our homes. Owners of historic DC brick homes will want to learn more about preventing the damage that can result.

As winter snow covers the city landscape with a soft white blanket to reflect the soft lights of the holiday season, DC brick walkways and steps become a challenge for homeowners. Using salt or other chemical de-icing products to remove ice and snow from brick walkways can damage and stain the bricks, degrade the mortar […]

The exposed mortar in many Washington DC brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. The right mortar joints can last for 25 years or more, but are greatly affected by the weather. If your historic home has a brick chimney, it may need to be repaired before the winter weather hits.

If you own one of the many historic brick rowhouses in the Washington DC neighborhoods, you are probably curious about who built your home and when. Now you can use a new free resource made available by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) to research that history.

When owners of historic brick homes in Alexandria and Washington DC are planning renovations projects, the selection of a thermostat control system is a major decision. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates four home automation systems that deliver comfort, convenience and energy savings. 

The beauty and charm of historic homes radiate from their unique and stately classic features. However, like the lovely but leaky original windows, many of these features are not as energy efficient as you would like. In fact, the energy bills for a historic home can be somewhat distressing. Fortunately, there are strategies for making […]

For owners of many historic homes in Washington DC, brick mortar repair is necessary to maintain the integrity and value of the old structures. Masonry contractors in DC who are specialists in historic masonry use mortar for tuckpointing that is softer and more permeable than the bricks.

Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for the 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.

Homes in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their brick row houses. These 18th, 19th, and early 20th century DC brick residences 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 in the nation’s Capitol. 

Many historic homes in DC have steps and walkways constructed of brick. If properly built and well maintained, these classic entry ways have lasted for decades. Bricks are durable and reflect the formality of the historic design. Repairs should be done in a way that maintains their architectural and structural integrity.