When you first see stucco on a building, you may make the mistake of thinking it’s an easy material to work with. But the truth is, stucco is deceptive in its simplicity, and unless you’re extensively familiar with and practiced with plastering, it’s not something that should be touched by anyone other than a professional. That said, the preservation and repair of historic stucco is an essential skill to have when it comes to working with historic American buildings. Many of these, ranging from the European-inspired Greek and Gothic revivals from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to the ..read more

Brick houses have a timeless charm, blending strength and history into the very fabric of their walls. But this classic facade can often bear the brunt of weathering and pollution, requiring a good cleaning to maintain its appearance.  Whether you’re a homeowner looking to clean your house or an architect needing to restore a historical building, the process of cleaning the exterior of a brick house is critical. It’s not just about aesthetics; a well-maintained exterior can prolong the life of your brick and mortar by decades. This guide offers comprehensive techniques for cleaning brick ..read more

The exterior of a brick house can exude an appeal of timeless elegance. However, like any other surface, brick and mortar can accumulate dirt, grime, and stains over time. But fret not, a thorough cleaning can restore the splendor of your brick house and leave it looking like new. Pressure washing is a great way to get years of grime off of your bricks, and best of all, you can get it in a relatively short amount of time. Here’s what you need to do to pressure wash your home and get it looking better than ever. Prepare Your Brick House To begin with, it’s essential to inspect the brick walls f ..read more

In today’s world, there’s a noticeable shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar construction towards newer materials and methods, such as wood-frame construction. This shift can be largely attributed to evolving economic, cultural, and environmental factors. In today’s world, you’re more likely to see homes constructed from: steel wood cement stucco  While brick, once a go-to building material for its fire-resistant properties and long-lasting nature, still holds a certain charm, the realities of contemporary housing construction present challenges that make brick less popular. High ..read more

History of Stucco Historic stucco exteriors are known for their timeless beauty and durability. Stucco, a type of cement-based plaster, has been used as an exterior finish for buildings since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans were among the first civilizations to use stucco as a decorative element in their architecture. During the Renaissance period, stucco became widely popular in Europe and was used extensively in the construction of grand palaces, churches, and other monumental structures. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that stucco became commonly used in residential homes in the ..read more

A chimney, often considered the crown of a home, serves a critical purpose beyond its aesthetic charm. As a conduit for smoke and gases from fireplaces or stoves, it plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment. Chimneys, particularly those in historic homes, are often built from masonry materials like bricks and mortar, and may also include a metal flue liner to aid in directing the smoke outdoors. Over time, various factors such as water damage, chimney fires, or general wear and tear can compromise the structural integrity of these masonry chimneys, necessitating t ..read more

Masonry is a strong, durable material used in structures for centuries. However, it’s not immune to the effects of time and weathering. Sooner or later, every building experiences some degree of masonry deterioration. From minor cracks and spalling brick to major structural damage, there are many signs that your building may need masonry repair. Signs of Masonry Deterioration: Bowed Brick (Bulging Brick) Bowed bricks occur when the mortar between the brick and other masonry components hardens and cracks over time, allowing gravity to take its toll. This can cause the brick to bow outward, crea ..read more

When it comes to one of the most classic and timeless materials used for construction, nothing quite beats brick. It’s been a favored choice since ancient times due to its durability, affordability, and natural beauty. Brick is an excellent choice for exterior walls and interior surfaces alike, giving your home that extra bit of character. Masonry Staining: An Eco-Friendly Option When it comes to restoring the look of your brick, you may be tempted to paint it. But painting can not only damage the brick’s integrity but also leave unsightly painted marks on your walls that can be difficult to r ..read more

How often do you drive by a beautifully traditional or historic building—or a classic home in an older neighborhood or city center—and admire the intricate brick masonry work? Whatever the building may be, there is a gravitas and grandeur to beautiful brick masonry, even as the material itself is rugged and long-lasting. Not only are properly laid bricks timeless in appearance, but brick absorbs humidity more efficiently than other lesser materials, as well as minimizing the chances of common household annoyances, like mold and mildew. Because of this, homes made entirely of brick may be more ..read more

Masonry repair and restoration is a tricky business, best left to the professionals. Unless you’re an experienced mason yourself, chances are good that you’ll end up doing more harm than good if you try to tackle a repair project on your own. Here’s what you need to know about historic masonry repair. The Importance of Hiring a Professional Mason Many DIY enthusiasts and skilled craftsmen believe if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. And, sometimes we feel like we’re the best person for the job. However, historic brick and stone work often needs to be addressed by a professional. Whi ..read more