Archadeck of Columbus received the Archadeck Design Excellence Award for this project. The winning project is a combination hardscape, deck, pergola and fire pit project in the Ballantrae subdivision of Dublin, Ohio. The clients wanted an open and expansive outdoor living design with multiple seating areas because they entertain frequently. On the deck, they have ample space for their dining table that seats eight, and the deck also features a high counter or bar overlooking the patio with bar stool seating for six. The large patio also offers room to set up additional tables or comfortable seating arrangements.

We created a welcoming and functional home in Tribeca for our client and their 4 children. Our goal for this home was to design and style the apartment to 1/ Maintaining the original elements, 2/ Integrate the style of a downtown loft and 3/ Ensure it functioned like a suburban home. All of their existing and new furniture, fixtures and furnishings were thoughtfully thought out. We worked closely with the family to create a cohesive mixture of high end and custom furnishings coupled with retail finds. Many art pieces were curated to create an interesting and cheerful gallery. It was essential to find the balance of casual elements and elegant features to design a space where our clients could enjoy everyday life and frequent entertaining of extended family and friends.

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.

Long Island Cambridge Pavingstone Projects - We at Stone Creations of Long Island know that beautiful landscape design begins with the finest materials, which is why we frequently utilize Cambridge Pavingstones in our Paver Patios, Pool Decks, Walkways and Outdoor Living Spaces. www.stonecreationsoflongisland.net

This kitchen replaced the one original to this 1963 built residence. The now empty nester couple entertain frequently including their large extended family during the holidays. Separating work and social spaces was as important as crafting a space that was conducive to their love of cooking and hanging with family and friends. Simple lines, simple cleanup, and classic tones create an environment that will be in style for many years. Subtle unique touches like the painted wood ceiling, pop up island receptacle/usb and receptacles/usb hidden at the bottom of the upper cabinets add functionality and intrigue. Ample LED lighting on dimmers both ceiling and undercabinet mounted provide ample task lighting. SubZero 42” refrigerator, 36” Viking Range, island pendant lights by Restoration Hardware. The ceiling is framed with white cove molding, the dark colored beadboard actually elevates the feeling of height. It was sanded and spray painted offsite with professional automotive paint equipment. It reflects light beautifully. No one expects this kind of detail and it has been quite fun watching people’s reactions to it. There are white painted perimeter cabinets and Walnut stained island cabinets. A high gloss, mostly white floor was installed from the front door, down the foyer hall and into the kitchen. It contrasts beautifully with the existing dark hardwood floors.Designers Patrick Franz and Kimberly Robbins. Photography by Tom Maday.

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

This kitchen replaced the one original to this 1963 built residence. The now empty nester couple entertain frequently including their large extended family during the holidays. Separating work and social spaces was as important as crafting a space that was conducive to their love of cooking and hanging with family and friends. Simple lines, simple cleanup, and classic tones create an environment that will be in style for many years. Subtle unique touches like the painted wood ceiling, pop up island receptacle/usb and receptacles/usb hidden at the bottom of the upper cabinets add functionality and intrigue. Ample LED lighting on dimmers both ceiling and undercabinet mounted provide ample task lighting. SubZero 42” refrigerator, 36” Viking Range, island pendant lights by Restoration Hardware. The ceiling is framed with white cove molding, the dark colored beadboard actually elevates the feeling of height. It was sanded and spray painted offsite with professional automotive paint equipment. It reflects light beautifully. No one expects this kind of detail and it has been quite fun watching people’s reactions to it. There are white painted perimeter cabinets and Walnut stained island cabinets. A high gloss, mostly white floor was installed from the front door, down the foyer hall and into the kitchen. It contrasts beautifully with the existing dark hardwood floors.Designers Patrick Franz and Kimberly Robbins. Photography by Tom Maday.

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

We created a welcoming and functional home in Tribeca for our client and their 4 children. Our goal for this home was to design and style the apartment to 1/ Maintaining the original elements, 2/ Integrate the style of a downtown loft and 3/ Ensure it functioned like a suburban home. All of their existing and new furniture, fixtures and furnishings were thoughtfully thought out. We worked closely with the family to create a cohesive mixture of high end and custom furnishings coupled with retail finds. Many art pieces were curated to create an interesting and cheerful gallery. It was essential to find the balance of casual elements and elegant features to design a space where our clients could enjoy everyday life and frequent entertaining of extended family and friends.

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard concrete paver patio vertical garden remodel in Calgary with no cover

Remodel and addition of a single-family rustic log cabin. This project was a fun challenge of preserving the original structure’s character while revitalizing the space and fusing it with new, more modern additions. Every surface in this house was attended to, creating a unified and contemporary, yet cozy, mountain aesthetic. This was accomplished through preserving and refurbishing the existing log architecture and exposed timber ceilings and blending new log veneer assemblies with the original log structure. Finish carpentry was paramount in handcrafting new floors, custom cabinetry, and decorative metal stairs to interact with the existing building. The centerpiece of the house is a two-story tall, custom stone and metal patinaed, double-sided fireplace that meets the ceiling and scribes around the intricate log purlin structure seamlessly above. Three sides of this house are surrounded by ponds and streams. Large wood decks and a cedar hot tub were constructed to soak in the Teton views. Particular effort was made to preserve and improve landscaping that is frequently enjoyed by moose, elk, and bears that also live in the area.

This home is located on a well-travelled intersection in the center of this neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA The front of the property was shrouded by this very oversized, unsightly Juniper Hedge that had been there since they purchased their home in 1998, and probably a long time before with the prior owners. Being a frequent walker, Mary realized the need for an attractive and functional boundary to her property. She envisioned a white fence with a gate, to create a formal entrance from the well traveled sidewalk. Indeed, the fence is a more attractive and functional boundary, than the oversized, unsightly Juniper Hedge. The former grass was replaced with many drought tolerant plants which attract butterflies, birds and hummingbirds.

Award winning architecture and development company Design Storey have specified a Kährs ash wood floor design for their Cotswold property renovation project in Chipping Campden. The project, which appeared on Channel 4's Best Laid Plans, celebrates the mid-century and Arts & Crafts heritage of the house. Occupying a large corner plot, the property was re-designed to make the most of its aspect and orientation. Design Storey switched the focus of the house by removing the single garage and replacing it with a contemporary single-storey kitchen, dining and living area, where Kährs' ash wood flooring runs throughout the open plan design. Design Storey architect Lydia Robinson says "we chose a Kährs ash flooring design as we were looking for a light wood flooring which reflected our Scandinavian-inspired interiors. We were keen to specify ash as this is the native wood species that is most prevalent in the Cotswolds, yet it is not as frequently found in the interiors. Using ash enabled us to tie the flooring in with the timber for the doors, bespoke joinery and stair treads." As a result of the renovation, the 1950's house has been revitalised as a contemporary four bed home, with a modern yet practical interior. The project has been shortlisted for Design through Innovation in the 2018 RICS Awards, which showcases the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Kährs' range includes a selection of sustainable ash wood flooring designs, ranging from on-trend light grey hues to classic warm, natural beige shades. The designs feature in Kährs' new 2018 Design Stories brochure, available at any local Kährs dealer, or by request. Image: Design Storey

New side yard path to backyard garden gate is a straight off the driveway. A creative combination of the materials used both in the front and back yard form a path made of brick, pavers and flagstone. The trash cans are screened from the street with an easier access. The gutter drain was buried to alleviate frequent floods in garage.

Inspiration for a mid-sized shabby-chic style brick floor sunroom remodel in Other with a standard ceiling

New side yard path has restored charm to backyard garden gate is a straight off the driveway. A creative combination of the materials used both in the front and back yard form a path made of brick, pavers and flagstone. The trash cans are screened from the street with an easier access. The gutter drain was buried to alleviate frequent floods in garage.

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Example of an urban gender-neutral laminate floor and brown floor walk-in closet design in Other with flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

New side yard path to backyard garden gate is a straight off the driveway. A creative combination of the materials used both in the front and back yard form a path made of brick, pavers and flagstone. The trash cans are screened from the street with an easier access. The gutter drain was buried to alleviate frequent floods in garage.

Original bookcases with leaded and stained glass provide history to this family library. Delicate in nature, they are not ideal for everyday use, but store books and items for occasional use. New custom bookcases in this space do the heavy lifting for frequently used books. Design by Two Hands Interiors. View more of this home on our website. #library #livingroom