Historic Preservation

Owners of historic brick homes are often reminded to pay close attention to their exterior brick walls. Routine inspections and tuckpointing help ensure water doesn’t find its way into small cracks and gaps, which can lead to significant damage over time. But water on the above-ground bricks isn’t the only concern. With the spring thaw, […]

In many of D.C.’s historic districts, retaining walls help control soil erosion and runoff, providing safe transitions between ground levels. They provide beauty and charm, but they can quickly become a hazard without proper maintenance and repair. Different strategies are required depending on the type and degree of damage the retaining wall has sustained. Repairing […]

As the weather warms up and brings us into Spring, assessing winter damage on your historic brick home’s walkways, patios, driveways, retaining walls and urban gardens should be a priority. Keeping this hardscaping safe not only protects you from injury but also adds to your home’s curb appeal and increases the longevity of your outdoor […]

Historic brick homes in DC are a testament to industrialization, urban expansion and evolving building codes. Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, the British made a decision to use brick instead of wood for its reconstruction. By the time America gained its independence, fires were already common as cities began to grow. For […]

Although used interchangeably with “plaster,” stucco now usually refers to an exterior finish, while plaster is considered a suitable option for interior walls. Some historic homes were designed with stucco as the intended finish, though many historic brick exteriors were replaced with stucco due to its increased popularity during particular decades of the 19th and […]

Historic brick homes provide a welcome feeling of warmth and charm against winter’s chilly backdrop – but they are not immune to the cold, freezing rain, ice and snow. In fact, historic brick homes need a bit more attention than some other buildings in order to deal with D.C.’s long winters and plunging temperatures. Identifying, […]

Renovating your historic brick home can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, as the charm and character of these homes often come along with hidden challenges. It’s essential to employ smart strategies when considering renovations and repairs, and to approach each project with a well-thought-out plan.

A fence or gate is one of the most important investments you can make for your property’s safety and privacy. Wood and iron work both mingle well aesthetically with the traditional façades of historic brick homes. These materials are available in a broad range of styles, maintaining the architectural integrity of your home, while adding […]

With the new year upon us, it’s a good time to find some balance in our daily lives. One place where you should always feel comfortable and cozy is in your home. As an owner of a historic brick house, taking care of your home is an extension of taking care of yourself, so making […]

If your historic brick home has a functioning fireplace, you know how much warmth and ambiance it offers. However, that coziness comes with a few hazards, and keeping your fireplace operational means annual maintenance tasks in order for them to perform safely and efficiently. It’s a tough job that requires experience and attention to detail, […]