Tuckpointing

To own a historic brick home in Washington, D.C., is to be the caretaker of a living piece of history. Unlike modern structures, these 19th-century homes were built to breathe, using softer, more forgiving materials that interact with the elements. That’s why paying close attention to your exterior is the key to preserving your home’s […]

Once you’ve spotted signs of brick deterioration and approved a proposal for tuckpointing, you’ve already taken the most important step towards preserving your historic D.C. home. But what comes next often surprises many homeowners, especially those living in historic districts. Tuckpointing requires more than just skilled, expert craftsmanship. It involves a series of logistical steps […]

Your historic brick home’s damp basement is not something you should have to live with. If you have damp, wet conditions in your basement, musty odors, mold or mildew, these are all red flags that your brickwork needs some maintenance. A less obvious sign is efflorescence—the white, powdery haze you may see on your bricks […]

Spring is here, and it happens to be the perfect time to examine the condition of your historic brick home. Melting ice and snow, along with spring rain, can give many clues to the state of your brick and mortar, both inside and outside. However, many homeowners make the mistake of believing their brick and […]

Historic brick-and-mortar homes are long-lasting, with a solid ability to withstand the elements, and generally have low maintenance requirements. However, low maintenance certainly doesn’t mean no maintenance. As the decades pass, your mortar joints will inevitably begin to fail to some degree, leaving your home open to potential water damage. Spotting the signs of impending […]

As the owner of a historic brick home, you know the inherent charm of the house is the result of the craftsmanship that went into building it. With proper maintenance, these homes were designed to stand the test of time, although many homeowners don’t know that maintaining the brick isn’t only about cosmetic upkeep. The […]

The sturdy construction, character, and timeless exteriors of historic properties exude lots of charm and curb appeal, so it’s no wonder they continue to be popular investments for home buyers. The importance of maintenance, especially routine tuckpointing, is an essential part of ownership. Tuckpointing consists of removing and replacing mortar between the bricks and it’s […]

The timeless charm of an historic brick exterior makes it a perennial favorite in the housing market. Homes with unique identities and rich back-stories have an inherent curb appeal built right in—but only if they are properly maintained. Like any other material, brick requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Annual inspections of […]

As you settle into winter,  there may not be too many thoughts of home repairs or improvements running through your mind. However, if you’ve been considering exposing some interior brick walls or repairing interior brickwork, winter happens to be an excellent time to get the job done. Taking care of interior tuckpointing now removes a […]

If your home or office has a brick foundation, it is an integral part of the structure. It is important to keep the brick and mortar in good condition, but basements present a challenge. The below-grade bricks are subject to harsher conditions, causing mortar cracks. Therefore, it is essential to find out: will tuckpointing fix […]