Does your exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration? Spring is the right time to get some expert advice. Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find a masonry contractor in DC who has the appropriate expertise.
Brick Repair
Why Do You See Bubbling on Your Plaster Walls?
When owners of historic brick homes in DC neighborhoods notice bubbling on their interior walls they have lots of questions. It’s not obvious that both the cause of the interior damage and the solution can be found in the exterior – in the original materials used to build their old homes.
What’s the Best Way to Remove Ice and Snow From Brick?
In the season of ice and snow, DC brick walkways and steps become a challenge for homeowners. The problems is that salt or other chemical de-icing products should not be used to remove ice and snow from brick walkways. These products can damage and stain the bricks, degrade the mortar joints and harm any nearby vegetation. […]
Do You Know How to Care For Old Brick Facades?
Owners of historic DC brick homes 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 of a historic building’s masonry.
Is Your Interior Brick Wall a Focus for Entertaining?
During the holiday season historic brick homes in the Washington DC area use an exposed interior brick wall as a backdrop for entertaining. These old interior brick walls add warmth to the holiday décor. Here’s a few maintenance tips that will help preserve the stunning quality of your brick and make sure it’s surface will […]
What Can You Do About Energy Loss in Your Old Brick Home?
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 […]
How to Find the Best Masonry Contractor for Your Old Brick Home
Did your fall exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration? It’s not too late to get some expert advice. Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find the right masonry contractor in DC who is skilled in traditional tuckpointing methods […]
Do You See Water Damage on Your Interior Walls?
The stately historic 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, show signs of bubbling. This is often caused by water damage to the exterior brick and mortar.
What’s the Best Way to Fix Interior Walls That Have Water Damage?
The stately historic brick homes in most DC neighborhoods were constructed with relatively soft, porous bricks and limestone mortar. Many of the interior walls were covered with lime plaster. Occasionally these plastered walls, spackled and repainted during a renovation, show signs of bubbling. This is often caused by water damage to the exterior brick and […]
What You Need to Know About Brick Chimney Repair
The exposed mortar in many old brick Washington DC 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.
