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.
Brick Repair
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 to Conquer Your Old Crumbling Brick Steps
If your historic home in DC has brick steps that are crumbling, it’s time for repair. When these classic entryways were built, they were designed to last for decades. Bricks are very durable, but your steps and walkways will eventually need some kind of repair. You can maintain the original design and historic integrity if […]
How to Care For Your Old Brick Home
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.
Seasonal Repairs to DC Brick Walkways Assure Safety and Curb Appeal
In the historic neighborhoods of Washington DC, brick walkways and steps of homes, in deep reds, oranges and browns, create unique curb appeal for entryways – until they need repair. Bricks that are broken, cracked, buckling or uneven are not only unattractive but also present a safety hazard. Spring is an ideal time for clean […]
How to Mount a Flag on Brick
In the historic neighborhoods of Washington, DC and Alexandria VA homeowners mount flagpoles to their brick homes. Whether displaying the “Stars and Stripes” to celebrate holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day and the 4th of July or a decorative garden flag, a flagpole adds character to a DC brick home. To make sure that it remains […]
How Do You Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall?
The oldest of historic brick homes have solid brick walls of two or more layers called wythes, with plaster covered interior walls. Owners who expose an interior brick wall as part of the restoration are then faced with the question of how to hang a picture on a brick wall.
What You Should Know About Painting Exterior Brick
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.
Tips for Ice and Snow Removal from DC Brick Steps and Walkways
The harsh weather of winter adds ice and snow to DC brick walkways and steps. 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 joints and harm any nearby vegetation. Homeowners are challenged by the need to maintain safe walkways […]
Do Your Brick Steps Need Repair?
Many historic homes in DC have brick steps and walkways. 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.
