On a cold winter’s day, the sparkling icicles may look beautiful hanging along the eaves of a historic brick home, but when ice dams build up, the resulting damage will not be easily remedied. Read on for some practical, preventative measures homeowners can take as winter approaches.
Will Tuckpointing Fix a Damp Brick Basement?
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 […]
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?
Five Signs It’s Time to Repoint Your Old Brick Home
Owners of a historic DC brick home know that they need to maintain the mortar joints of the old brick facades of their home. Tuckpointing, or repointing, is the process by which the joints are restored. It’s not always easy to know when to contact a professional. Here are some tips for how you and […]
Security Bars on Windows: Yes or No?
The purpose of security bars on windows is to deter home invasion. Many homeowners opt to remove the old bars now that a broader range of home security options is available. However, when they are mounted in or attached to old brick, this can present an additional challenge.
What to Do About Those Tree Roots Pushing Up Your Walkways
Have you ever encountered a troublesome hump in a patio or on a neighborhood sidewalk, especially when pushing a baby stroller or trying to navigate a wheelchair? If so, you know how tree roots can cause serious problems. Not only does this obstacle ruin the aesthetic appeal of the hardscape itself, but it also poses […]
Five Facts to Know about Maintaining Historic Windows
The windows in historic homes are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. Although old windows can be a challenge to maintain and repair, there are many benefits to retaining existing windows.
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 […]
