When the warm summer evenings begin to lengthen, homeowners in Washington DC spend more time outdoors. A backyard patio is the ideal way to expand your home’s living and entertaining space into the outdoors while maintaining comfort and privacy.
Brick Repair
Water and Your Brick Chimney
Your chimney is more than just a silent black hole of mystery. A chimney performs a number of vital functions for the safety and comfort of your home. A simple outward appearance doesn’t tell the whole story of how a chimney is built and what it takes to ensure its safe and efficient performance.
Why a Professional Should Remove Paint from Old Brick Facades
Painting over brick has been popular for generations, either to cover old, tired-looking surfaces or to satisfy a particular color preference. If, however, your home’s painted brick – interior or exterior – no longer suits your taste or if an old paint job is getting in the way of needed repair to the brick and […]
What Causes Bulging in Brick Walls?
As winter turns to spring and warmer temperatures draw us outdoors, you may spot a bulge in your exterior brick walls. This is masonry issue that are not uncommon among old brick buildings in historic neighborhoods such as those in Washington, DC and Old Town, Alexandria. Bulges indicate a problem with moisture that should be […]
Removing Stucco to Expose Original Brick
Many people purchase or inherit older homes that have layers of stucco covering an older brick and mortar exterior. For those who desire to remove the stucco to reveal the brick and mortar underneath, be forewarned that this is a huge undertaking that requires lots of time and effort.
What Should I Do to Hang Something on My 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 something on a brick wall.
How Does Water Damage Cause Spalling Brick?
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, 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.
How to Clean Old Brick Facades With Care
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.
Should You Worry About that White Stuff on Your Brick Wall?
Have you ever noticed a coating of white powdery stuff on your exterior brick walls? The technical name for this white powder is efflorescence. Although undesirable, efflorescence is usually not harmful to brick masonry. It is, however, an indication of the presence of excess water in the masonry, which can lead to more serious issues.
What Can the Right Outdoor Lighting Do For Your Patio?
Summer is the time for outdoor living. Many homeowners in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods enjoy the comfort and privacy of a backyard patio. Whether entertaining friends or enjoying quiet times in the privacy of your outdoor space, summer nights are special. The right outdoor lighting will enhance your experience.
