ICYMI: Where is That Leak Coming From?

Aug 26, 2021 12:57:21 PM Christina Wilson

Water is an insidious enemy for homeowners. It can find the smallest entry point and travel throughout your home’s interior to cause significant damage. Often, when the damage becomes visible, it is..

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Does Tuckpointing Make a Mess?

Jun 16, 2021 2:19:21 PM Christina Wilson

Tuckpointing is an essential remedy for deteriorated, broken, or missing mortar. It’s a big job but only needs to be done every 25 - 50 years or so if done correctly. If the time has come for your..

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Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Old Brick House

Apr 8, 2021 8:45:00 AM Christina Wilson

Brick homes can be refreshed and beautifully transformed with the right paint job. Following a few helpful color scheme guidelines can assure a gratifying result.

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The Damp Realities of Doglegs

Feb 25, 2021 7:45:00 AM renaissanceadmin

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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When It Rains It Pours: Water Penetration via Failing Brick and Mortar

Dec 3, 2020 8:45:00 AM Christina Wilson

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 specialized..

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Are Tree Roots Wreaking Havoc in Your Urban Garden?

Oct 29, 2020 2:23:50 PM Christina Wilson

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 can..

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What to Do with the Security Bars on Your Historic Home

Oct 20, 2020 12:55:43 PM Christina Wilson

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 of..

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Repairing and Replacing Exterior Window Sills on Historic Brick Homes

Sep 10, 2020 7:15:00 PM Christina Wilson

Every owner of an old brick home knows that exterior window sills will show age and weathering, both of which significantly impact a building’s good looks over time. Even more critical than..

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What Are the Benefits of Historic Designation?

Aug 28, 2020 8:30:00 AM Christina Wilson

When you purchase on an old brick house in the Washington DC area, you have taken a step into history. Many neighborhoods, particularly those located in Historic Districts, are known for their..

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Old or Historic? Why Should it Matter to Homeowners?

Jul 31, 2020 8:30:00 AM Christina Wilson

When you purchase on an old brick house in the Washington DC area, you have taken a step into history. Many neighborhoods, particularly those located in Historic Districts, are known for their..

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