As winter continues to drag on, it can seem like spring will never come. Homeowners often daydream about warmer weather and how they will use outdoor spaces to their full potential. If you own a historic brick home, you’ll want to pay special attention to the unique needs of your exterior spaces. Consulting with a historic brick expert will ensure your budget is spent in the correct places and that the improvements to your property will bring you years of happiness.
First, Take Care of Your Brick
When it comes to prioritizing budgets, having the brick of your historic home in good repair is essential before deciding to make other renovations to the exterior. For example, a beautiful patio won’t be noticed if your retaining wall is collapsing. Even if there are not dramatic issues with your brick, an inspection by a historic brick home expert can spot minor concerns and prevent them from ballooning into major expenses.
A thorough inspection can include examining your exterior walls, chimney, porches, steps, retaining walls, walkways, patios and more. A historic home expert can also identify drainage concerns to ensure water is properly moving away from your foundation. They can even evaluate foundation plantings and determine which trees and shrubs could pose a hazard to the brick.
If problems are found, their team has the tools and techniques to make the necessary repairs.
Tuckpointing the Traditional Way
Repairing historic brick requires specialized craftsmanship and materials. Historic brick is softer than modern brick, and historic mortar is lime-based, not cement-based like today’s material. While this may seem insignificant, combining old and new materials is a recipe for disaster. The two types of brick and mortar have different compressive strengths, and the modern variety will eventually crack your original brick, leading to unsightly damage and potential water problems.
Traditional tuckpointing is the removal and replacement of damaged mortar. With care, skill, and experience, the traditional methods and materials will provide long-term protection for your bricks and keep your home free from water damage. A whole home tuckpointing should be done every few decades to restore the sharp mortar lines that give historic homes their prestigious curb appeal.
Ironwork and Fencing
Once you know your brick and mortar is solid, giving yourself and your family more privacy is often near the top of the list. Adding fencing, ironwork railings and gates to your property are the perfect projects to start once the warmer weather arrives. A historic home expert can provide guidance on what styles are period-appropriate for your house, or they can seamlessly blend the old with the new, if that’s your design preference. Either way, a single project can ensure your improved safety, privacy, and curb appeal.
Book Early for Spring Projects to Avoid the Rush
Booking an appointment now might seem like jumping too far ahead but once the weather warms up, the demand for home repairs and renovations grows, and spots fill up quickly for specialized services. By working with your historic home specialist now, you can plan out your project and budget and get ready to enjoy the spring and summer!
Book a free consultation with Renaissance Development and discover the possibilities your exterior spaces hold. Don’t forget to ask about our special February Winter Promotion, which gives you 15% off any estimate when the contract is signed by February 29, 2024.
