In the DC area, homeowners likely know all about "doglegs" built into many historic two to three-story rowhouse homes, which share at least one wall side with their neighbor's house. Doglegs were..
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Remodel, Renovate, Restore | What's the Difference?
Even contractors sometimes use the terms remodel, renovate, and restore interchangeably, though these terms have entirely different meanings. When working on a home in a historic district, it’s..
Read MoreKey to Testing the Condition of Your Mortar
If you've got a brick home, you are undoubtedly aware that brick is not only beautiful but one of the most durable and long-lasting materials for outside structures and facades. Still, over time,..
Read MoreClean Rain Gutters Now for a Trouble-Free Winter
One of the most damaging things we see that allows water to invade homes begins before the cold winter months start. Some simple maintenance can prevent this serious problem from developing...
Read MoreSeasonal Décor for Historic Entryways
Historic Washington DC area homes have a unique beauty in any season, but many homeowners choose to add special holiday touches to their home’s entryway when the holidays draw near. Here are some..
Read MoreWhen It Rains It Pours: Water Penetration via Failing Brick and Mortar
Stately old homes are a thing of beauty. Historic neighborhoods, like those in Washington DC, boast many brick homes built in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. These homes require..
Read MoreWhen You Can't Do It All: Prioritizing Home Renovations and Repairs
Homeownership is a big responsibility. One constant that all homeowners face is the need for ongoing maintenance. Any homeowner will tell you there is always something that needs doing; repairs,..
Read MoreThe High Cost of Deferred Maintenance
“Why do today what can be put off until tomorrow?” This tongue-in-cheek adage describes many homeowners’ attitudes toward dealing with home maintenance and repairs. Maintenance costs money, and..
Read MoreAre Tree Roots Wreaking Havoc in Your Urban Garden?
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..
Read MoreWhat to Do with the Security Bars on Your Historic Home
A question that comes up for the owners of some historic homes in and around Washington, DC, is what to do with the old security bars - sometimes called burglar bars - on the windows. The purpose..
Read MoreHistoric Buildings
Don’t Take Care of Themselves
Maintaining centuries-old structures requires traditional methods and materials … and that means you may not know the right way to handle upkeep of your historic building’s masonry. There’s so much more to tuckpointing than replacing mortar.
Sign up now for tips and tricks to help you understand how to preserve your historic home or building and maintain its architectural integrity far into the future.