As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, it’s time to put together your fall to-do list. This list can quickly become unwieldy for owners of historic brick homes, as your home may require more than just routine maintenance. It may need significant repairs to preserve its structure and character, but it can be hard to tell what must be done now versus what can wait for spring. An expert consultation can be invaluable in prioritizing major repairs, like tuckpointing, over smaller, more aesthetic jobs.
It is always less expensive to repair a small problem before it becomes a significant, costly issue, and performing a fall inspection on your historic brick home can help you prioritize your to-do list. If you’ve never done an inspection before, hiring a historic home expert may be helpful to ensure no critical areas are missed. High-priority items include:
Tuckpointing
Over time, the mortar between bricks deteriorates, leading to gaps that allow water to seep in. When water infiltrates these spaces and freezes during the winter, it expands, causing further damage to both the mortar and bricks. Tuckpointing corrects this by replacing the damaged mortar with a fresh mixture. With historic homes, hiring an expert skilled in traditional materials is critical, as modern mortar mixtures are not compatible with historic brick.
Addressing Potential Water Damage
Fall is the perfect time to tackle any drainage or moisture-related issues. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water is properly diverted away from your foundation. Check for any signs of water pooling around your home, which can lead to foundation issues or wet basements. Additionally, inspect your roof and chimney for leaks to ensure your home is dry from top to bottom.
Stair and Railing Repairs
Safety should be a top priority as winter approaches, including ensuring that all stairs and railings are in good repair. Crumbling steps or loose railings can be hazardous, especially when covered in ice or snow. Ensuring that your stairs are level and that railings are secure will prevent accidents during the winter months.
Chimney Maintenance
A historic brick chimney, while beautiful, can develop issues that create serious safety hazards. Regular chimney cleaning is essential, but it’s also important to inspect the mortar joints and bricks for any signs of wear. Addressing these issues now will ensure your chimney remains functional and safe throughout the winter, preventing both structural damage and potential fire hazards.
Save Money with Cost-Effective Expert Repairs
A professional with experience in historic home repair will understand these unique challenges and address them appropriately, ensuring your brick remains sturdy, structurally sound and free from water damage.
With a prioritized fall to-do list, you can bring in skilled craftspeople to repair the problems the right way the first time. Having the historic brick experts make long-lasting repairs this fall will free up future dollars that you can allocate to other aesthetic projects that add further value to your home, such as patios, gardens, fences and ironwork.
Contact Renaissance Development to schedule a consultation this fall. Your well-thought-out repair plan, in conjunction with a historic brick expert and their dedicated team, will ensure that the charms of your historic home continue to shine for years to come.
