Oshkosh Designs border within a 3/4" x 3", 4", 5" Quartersawn Red Oak floor. Sanded, stained and finished with Traffic HD finish manufactured by Bona.

Frosted glass with trim around basement window

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Orlando

We are always asked if the SLABlite will support the weight of the slab. The slab rests right on top of the SLABlite.. TylerCo, Inc.
Trendy home bar photo in Orange County

Commercial bathroom installed with Lea Ceramiche Tecnoquartz subway tile with black floor tiles.
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in New York

Example of a large country master multicolored tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and brown floor freestanding bathtub design with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

kelly arnold

Mid-sized transitional enclosed dark wood floor living room photo in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

UV rated Boxwood garland in a crosshatch pattern on an outdoor backyard fence.
Mid-sized exterior home photo in Dallas

Kevin Anderson
Example of a transitional staircase design in Denver

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 beige tile alcove shower design in Charleston with beige countertops

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

12x24 Porcelain Tile Cambria Quartz - Berwin Countertop White Shaker Vanity 3/8" Frameless Tamper Treated Glass Doors
Large trendy master multicolored tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and multicolored floor corner shower photo in Tampa with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and multicolored countertops

The pictures below are just a snapshot of a lovely floor that was done with our exclusive V3 9" Character Rift & Quartered WHITE OAK Flooring. Typically with such wide planks you would be worried about eventual cupping and/or gapping with the boards but with our V3 engineered line there is no need to worry. We've successfully tested our planks up to 12" wide with no problems! To help ease your mind a little though, Schafer Hardwood guarantees your floors FOR LIFE (not that you'll need it)!

Mekenzie Loli

Dustin Peck Photography
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Seattle