Matthew Millman Photography http://www.matthewmillman.com/
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in San Francisco

nicholasgingold.com
Photo of a traditional stone landscaping in Orange County.

The master bath features stunning views of Puget Sound. The glass walls between the bath and hall have a hand-drawn etched glass pattern. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

Modern Japanese Room Alcove (Tokonoma) with Black Polished Concrete by Concrete-Visions LLC. www.concrete-visions.com 〜 Zen Design
Inspiration for an asian home design remodel in Denver

Beautiful crazypaving design
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Melbourne.

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.

MKW Surfaces
Home design - large traditional galley home design idea in London with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash and an island

Example of a small transitional kids' gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and white floor alcove shower design with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular natural pool house photo in Cedar Rapids

Exposed aggregate driveway after cleaning & sealing with Paver Gloss Sealer.
Photo of a mid-sized front yard driveway in Detroit.

Location: New York, NY, United States This Loft was tastefully renovated back in the '90s, but was due for an update and an expansion of the kitchen and dining areas to accommodate the client's cooking skills and entertaining needs. EnlargIing the island and adding cabinetry to delineate the office, bar and dining areas was a priority. The bathroom was updated to feel like a tranquil spa with beautiful new tile, plumbing fixtures and cabinets. Our biggest challenge was coordinating the entire renovation while our client was out of town for the Summer! Photographed by: James Salomon

Custom Steel Canale Cover + Rain Chain Waterfall installed over an existing wooden canale. Kason Group Inc.

design | Erin Carroll, Landscape Architect, Arcadia Studio photography | Kurt Jordan Photography
Beach style home design photo in Santa Barbara

Example of a huge white exterior home design in Birmingham

Cambria Summerhill Kitchen Countertops by Atlanta Kitchen Kitchen design by Bell Kitchen & Bath Studios Photos by Barbara Brown
Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Atlanta with quartz countertops and an island

Stamped concrete patio with fieldstone pattern, the darker gray border, and the curves makes this patio look amazing.
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stamped concrete patio remodel with a fire pit and no cover

Corinthian real thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill adds a sleek and modern touch to this exterior pillar. Corinthian stone brings a calm range of whites, grays, and blacks with a touch of tans to your stone project. The various sizes of the rectangular stones help this natural stone veneer look great on any project.

Stamped concrete patio with fieldstone pattern, the darker gray border, and the curves makes this patio look amazing.
Example of a large classic backyard stamped concrete patio design with a fire pit and no cover