Winter. There’s no avoiding the harsh weather, with its freeze and thaw patterns. While walkways and steps demand immediate attention, there is also the problem of ice forming on the eaves of our homes. Owners of historic brick homes will want to learn more about preventing the damage that can result.
Your Guide To Sane and Successful Historic Home Renovation
Every historic home comes with a to-do list of repairs and upgrades. A common challenge to home owners is how to decide which, if any, of the tasks are appropriate for DIY. Even the most handy owners, eager to get started on a project, should consider carefully which tasks are best left to professionals.
Rehabilitation or Restoration for Your Historic Home?
Ownership of an old brick home in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods comes with a unique set of responsibilities and decisions. Unlike owners of newer and more modern homes, you face the challenge of how to make your home comfortable while maintaining the authentic nature of its architecture and features. There are many elements to […]
What’s the Best Way to Remove Ice and Snow From Brick?
In the season of ice and snow, DC brick walkways and steps become a challenge for homeowners. The problems is that salt or other chemical de-icing products should not be used to remove ice and snow from brick walkways. These products can damage and stain the bricks, degrade the mortar joints and harm any nearby vegetation. […]
Why Traditional Tuckpointing is the Most Cost Effective
If the brick and mortar facade of your historic DC homes show signs of deterioration, it’s time to repair and restore. The first step is looking for a masonry contractor who can work with your particular situation. When comparing estimates from masonry contractors, traditional tuckpointing methods and materials may seem more costly than the others. […]
Why You Save Money With Traditional Tuckpointing
If the brick and mortar facade of your historic DC homes show signs of deterioration, it’s time to repair and restore. The first step is looking for a masonry contractor who can work with your particular situation. When comparing estimates from masonry contractors, traditional tuckpointing methods and materials may seem more costly than the others. […]
Do You Know How to Care For Old Brick Facades?
Owners of historic DC brick homes have likely heard of tuckpointing. Also known as repointing, it is the process by which the facades of brick structures are restored and maintained. Even the most savvy owners of historic homes may not know the right way to handle upkeep of a historic building’s masonry.
How to Restore Hardwood Floors 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.
Your Old Home Renovation Doesn’t Have to Be a “Money Pit”
You love old houses and have always wanted to find the right one and settle into a long-term restoration project. If affordability is a definite factor, you may be looking for a bargain. The classic “fixer-upper” can be a possibility, and many old structures can pay dividends on your time and money. However, if you […]
Is Your Interior Brick Wall a Focus for Entertaining?
During the holiday season historic brick homes in the Washington DC area use an exposed interior brick wall as a backdrop for entertaining. These old interior brick walls add warmth to the holiday décor. Here’s a few maintenance tips that will help preserve the stunning quality of your brick and make sure it’s surface will […]
