Can Tuckpointing Be Done in the Winter?

Dec 13, 2021 4:35:43 PM Christina Wilson

When you see deterioration or cracks in your bricks and mortar, it’s never too early to consult a professional. Depending on the scope of your project, an expert in the historic preservation of old..

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Brick and Mortar Repair:  Yesterday and Today

Sep 16, 2021 8:45:00 AM Christina Wilson

Brick and mortar as building materials have been around for centuries. Mortar is a mixture of sand, cement, and water and is the binding agent that keeps brickwork together. Brick and mortar as..

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Should I Buy the House With a Bulging Brick Wall?

Sep 7, 2021 10:01:57 AM Christina Wilson

Ever since you saw that gorgeous old two-story brick home, you’ve been anxious to buy it. It’s a charming historic Washington DC row house in a beautiful, walkable neighborhood. But now you've..

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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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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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Remodel, Renovate, Restore | What's the Difference?

Feb 19, 2021 12:49:17 PM Christina Wilson

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 vital..

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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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When You Can't Do It All: Prioritizing Home Renovations and Repairs

Nov 27, 2020 7:45:00 AM Christina Wilson

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,..

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The High Cost of Deferred Maintenance

Nov 12, 2020 7:45:00 AM Christina Wilson

“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 it's..

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