A homeowner calls about brick repair on their DC rowhouse, expecting the problem to be fairly contained. It looks like a repair job, and in some cases, that is exactly what it turns out to be. Other times, an evaluation uncovers a façade that has been repaired repeatedly over the years, with old patches, replaced […]
Historic Preservation
Spring Planning: Restoring Historic Brick Homes in Washington, D.C.
As winter starts to loosen its grip on Washington, D.C., spring is the ideal time to stop and take stock of your property as a whole. For owners of historic brick homes, this is the ideal moment to look closely at how the historic masonry weathered the colder months and begin planning for the year […]
Winter Masonry Care for Historic Homes: Small Projects with Big Impact
When winter settles in, it’s easy to assume masonry care has to wait until spring. If you live in a historic D.C. home, though, winter can be a valuable time to protect your brickwork. Colder weather often makes minor issues easier to spot, and addressing them early can help prevent more serious damage down the […]
Attic Alcoves: Making the Most of Historic Brick in the Upper Stories
When winter keeps you indoors, it’s often the first time in months that you slow down enough to notice what’s happening above your living spaces. In many historic D.C. homes, that includes brick walls and chimneys tucked away in attic spaces. These areas may be out of sight, but they play a critical role in […]
Basement Restoration: Winter Projects for Historic Brick Foundations
When winter settles in, your focus naturally shifts indoors. If you live in a historic D.C. home, that often means spending more time in spaces you might overlook during warmer months, including the basement. Winter can actually be a useful season for understanding how your brick foundation is performing and for addressing small issues before […]
Frost Heaves and Historic Brick Walkways: Why Winter Movement Matters
Winter weather in Washington, D.C. brings more than cold air and bare trees. It also brings ground movement that can affect brick walkways, patios, and garden paths around historic homes. If your brick path feels uneven after winter or shows signs of shifting, frost heaves are often the reason. Understanding why this happens helps you […]
Winter Salt and Historic Brick: Preventing Damage to Old D.C. Masonry
Winter weather in historic D.C. neighborhoods often brings icy sidewalks and slippery steps. Many homeowners reach for salt without realizing how harmful it can be to the historic brick and mortar that give these neighborhoods so much character. Understanding how salt affects older masonry helps you protect your home through the coldest months and prevent […]
Protecting Historic Brick Houses from Winter Damage Caused by Ice Dams
Winter in historic D.C. neighborhoods such as Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle brings a familiar mix of cold nights and light snow. It also brings a seasonal risk many homeowners overlook. Ice dams can form along the roofline and cause significant damage to the brickwork that defines so many historic D.C. homes. Understanding how […]
Winterize and Protect Brick Patios and Outdoor Masonry in Historic DC
The bluster and bone-chilling cold of winter are rapidly approaching, so it’s natural that your focus may be shifting to keeping indoor spaces warm, cozy, and extra-inviting. If you live in a historic D.C. home, though, your outdoor spaces need just as much preparation. Brick patios, garden walls, and walkways are some of the most […]
How to Safely Decorate Your Historic Brick Home for the Holiday Season
When you start unpacking wreaths and lights for the holidays, your first thought is probably how to make your home look warm and welcoming. If you live in a historic D.C. rowhouse, you may also wonder how to decorate without harming the brick that has been part of your home for centuries. Old masonry reacts […]
