Brick Staircase Repointing and Exterior Work in Washington, DC
Scope of Work
Project Overview
The brick front steps at this DC home had reached the point where the mortar was a safety problem, not just a cosmetic one. The homeowner wanted them repaired before they got worse. While we were on site, we also took care of a couple of other things that had been put off: cleaning out the gutters and repainting the worn out exterior trim. The bricks themselves were still in good shape, so the plan was to save them and rebuild the joints around them.
This masonry and exterior work was part of a larger project we completed at this Washington, DC home during the same visit. We also took care of the front yard planting, mulching, and cleanup in Washington, DC, clearing the overgrown beds, planting liriope and ajuga, and finishing everything in fresh black mulch.
Before / AFTER
Site Conditions
The Property and Site Conditions
The mortar and cement between the brick steps had deteriorated badly. It had gotten loose and crumbling enough to be a real safety hazard for anyone using the stairs, so this was the part of the project that needed attention first.
The gutters and downspouts on the mid and upper levels were full and not draining right. A few exterior areas, including the downspout, some front trim, and a section of the exterior, had paint that was peeling and worn out.
ASSESsMENT
What We Did
Brick Step Repointing
We chipped away the old, failing mortar and cement by hand, working carefully so the existing bricks stayed intact. Once the joints were cleaned out, we packed in fresh base mortar and new cement. We did this on each step and ran it about a foot into the top step. All the original bricks went back in, so the steps kept their original look but got their structure back.
Gutter Cleaning
We cleaned out the gutters on both the mid and upper levels and all the gutters across the front of the house. We staked out the downspouts so water actually drains away from the house the way it should. All the debris we pulled out got hauled off and recycled.
Exterior Painting
The homeowner wanted to freshen up the downspout, part of the exterior, and the front trim where the paint was wearing through. We matched a gray/silver shade to the existing color above the door. Before painting, we sanded the surfaces where they needed it and cleaned everything so the paint would stick. Then we put on two coats for an even finish.
Completed Project
Thinking About a Similar Project?
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