Large island style white two-story exterior home photo in Miami

Garage - contemporary garage idea in San Diego

Diane Brophy Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Boston with gray walls, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

matt meaney @ artisan landscapes and pools
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun front yard stone landscaping in New York.

Example of an island style staircase design in Charleston

Modern Farmhouse: Carrington Hill Designs FGY Architects Conroy + Tanzer Photographic
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Modern Bathroom Design. By using Carrera Polished White Porcelain Tiles on the floor you will get the most "wow" reaction from any guest. You also can use another two selections which are Statuario White Polished and Astoria White Polished porcelain tiles. Designer & Builder #Alireza Ghanbari Provided by #Dizeh Design Build Tile Supplier #VIVA TILES INC

Calacatta Verona Quartz has a soft white background and subtle veins. This stunning quartz requires no ongoing maintenance, is easy to clean, and durable, making it the perfect choice for busy residential and commercial kitchens.

There's always room for more storage regardless of what room we are talking about, and the bathroom is no exception. If you've maxed out your linen closet and cabinet space, it's time to add bathroom hooks. While they're mainly designed for towels, these compact storage solutions are perfect for keeping your family’s towels and bathrobes tidy and easy to access. We carry a wide range of bathroom hooks so you can find the design, color, and style that matches your bathroom. Choose your favorite finish, including polished chrome, polished gold, black, and more, and then decide on what shape and style best fits your space. We have basic round hooks and modern square hooks. We even offer double hooks, triple hooks and more, to give you the storage you need without adding an extra installation step.

Formal Mediterranean
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean full sun side yard formal garden in Los Angeles.

A unique pattern of Thassos and Mother of Pearl in a brilliant shade of icy blue!
Example of a minimalist kitchen design in New York with blue backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

A modern steel mesh fence contrasts with spring growth of Cotoneaster multiflorus http://annacaitlinphotography.com/

Sonoma weeHouse exterior. Copyright/Photo by Geoffrey Warner, Alchemy, LLC 2016.
Home design - contemporary home design idea in Minneapolis

Reclaimed fir T&G with faded grey finish. Photo: Sterling Lorence
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As the temperatures continue to climb, and we finally get a chance to enjoy some warm weather, we start to walk around the neighborhood, or even our own homes, to find that lots of work needs to be done. Whether it be weed picking or changing bulbs in the light fixtures there’s always something that needs to be done. However, there’s one thing that can’t wait for your attention and that’s chimney tuckpointing. Why is it so important? Let’s take a look. Weather and Tuckpointing, Not a Good Match You might have guessed that Chicago and Chicagoland’s weather is brutal on masonry. The city and suburbs average around 35 freeze-thaw cycles every single winter. Every time the cycle occurs, it takes a toll on the chimney's mortar joints. When water gets in and temperatures drop, the water freezes & expands as ice with enough force to crack brick and stone. When Spring comes around, what once was a hairline crack, now gets bigger and allows rain to enter into your home. This is why the yearly chimney inspection is not optional, according to the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). A Little Chicago History Most homes in neighborhoods like Beverly, Oak Park, Evanston and across the North Shore were built between the 1890s and 1950s. The mortar used in that era had a lifespan of roughly 25–30 years under normal conditions. Under Chicago and Chicagoland conditions? It is reduced. Homeowners buying older properties frequently inherit chimneys that haven't been maintained in a very long time. When the chimney along with the flashing, bricks, chimney cap and chimney crown are not checked and maintained, loss of structural integrity begins. Water working its way through deteriorated joints reaches the interior of the chimney. This is where it can cause damage to the fire liner while it finds its way into the home. In some situations, compromised masonry near the fireplace can create fire safety concerns. Getting a Chimney Inspection Early Makes All the Difference The good news is that chimney tuckpointing, diagnosed early, is simply a repair. The bad news is that homeowners who wait too long can turn the issue into a partial rebuild, or a full chimney rebuild. By the time mortar is visibly crumbling from the street, the damage has already progressed deeper into the chimney structure. A professional inspection every year is the most cost-effective way to keep the chimney and home heathy. It's often the difference between a few hundred dollars and several thousand. Not All Tuckpointing Is Equal One thing worth understanding is that proper tuckpointing requires removing the old mortar to a depth of approximately three-quarters of an inch before new mortar can be applied. Anything less and the new mortar won't bond with longevity / correctly. DIY or companies that just smear new mortar over old joints are doing what's sometimes called "skim coating," and it's essentially cosmetic work that won't hold up. The type of mortar mix matters too. More modern cement mortars are actually harder than historic brick, which causes the brick itself to absorb, stress and crack rather than the mortar joint. A knowledgeable mason from Superior Chimney will match mortar composition to the brick, only something a real expert can get right. Contact Superior Chimney today to get a chimney inspection which includes inspecting the exterior chimney today at 877-244-6349.