If your historic brick home has a brick chimney, spring is the right time to consider the need for a chimney repair. Deteriorating brick-mortar isn’t just a cosmetic problem, but rather a serious potential source of water leaks into your home. The exposed mortar in many Washington DC brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather […]

Brick and masonry might be among the longest-lasting, most weatherproof building elements, but old brick buildings still require maintenance and repair. To ensure long-lasting structural integrity, homeowners should regularly check for water damage, conduct periodic cleaning, and have masonry joints repointed when necessary. 

Owners of old brick houses in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods might notice a crumbling or flaking of the surface of their brickwork. This form of deterioration, known as spalling brick, usually results from some form of water damage. If your old home is brick and you’re not familiar with spalling, here’s what you should know. 

Owners of historic DC brick homes often face the need to repair and restore the brick and mortar facades. When comparing estimates from masonry contractors, traditional tuck pointing methods and materials may seem more costly than the others. In fact, the use of traditional techniques and materials are actually the best way to save money […]

If you are the owner of an old brick house in the DC area, you have likely heard of tuckpointing. Also known as repointing, it is the process by which the facades of brick structures are restored and maintained. Even the most savvy owners of historic homes may not know the right way to handle upkeep […]

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. 

  As the harsh weather of winter approaches, owners of historic brick homes in the DC area prepare for ice and snow on brick walkways. Homeowners are often challenged by the need to maintain safe walkways while protecting the brick. Using salt or other chemical de-icing products to remove ice and snow from brick walkways […]

Winter. There’s no avoiding the harsh weather, with its freeze and thaw patterns. While walkways and steps demand immediate attention, there is also the problem of ice forming on the eaves of our homes. Owners of historic brick homes will want to learn more about preventing the damage that can result. 

If your historic brick home is scheduled for mortar repair as soon as winter melts into spring, consider the interior projects that can be completed while you wait. Projects that can be done with the windows closed and don’t involve the removal of walls will satisfy your need to renovate.

Your gracious historic DC brick home is showing signs of brick and mortar deterioration, and the confirmed remedy is tuckpointing. You have hired a masonry contractor who specializes in historic brick restoration. The contract is signed and the permitting process completed. Here’s what to expect when your historic home becomes a tuckpointing worksite.