Once the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to check your property for issues that may have arisen over the winter. After a season of extreme weather, it's wise to run through a checklist of..
Read MoreInterior Wall Bubbling and Moisture Control
Owning a historic home often comes with unique challenges, with much of the focus placed on structural integrity and repair. A not-so-uncommon problem is bubbling on plaster walls and ceiling..
Read MoreBest Ice and Snow Treatment for Brick Walkways and Steps
As the snow begins to fly and ice forms on the eaves, the perennial controversy about the best ice and snow treatment for brick walkways and steps. Clearing ice and snow from bricks is important not..
Read MoreShould I Buy the House With a Bulging Brick Wall?
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..
Read MoreICYMI: Where is That Leak Coming From?
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..
Read MoreHelp! Our Exposed Brick Wall is Crumbling
Many older, historic brick homes in the Washington DC area feature interior brick walls and exteriors. Over time, these brick structures can erode and decay just like outside masonry exposed to..
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 MoreClean Rain Gutters Now for a Trouble-Free Winter
One of the most damaging things we see that allows water to invade homes begins before the cold winter months start. Some simple maintenance can prevent this serious problem from developing...
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 MoreWater and Your Brick Chimney
Your chimney is more than just a silent black hole of mystery. A chimney performs a number of vital functions for the safety and comfort of your home. A simple outward appearance doesn't tell the..
Read MoreHistoric 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.
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