Fake Rubble Masonry Walls
Understanding Fake Rubble Masonry Walls: An Overview Retaining walls are commonly used for stabilization at grade changes in general site layouts and yards. However, this
Interspersing Brick and Block for a Creative Design
Creative Masonry Design: Interspersing Brick and Block A few months back, while traveling, we saw an interesting masonry building assembly that caught our attention because
Lateral Failure in Historic Concrete Opening Headers
Lateral Failure in Historic Concrete Opening Headers: Causes & Solutions The majority of the historic buildings here in Washington DC were built from brick masonry
Spray Foam is NOT the Answer – Part III
Spray Foam is Not the Answer – Part III: Better Alternatives for Masonry Over the past few weeks we’ve been looking at cases where spray
Expert Historic Portico Restoration in Capitol Hill: Ensuring Quality Craftsmanship for Late 1800s Architecture
Restoring Historic Charm: Late 1800s Portico Refurbishment in Capitol Hill In the heart of Capitol Hill, we recently undertook a project that combined both craftsmanship
Spray Foam is NOT the Answer – Part II
Continuing the Case Against Spray Foam: Understanding the Risks and Better Options This past week, we started looking at a topic of spray foam used
Tuckpointing Project Finished on 4th St. NE in Historic Capitol Hill
At Infinity Design Solutions, LLC, we are passionate about preserving the rich history of Washington, DC’s architecture, and our latest tuckpointing project on 4th St.
Spray Foam is NOT the Answer – Part I
Why Spray Foam Isn’t the Best Solution for Facade Restoration: Part I Our company focuses on facade restoration and here on our blog and website,
An Old Garage Wall Left Behind
In the picture below, you can see an old Garage wall left behind or the old masonry. The old wall stands directly against another building.
Recent Historic Tuckpointing Project Completed in Washington, DC
At Infinity Design Solutions, LLC, we take great pride in our craftsmanship and expertise in restoring the beauty and integrity of historic homes in Washington,
Roofing as Siding
Here on our website and on our blog, we’ll often go deep into certain topics and talk about them for several different weeks in series.
Ironspot Brick and Deteriorated Historic Mortar – Part II
Last week we took a look at a building with iron spot bricks. The appearance of iron spots can vary widely depending on several factors:
Ironspot Brick and Deteriorated Historic Mortar – Part I
Some historic bricks in Washington DC have black spots. These spots indicate that the brick used is an ironspot brick and / or tapestry brick.
Rake Boards at the Top of a Historic Brick Facade
Here on our website, we have lots of different content where you can learn about the historic building construction anatomy, design, architecture and structural preservation
The Ruins of a Historic Stone Masonry Building
Today we are looking at the ruins of a historic rubblestone masonry structure located in a remote wooded area. The building was constructed primarily of
Foundation Drainage – Part II
Over the past few weeks, we’ve looked at different aspects of a freestanding building foundation. Although this is new construction, it is a good context
Foundation Drainage – Part I
Foundation drainage is a complex topic of high importance, to avoid wet basements and foundations. We could probably dedicate an entire book to just this
An Exposed Building Foundation – Part II
This past week, we had an opportunity to take a look at a modern type of simple residential concrete foundation for a new home. Although
An Exposed Building Foundation – Part I
This past week, we took the very rare chance to get out of the concrete jungle of Washington DC and out into the sleepy and
Hay Doors in Historic Masonry Facades – Part II
Last week, we looked at part one of the same series on hay doors at some of the elevated levels of historic brick buildings here
Hay Doors in Historic Masonry Facades
Today, we’re starting a multi-part series on hay doors (and lucarne doors). Hay doors are a historic relic that have survived, in some rare and
Romeo and Juliet Balconies
A Romeo and Juliet balcony, also known as a Juliet balcony, is a type of balcony that is typically shallow in depth and does not
Dry Stack Walls – Part II of II
Last week, we looked at a few different retaining walls that had a strong resemblance to a dry stack stone wall. Retaining walls are rarely
Dry Stack Wall …or is it?? Part I of II
A few months ago, in the earliest part of the year, still in the late winter, we took a look at a historic stone masonry