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..
Read MoreRenaissance Development Blog
Clean 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 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 MoreWater and Your Brick Chimney
Your chimney is more than just a silent black hole of mystery. A chimney performs a number of vital functions for the safety and comfort of your home. A simple outward appearance doesn't tell the..
Read MoreWhat Causes Bulging in Brick Walls?
As winter turns to spring and warmer temperatures draw us outdoors, you may spot a bulge in your exterior brick walls. This is masonry issue that are not uncommon among old brick buildings in..
Read MoreThose Picturesque Icicles on Your Roof Mean Trouble
Many love the appearance of icicles hanging along the eaves of an old house, but those icy formations mean something ominous is also forming on your roof – ice dams. Freezing weather and plenty of..
Read MoreWhat Happens When There is Water Damage to Mortar?
The battle between moisture and structural deterioration has lasted since man first erected a structure, and it will continue. Masonry systems are designed to prevent the intrusion of natural..
Read MoreWhat Should I Know About Water Damage to Old Brick?
As a preservationist I love the enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area's 100-year-old brick buildings. Whether single owner homes or multiple units, the rich sense of history..
Read MoreWhat Is the Best Way to Deal With Bulging Brick Walls?
When the winter season is over, owners of old brick homes in the Washington DC areas are advised to inspect the exterior walls of the structures. One of the things to look for is any bulges in..
Read MoreHow to Prevent Damage from Ice Dams
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..
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.
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