Brick Repair

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. 

  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 […]

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.  Repairs made in the fall will ease […]

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.

The exposed mortar in many Washington DC old 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.

Spring is the prime time to get outside and do a visual inspection of your historic DC brick home. While you’re enjoying the clean, fresh air, you can identify any problems with the exterior walls. Occasionally, owners of brick homes will find sections of the façade that are coated with a white powdery substance. 

When the warm summer evenings begin to lengthen, many homeowners in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods enjoy the comfort and privacy of a backyard patio. These exterior rooms significantly expand a home’s living and entertaining space into the outdoors. 

Owners of classic old brick homes in the DC area know too well the challenge of decorating historic homes. When it comes to older home heating systems – many complete with unattractive old radiator covers – the desire for authenticity often conflicts with the need for style. Here are some classy and affordable alternatives recommended […]

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.