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 […]
How to Preserve the History in Your Old DC Brick House
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 […]
Water Damage: A Challenge for Owners of Historic DC Brick Homes
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.
Water Damage: A Challenge for Owners of Historic DC Brick Homes
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.
What to Do When You See Crumbling Bricks on Your Home
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 […]
What to Do When You See Crumbling Bricks on Your Home
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 […]
How Water Damage to Mortar Harms Interior Walls
The oldest of historic brick homes can be restored to their original authenticity preserving a stately beauty that is unparalled. The old brick homes in most DC neighborhoods were constructed with relatively soft, porous bricks and limestone mortar. Many of the interiors were covered with lime plaster. Occasionally these plastered walls, spackled and repainted during a renovation, […]
Is Architectural Salvage a Resource for Your Renovation?
Like most owners of old houses, your renovation plans probably include matching as many of the authentic building parts – doors, flooring, fixtures, and millwork – as possible. It is possible to find reasonably priced, period materials by shopping the salvage market.
What is the Right Way to Rehab Old Houses?
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 […]
What is the Right Way to Rehab Old Houses?
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 […]
