Example of a large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular natural pool house design in Cedar Rapids

Stainless Steel Spiral Rail Corona Del Mar
Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Orange County

Carrara Marble Italian White Bianco Carrera 2" Hexagon Mosaic Tile Honed Carrara Marble Italian White Bianco Carrera 3x6 Marble Subway Tile Honed Carrara Marble Italian White Bianco Carrera 5/8" Baseboard Molding Honed

The dryer vent. Who is thinking about cleaning the dryer vent when we clean them every time we do laundry, right? Let me share with you what I discovered this weekend. I spent some time outside this weekend trying to do two things at one time. 1. Enjoy some of the sunshine 2. Spring Clean. Spring Cleaning As Spring cleaning is well underway, it seems like the leaves never went away from the Fall. In every corner of the home, there’s a pile of leaves wet and stuck to the ground. However, on the back side of the home, the leaves made its way from one side to the other. I knew this was going to take a while. As I reached the half way mark, I remembered that a family member was inside washing a load of laundry. I could hear the low sound of the dryer running. But wait…the flap is barely moving. Dryer Vent Cleaning #1 Benefit Let’s first discuss the #1 benefit of a dryer vent sweep. You get done with your laundry faster and your dryer unit lasts longer. If the dryer vent isn’t cleaned once per year, the hot moist air remains in the dryer and venting system. It takes longer for the dryer to complete its job. And…not very good for the life of your dryer unit either. Infrequent dryer vent service shortens the life of your dryer unit as it needs to work harder and longer to dry your clothes. The moist air can also get trapped in your clothes and leave a musty smell. All that work, and you’re right back where you started. Dryer Vent #1 Problem to Solve The issue of dryer vents is a real one. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 13,000 home dryer fires are reported each year. 34% of those fires are caused by lint. Now that’s not to say that you don’t clean your dryer vent. You do. But lint has a mind of its own. Some light and fluffy lint gets past the lint trap and accumulates in the duct that leads to the outside. More Problems with Dryer Vents Because we want you to be fully armed with information, here are some additional problematic signs that can cause a dryer vent fire. Clothes are too hot to touch. Remember, there’s a cool down before you take the clothes out. When that’s still too hot, that’s a sign the dryer vent is clogged. The room with the washer and dryer, it’s also too hot. The dryer vent flap or slats outside isn’t working properly. If you also notice in the picture, lint and debris begin to make its way out of the slats or flap. That’s pretty full. Smell the dryer sheet. If you notice it doesn’t smell like the dryer sheet, there’s a clog. What Can a Homeowner Do? To begin, to check your dryer vent outside. Is it working properly? Is there anything overflowing outside? Next, throw in a load of laundry. Does it smell musty? A little or a lot? Is the dryer overly hot in the cool down? Is it running longer than it used to? If you get a slight yes to a full blown yes, then it’s time to get it cleaned by Superior Chimney. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to schedule up your spring dryer vent cleaning. Smell like fresh spring!

You can read more about these Iron Spiral Stairs with LED Lighting or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication Steel Stairs page.

Photo of a mid-sized rustic partial sun backyard mulch outdoor playset.

wa design
Example of a trendy exterior home design in San Francisco

This 30" x 24" abstract acrylic painting has been done in shades of cobalt blue, sky blue, citrine, chartreuse, white, soft sea green, and royal blue. Finished in gloss varnish to protect the piece from dust and UV light for years to come. Can be hung vertically or horizontally. Gorgeous vivid rich colors in a great contemporary style.

Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in Charleston

Mid-sized trendy master marble floor and white floor bathroom photo in Dallas with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and glass countertops

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

Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden spiral open staircase idea in Salt Lake City

Example of a small classic metal spiral home design design in Philadelphia with metal risers

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

These cherry cabinets go straight up to the ceiling and make a big impact to the room. The amber edison exposed bulbs really do a nice pass thru light.

Patrick Barta
Trendy staircase photo in Seattle

The all-steel stair floats in front of a 3-story glass wall. The stair railings have custom-designed perforations, cut with an industrial water-jet. The top railing is sapele.

This modern Nantucket retreat was designed for a multi-generational family, seamlessly blending nautical charm with practical elegance. Each space balances functionality and relaxation, catering to both work and leisure. Each room exudes unique charm and adaptability, blending artful touches with practicality for a warm, inviting ambience. The great room's centerpiece is a stunning Pascale Girardin art installation on the ceiling, creating a magical focal point. Paired with comfortable furnishings, a cozy fireplace, and curated artwork, this space is welcoming and uniquely captivating.