In the historic neighborhoods of Washington DC, brick restoration and repair are essential for preserving the stately old buildings. Well-preserved brick and mortar protects the authenticity of the original architecture and boosts the property values of the homes. Historic neighborhoods are often desirable because of the sense of community pride and quality of life they […]
Why Does Old Brick Need to Be Tuckpointed?
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 […]
How to Find Renovation Gems In Architectural Salvage
Like most owners of old houses, your renovation plans probably include matching as many of the authentic building parts – doors, flooring, fixtures, and millwork – as possible. It is possible to find reasonably priced, period materials by shopping the salvage market.
Why Preserve the Flooring in Your Historic Home?
Old houses are known for their many hand-crafted features, like hardwood floors, which give unique character to these buildings. These old floors, laid with the craft and materials of a previous time, have most likely seen lots of use. Restoring the worn, scratched and stained old floors is a favorite winter project.
How to Make Old Windows Energy Efficient
“Windows are the eyes of a house.” As the most visible elements of old homes, windows define the character and curb appeal of the buildings. Moreover, they offer clues to the history and architectural integrity of the home. Unfortunately, historic windows are frequently cited as the source of energy loss and owners are encouraged to […]
How to Inspect Historic Homes Before You Buy
Of course, you love that classic historic house. You can picture how it will complement the other restored homes in the neighborhood. Before you allow that image to lull you into a decision, remember that old house renovations can be full of expensive surprises. Take some time to plan and carry out your own inspection.
What is the Cost-Benefit of Your Old Home Renovation
When you purchase an old home, you probably expect to take on some significant upgrading and remodeling projects. Homeowners, whether motivated by resale or long-term residency, wants to make the old houses more comfortable and attractive. If budgetary concerns are a reality, you might decide to select projects that add value to your property. So, […]
Is Energy Loss a Challenge For Your Historic Brick Home?
The beauty and charm of historic homes radiate from their unique and stately classic features. However, like the lovely but leaky original windows, many of these features are not as energy efficient as you would like. In fact, the energy bills for a historic brick home can be somewhat distressing. Fortunately, there are strategies for […]
How to Protect Your Pipes In Freezing Weather
When water pipes freeze in the cold weather, homeowners face multiple disasters. Aside from the inconvenience of turning on taps that produce no water, there is the potential for water damage to the interior if the pipes burst. Older homes found in historic neighborhoods may be particularly prone to damage and discomfort caused by frozen pipes.
Why Do You See Bubbling on Your Plaster Walls?
When owners of historic brick homes in DC neighborhoods notice bubbling on their interior walls they have lots of questions. It’s not obvious that both the cause of the interior damage and the solution can be found in the exterior – in the original materials used to build their old homes.
