Crushed stone and masonry dust work equally well when bringing a brick path back to level.

Despite what we learned from the three little pigs, as they grow older, even the hardiest of brick buildings will require repair and restoration. The strict requirements of some historic districts have given way to lots of new tricks for dyeing and distressing new brick and mortar to closely resemble the older surrounding masonry.

Bob and Chris once again meet up with Cas Stachelberg from Higgins and Quasebarth to talk more about the fa�ade restoration. Higgins and Quasebarth is a New York City firm focused on the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties. Stachelberg sizes up the restoration work by first describing the original high quality brick from the building's original use as a residence. The masonry works transitions to a more common brick with large mortar joints that was added when the building was converted to commercial use. Moving along the facade, Stachelberg points out the bluestone stairs, which were likely added during the building's commercial conversion. In disrepair, the stairs are now delaminating from decades of exposure to New York weather. The restoration expert also notes the brownstone sill on the other side of the building, which he believes was the building's original entrance.

House six of the Elmwood project. The brick walkway goes in and the railings are replicated by Forester Moulding.

Former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs enjoys her Cambria countertop, a greener alternative to her Italian tiles that once cost her thousands of dollars and harsh, environmentally hazardous chemicals to clean. Photo courtesy of Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces , www.CambriaUSA.com.

Sustainable materials, non-wasteful practices and energy efficiency are hallmarks of eco-friendly housing efforts. Now, one organization and a federal program are looking more directly at how these efforts can make homes healthier for their occupants.

you and your family stay comfortable the entire season while protecting your investment. The good news is that it doesn t have to be expensive. There are a surprising number of easy things you can do at minimal cost that can maximize energy savings this winter. BobVila.

Many homeowners will have to deal with big heating bills this winter. But there is good news. Those bills are not expected to contain the huge price hikes 23 percent for heating oil and 18 percent for natural gas predicted earlier this year. A slowed economy has driven down some prices.