Rustic Design. Stone Work. Spa Tub. Sanded Grout. Stone Wall. Walk In Paradise.
Mid-sized mountain style master beige tile and stone tile travertine floor and beige floor alcove shower photo in Miami with brown cabinets, a hot tub, a one-piece toilet, beige walls and a hinged shower door

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.

Example of a minimalist porcelain tile family room design in Phoenix with beige walls

Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Miami

This client wanted the nook off of her bedroom to become a haven- a zen space for meditation, reading, and reflection. She liked the idea of clouds, but didn't want a literal skyscape. I created a smokey cloud-like texture as a base and then added hand drawn florals in gold.

Design Architecture NYC
Example of a transitional entryway design in New York

Nicole Casper

By Adam Jarrett
Home design - coastal home design idea in New York

Small minimalist freestanding bathtub photo in DC Metro

JAC 140 - Twilight in Space by Jon Allen The Jon Allen Collection is an exclusive, hand-selected group of my most personal work to date. Each piece is hand-painted on aluminum. My art itself and my chosen medium, aluminum, are blissfully married. You may not think of the word organic when you hear the word metal, but this is some of my most organic art and that’s simply because metal allows my work to achieve true sentience. Aluminum’s naturally reflective nature enables each color, shape, and stroke to reach its full potential. A new aspect of the painting will reveal itself to you as it basks in the light that surrounds, evades, or envelops it in that moment. When you see the piece from different angles, you will appreciate how vibrant, dynamic, and environmentally influenced these pieces are. What you may see and feel by morning is not what you’ll see or feel by dusk and in many ways, and as such I feel these pieces capture the ever-ebbing and complex nature of human emotion and perception. Some of these pieces are truly abstract while others are modern takes on traditional landscapes, marine life, and portraits. I hope you enjoy them a fraction of how much I enjoyed creating them. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Number of Pieces: 1 Dimensions: 46" x 13" x 2" off the wall Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft cloth and plain soap & water Other Features: Hardware is pre-installed for simple hanging and art will “float” 2” off the wall

Prodigy by What A Pane
Inspiration for a modern entryway remodel in Toronto

Photo of Stair install for Customer in London
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Toronto with painted risers

Simple but Elegant deck for a townhouse. Fine finishes for low Maintenance Composite deck. Structure is framed with Madison Wood Ground contact rated lumber. Decking is Azek Timbertech English Walnut, fastened with Fastenmaster Cortex face screws for hidden look. Railings are by Intex Millwork Solutions. Result is an elegant classic look. Siding is Certainteed 5" Dutchlap Sandstone Beige

Swing doors that blend timeless design with smooth functionality—custom-crafted to complement your space with elegance and precision.
Example of a trendy hallway design in Miami

Shower curtain - mid-sized traditional master brown tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and brown floor shower curtain idea with beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls and an integrated sink

This was a pretty standard, HOA Compliant fence construction project. We were happy with how fast we did it, considering it was on the larger side for residential wooden fence building.