When winter in Washington, D.C., brings a mix of snow, ice, and slush, homeowners of historic brick houses are responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of their homes as well as their property’s walkways and steps. Since most of these surfaces are masonry or brick, special care is needed to prevent damage to the […]
Brick Repair
Early Fall is the Perfect Time for a Chimney Inspection
Brick chimneys are beloved features in historic homes, representing the dedication to quality and craftsmanship of bygone eras. But before cozying up to the fire, it is critical to ensure the chimney can perform its job safely. As winter approaches, ensuring that your chimney is in prime condition becomes even more essential. Both professional chimney […]
Decorative and Functional Structures: The Dual Role of Retaining Walls
When it comes to retaining walls, homeowners often picture a decorative feature that adds curb appeal to their historic brick homes. While retaining walls do contribute to a property’s overall aesthetic, their primary purpose is usually structural. They play a crucial role in supporting the earth behind them, maintaining the stability of your yard and […]
Transforming Your Unfinished Basement into Valuable Living Space
When you live in a historic brick home, space is often at a premium. With smaller footprints, compact lot sizes, and regulations governing additions, expanding outwards often isn’t an option. Instead, turning an unfinished basement into a functional living area can be a practical solution for increasing living space. Renovating your historic brick basement adds […]
From the Bottom Up: Keep Your Basement Dry This Fall and Winter
Historic brick homeowners sometimes mistakenly believe their basements are destined to be somewhat wet. They are often willing to overlook chronic dampness since the alternative — water running down the walls and puddles on the floor — is a much worse scenario. However, your historic home’s basement shouldn’t be damp. In fact, it’s a sign […]
Step Safely from Spring into Summer with a Beautiful Brick Walkway
The transition from spring weather to the heat of summer brings with it the joy of outdoor gatherings, the anticipation of more leisurely evenings spent under the stars, and the promise of more foot traffic around your outside living spaces. With so much life happening in the great outdoors, it’s important to turn your attention […]
A Gentle Approach to Spring Cleaning: Don’t Power-Wash Your Brick Home
As the days get longer and the last remnants of winter weather recede, the external facades of homes across the region begin to reveal the toll taken by the harsh winter elements. If you’re the owner of a historic brick home in Washington, DC, a testament to our rich architectural heritage, you’re likely contemplating the […]
Entertain in Style This Summer by Upgrading Your Brick Hardscaping
If you own a historic brick home, expanding your living space into the outdoors can add charm and curb appeal to your property. More importantly, it can provide a personal oasis and a wonderful gathering place for friends and family. Long-lasting and cost-efficient, the addition of brick patios, firepits and walkways can offer a classic […]
Spring Into Action with Exterior Renovations for Your DC Brick Home
As winter continues to drag on, it can seem like spring will never come. Homeowners often daydream about warmer weather and how they will use outdoor spaces to their full potential. If you own a historic brick home, you’ll want to pay special attention to the unique needs of your exterior spaces. Consulting with a […]
Protect Your Home from the Ground Up: Preventing Basement Water Damage
When it comes to historic brick homes, inspecting and maintaining the mortar joints to keep water out is important. This is much easier on the visible exterior than it is for basements. However, it is critical to keep an eye out for damage. The below-grade bricks are subject to environmental pressures your above-ground bricks are […]














