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..
Read MoreThe Damp Realities of Doglegs
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 MoreRemodel, Renovate, Restore | What's the Difference?
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..
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 specialized..
Read MoreWhen You Can't Do It All: Prioritizing Home Renovations and Repairs
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,..
Read MoreThe High Cost of Deferred Maintenance
“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..
Read MoreRepairing and Replacing Exterior Window Sills on Historic Brick Homes
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..
Read MoreWhy Is Ivy Growing on Old Brick a Concern?
Do you have ivy growing on the walls of your brick home? It can certainly look beautiful, particularly during the warm months when the ivy blooms. It adds a thick green texture to the wall and gives..
Read MoreDo You See Bubbling on Your Interior Plaster Walls?
The stately historic brick homes in most DC neighborhoods were constructed with relatively soft, porous bricks and limestone mortar. Many of the interiors were covered with lime plaster. Occasionally..
Read MoreThe Case for Restoring Old Windows in Your Historic Home
Historic 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.
Sign up now for tips and tricks to help you understand how to preserve your historic home or building and maintain its architectural integrity far into the future.