We designed this modern, cozy master bedroom to support the family's lifestyle. We installed a wall of 3D tile to house the new electric fireplace, television and components. We dropped a George Nelson Bubble Lamp on a dimmer switch above the bed for a modern touch. Interior Design by Mackenzie Collier Interiors (Phoenix, AZ), Photography by Jaryd Niebauer Photography (Phoenix, AZ)

Disappearing waterfalls with stream using aquascape components, all boulders and stone are local
Design ideas for a small backyard gravel water fountain landscape in New York.

As you may know, Superior Chimney writes a lot of articles to educate the Chicagoland area on chimneys and how to identify problems. Every once in a while, it is good to go back and review the basics. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to discuss what are the components of a chimney. Let’s get started. What are the Components of a Fireplace? We’re going to get started on the actual chimney itself. Most chimneys are built of brick and some are constructed of a wood framed chase with siding on it to match the rest of the home. The traditional masonry fireplace chimneys include (from the inside out) a firebox, where the firewood burns and gas starter are located. Going up is the throat, smoke chamber and then chimney flue. These are the components of a masonry chimney where the exhaust/air travels through - From the firebox and out through the top of the chimney. You can most often ‘see’ your chimney from the ground, you will notice the bricks and on top of that will be the chimney crown (cement slab) which keeps the elements away from the brick chimney. On top of the chimney crown is the chimney cap. This is what keeps animals & debris from entering the chimney flue… raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, etc… down the flue, and into the firebox. Now that we know what components that a chimney has, let’s focus on a couple of key areas. Fireplace Dampers All chimneys are fitted with a fireplace damper. A fireplace damper is a metal plate that opens and closes, allowing smoke from the fireplace to move up and out of the home. If you have a fire and the fireplace damper is closed, or restrictive, the smoke will back up into your home. The smoke needs a place to go. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should remain closed in order to keep the cold air out of your home and warm air from escaping your home. Just because you have a fireplace does not mean that you have to deal with cold drafts in the room the fireplace is in. Chimney Flues As we all know, heat rises. The heat from the fireplace is going to rise taking with it the smoke, and other gases. This process is known as drafting. It is important to have good drafting as it prevents the smoke or gases from staying in your home and harming your family. Chimney Flue Liners Flue liners are important to the chimney; they are your firewall. It works to prevent overheating of any combustibles next to the chimney. And, it helps so the chimney construction doesn’t corrode from the byproducts of burning wood, or creosote. There are a few types of flue liners, such as fire clay tiles, heat resistant concrete, and stainless steel. Superior Chimney recommends the use of stainless steel in our geographic freeze and thaw climate. Our technicians can give you the details when we are at your home. What is the Purpose of Taking Care of the Chimney? Chimney Fires. This is where regular sweep & inspection is crucial to the health of your home. Without a chimney sweep or chimney cleaning each year, (whether you use the chimney or not, gas or wood burning) the chimney can cause a fire to transfer to your home. Only Nationally credentialed service technician professionals know and can inspect the key components of a fireplace for known condition and continued use. Be sure to contact us today!

ansel olson
Example of a mountain style medium tone wood floor living room design in Richmond with white walls and a concealed tv

Modern rustic bar featuring steel beams, hand-sawn wood beams, reclaimed wood walls and cold rolled steel bar backsplash. A great basement bar for entertaining friends.

TV component cabinet in maple with dark stain, wood veneer top, glass doors, 5-piece flat panel drawer fronts, floating shelves surround wall mounted TV

Example of a mid-sized classic painted curved staircase design in Omaha with painted risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless painted straight staircase remodel in Omaha with painted risers

Organized Living freedomRail closet in white. This closet adjusts instantly to fit changing storage needs. For instance, change from long hang to double hang simply by adding one shelf and clothing rod to the back uprights. Easy to install and adjust. See more bedroom closet designs at http://organizedliving.com/home/get-inspired/areas-of-the-home/bedroom-closet

Kitchen - modern kitchen idea in Orange County

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Matthew Niemann Photography www.matthewniemann.com
Example of a transitional open concept carpeted and gray floor living room design with gray walls

Bianco Mykonos countertops & backsplash
Example of a large transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor kitchen design in Miami with a drop-in sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets and gray countertops

Example of a classic staircase design in Birmingham

DEANE Inc has incorporated both classic and modern components into open kitchen and dining room space. Clean cut furniture in subtle hues are complemented by the stainless steel appliances of the custom kitchen. The open floor plan featuring a breakfast bar, functional kitchen, and large dining space allows for social gathering and family meals.

Lighten your laundry load with the Reveal Hamper! The unique design features a heavy duty canvas bag that attaches onto full-extension drawer glides. Glides snap into and extend from freedomRail Uprights for quick and easy access to laundry storage. The canvas bag is removable and features built-in handles to make it easy to tote contents to and from laundry rooms. Perfect for closets, laundry rooms or for a child’s closet to store bulky stuffed toys or sports balls. Add the Reveal Hamper to existing freedomRail designs, or, create a new freedomRail design.