The windows in historic DC brick 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.

When you buy an old or historic home in the Washington DC area, you probably have a plan to upgrade and renovate.  One of the decisions you’ll face is whether or not to replace the original or existing windows. If your home is in a historic neighborhood or has a historic designation, you will have […]

Does your exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration? Spring is the right time to get some expert advice. Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find a masonry contractor in DC who  has the appropriate expertise. 

Does your old home have a history? Many of the old brick houses and neighborhoods in the Washington DC area have stories to tell. One way to get the official recognition of your home’s connection to important periods in history is to get a historic designation. What exactly is a designation and what is involved […]

Hard winters are reminders of how devastating weather can be on brick facades. The freeze-thaw cycles eventually lead to damage to brick and mortar. Spring is the best time to take stock of your historic brick home, identify any damaged areas, and start planning for repairs.

If you own one of the many historic brick rowhouses in the Washington DC neighborhoods, you are probably curious about who built your home and when. Now you can use a new free resource made available by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) to research that history.

For owners of historic brick homes, missing or damaged bricks in the building’s facades are a call to action. These stately exteriors require restoration to preserve their timely authenticity and to protect their structural integrity. 

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. 

Does your exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration? Spring is the right time to get some expert advice. Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find a masonry contractor in DC who  has the appropriate expertise. 

Those bricks that make up your old home’s facade are durable enough to last nearly a century. But the mortar holding them together is another story. It typically has to be replaced several times during the life of the walls to prevent any damage. This common repair is called tuckpointing, and when done correctly, it […]