Ascension Catholic Church
Rectory Exterior Restoration - Bowie, MD
Project Snapshot
Location: Bowie, Maryland
Ascension Catholic Church & Rectory Exterior Restoration
- Historic brick church building
• Church rectory residence
Exterior Work Completed
- Full brick exterior power washing
• Masonry mortar point-up repairs
• Aluminum siding restoration
• Replacement of damaged wood trim
• Industrial exterior painting system
Materials & Systems Used
- Commercial pressure washing equipment
• Oil-based bonding primer
• Industrial direct-to-metal exterior paint
• Professional masonry repair materials
Estimated Paint Lifespan
Up to 30 years of exterior protection
Project Overview
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling and Design recently completed a full exterior restoration project for two adjacent buildings in Bowie, Maryland: a historic brick church and the nearby church rectory where the parish priest resides.
Both buildings had experienced decades of weathering, staining, and exterior wear, and the goal of the project was to restore the structures to a clean, well-maintained appearance while preserving the original materials whenever possible.
Instead of replacing exterior materials, our team focused on restoration, structural repair, and long-term protective finishes.
Restoring Vs. Replacing
Many property owners assume aging siding or masonry must be replaced. In reality, proper restoration techniques can often extend the life of exterior materials for decades while saving significant cost.
At Mid-Atlantic Remodeling and Design, we specialize in restoring and preserving existing structures whenever possible.
When our team first arrived on site, both buildings showed decades of environmental wear and aging.
The brick church exterior had accumulated over 70 years of dirt, organic staining, and discoloration, leaving the masonry looking dark and weathered. Mortar joints in several areas had begun to deteriorate, requiring professional masonry repair.
Next door, the church rectory’s aluminum siding had developed heavy oxidation and buildup, making the exterior appear dull and worn. In addition, several wood components on the building had deteriorated and needed replacement.
Without restoration, both structures would have continued to decline, eventually requiring expensive material replacement.
The Restoration Process
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling and Design implemented a comprehensive exterior restoration strategy for both buildings.
The church brick was carefully power washed using professional-grade equipment designed to remove decades of buildup while protecting the masonry. Once cleaned, our team completed mortar point-up repairs to restore the structural integrity of the brickwork.
For the rectory building, the aluminum siding was thoroughly power washed and cleaned down nearly to bare metal, removing oxidation and contaminants. Damaged sections were repaired, and deteriorated wood trim was replaced.
The siding was then coated with a heavy-duty oil-based bonding primer, followed by three coats of industrial-grade direct-to-metal exterior paint designed for long-term durability.
After Restoration
The transformation was dramatic.
The church brick exterior returned to its natural color and character, highlighting the architectural beauty of the structure while reinforcing the masonry.
Next door, the rectory was completely revitalized with a smooth, durable painted aluminum finish designed to last up to 30 years.
Together, the two buildings now present a clean, unified appearance that reflects pride in the property and preserves the historic character of the church campus.
Why Restoration Instead of Replacement?
Many property owners assume aging siding or masonry must be replaced. In reality, professional restoration can often extend the life of building materials for decades while saving significant cost.
In this project, replacing the aluminum siding with vinyl would have been far more expensive and would have changed the building’s original character.
Instead, our restoration approach provided several advantages:
Cost Savings
Restoring existing materials avoided the cost of full siding replacement.
Long-Term Durability
The direct-to-metal paint system provides up to 30 years of protection.
Preservation of Original Materials
Maintaining the original aluminum siding preserved the building’s structure and design.
Improved Appearance
Both buildings were restored to a clean, like-new exterior condition.
This approach is often the most practical and cost-effective solution for churches, historic buildings, and older residential properties.
