Historic brick homes are certainly beautiful and charming – and those that have stood the test of time are also resilient, having demonstrated considerable ability to hold their own against the elements. When you consider the fact that historic brick and mortar are not waterproof, this is impressive. Both building materials are porous, but yet […]
Brick Repair
Considering Whether to Paint Old Brick? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Are you thinking about painting the brick in or on your historic DC home? Be it one interior wall, or the entire exterior of your home, this is a decision that should be carefully weighed. Keep in mind that once brick is painted, you’ll be committed to either a cycle of repainting every three to […]
Home for the Holidays: Beautiful Old Brick Adds Warmth and Charm
If you are fortunate enough to have an old brick wall in your historic home, then you know what a wonderful backdrop it is for entertaining during the holidays, and how it adds to your décor. Here’s a few maintenance tips to preserve its quality, so that for years to come, visitors to your home […]
Get Familiar with the Right Repair Options for Your Old Brick Chimney
In Washington DC, the exposed mortar in many old brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. Although the right mortar joints can last for a quarter of a century or more, they are certainly not impervious to the changes in temperature that come with the winter months. If you see signs of failing or missing […]
What to Do About Old Brick Patched with Modern Materials?
If you own a historic brick home, can you do anything about old brick patched with modern materials? Here are some ideas.
Is It Time for Repairing Old Brick Steps?
Historic brick homes were often built with matching brick stairs and walkways leading to the door. Original brick steps require the same care as the building itself and, in some cases, even more scrutiny. When is it time for repairing old brick steps?
How to Take Care of 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 […]
Now’s the Time to Get a Bird’s Eye View of Your Chimney
If your historic brick home has a brick chimney, now is the right time to consider the need for a chimney repair. Deteriorating chimney bricks or mortar in homes built before 1930 aren’t just a cosmetic problem, but rather a serious potential source of water leaks into your home. A visual inspection of your chimney […]
Should You Worry About Ivy Growing on Your Brick Home?
Do you have ivy growing on the walls of your brick home? It can certainly look beautiful — it can add a thick green texture to the wall and give your home a woodsy feel. However, ivy can be destructive for historic DC brick homes built before 1930.
We’re Getting a Lot of Requests to Work on Retaining Walls
Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are charming in the summer due to the brick retaining walls that frequently support tiered gardens in front of old homes. Read more below about the importance of maintenance and techniques to restore the brick to its original glory.
