Downspouts

As the guys have been doing the brickwork in the front of the house, they've brought up some concerns with the downspouts.

The existing ones weren't really working properly and would overflow causing water to cascade down the front of the house. As a result the brick would get wet and because of the need for tuckpointing, water was getting into the wall.

In typical "while you're in there" fashion, we might as well get the issues taken care of now.

Those with sharp eyes will note the fancy new temporary downspouts. They certainly ensure that the water is routed away from the foundation...

Tuckpointing

We've had various brick work done in the past and knew that we'd eventually need to do a fair amount of tuckpointing. We'd met with various contractors over the years and we're finally ready to get started. Understanding the unique aspects of doing this with old soft brick is important and that limits the number of available contractors. As a result, we've been on the list for quite a while waiting for them to complete other jobs.

Last Thursday this pile of material showed up.

And Friday it was assembled to look like this.

The plan is to do one side at a time over the next few years, depending upon funding. The chimneys need it too, so they will need to fit in somewhere.

The bits that need it the most will get priority...

Long time readers will recall that I'm not fond of heights, so this is one of the jobs I'll leave to the professionals.