A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

Young urban chic, semi-custom kitchen design with an eclectic mix of boho, farmhouse and industrial features and accents! All prefab cabinets mindfully designed to look custom, custom plaster range hood, reclaimed wood floating shelves and accent trim on hood, hammered brass hardware and sconces, Moravian star pendant light, beveled subway tile, Fireclay farm sink, custom drop leaf service cart that doubles as an island table with industrial bar stools, custom wine bar and iron mirror, custom bifold iron and glass French doors and a Turkish rug.

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

This Gold Coast porch required comprehensive metal refinishing to restore beauty and prevent structural rust damage. The homeowner noticed rust bleeding through existing paint on decorative railings and support posts—a common problem in Chicago after harsh winters. Windy City Painters assessed the damage, stripped everything to bare metal, and applied industrial-grade protection designed for freeze-thaw climates. The result: railings that look new and won't rust again for years. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS Windy City Painters uses only proven products for Chicago's metal challenges. RustDestroyer rust-converting primer chemically bonds to bare steel, converting any remaining rust molecules into a stable base. Sherwin-Williams Corothane Aliphatic Urethane provides superior adhesion and UV resistance compared to standard enamels. Two topcoats ensure maximum durability against road salt spray and freeze-thaw stress. This combination is the North American standard for metal exposed to harsh seasonal climates. THE PROCESS Step 1: Wire wheel attachment on a drill removes all loose paint, rust scale, and oxidation down to bare metal. We work methodically to avoid gouging, checking progress frequently. Bare metal is essential—no primer bonds properly over paint or rust. This step typically takes 2-3 hours depending on rail complexity and surface area. Step 2: Apply RustDestroyer rust-converting primer in a single coat, following manufacturer specs for dry time and coverage. The primer chemically converts any remaining ferrous oxide into a stable compound, then dries to a dark gray or burgundy base. This base is then sealed by the topcoat. Dry time is 24 hours before topcoat application. Step 3: First coat of Sherwin-Williams Corothane Aliphatic Urethane, applied with a quality brush or roller. Corothane levels beautifully and resists sagging better than traditional polyurethane. We maintain temperature and humidity control during application—critical for proper cure. Tack-free time is 4 hours; full cure requires 7 days. Step 4: Second topcoat applied after the first coat fully cures. Two coats provide redundant protection against UV fading, moisture penetration, and mechanical wear. The second coat also fills any micro-voids and creates a seamless, glossy finish. Final inspection confirms even color, smooth surface, and no drips or sags. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES North Side and Gold Coast porches face unique stressors. Road salt spray from De-Icing—not ocean salt—deposits chlorides on every metal surface. Winter freeze-thaw cycles force moisture into tiny cracks, expanding and contracting metal, stressing paint adhesion. Spring humidity and Lake Michigan microclimate variations accelerate oxidation. Summer UV radiation fades standard enamels rapidly. Windy City Painters' two-coat Corothane system is engineered for exactly these conditions. The aliphatic urethane resists UV and moisture far better than acrylic-latex or oil-based paints. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM Proper refinishing delivers 5-7 years of reliable protection in Chicago's harsh environment. You'll notice no rust bleeding, no paint lifting, and no color fading within 3-4 years. Minor weathering may appear after year 5-6 if rails face direct salt spray. Routine maintenance—rinsing railings after winter thaw, checking for debris—extends the finish lifespan. Windy City Painters recommends annual inspection of porches facing north or lakeside, where salt and moisture exposure is heaviest. PRO TIPS 1. Never paint over existing rust. The rust will continue expanding beneath the new paint, lifting and cracking it within months. Windy City Painters always strips to bare metal—it costs more upfront but prevents costly repainting. 2. Time your refinishing for spring or early summer. Corothane requires stable temperatures (50-85°F) and low humidity for optimal cure. Chicago's May through August window is ideal. Fall and winter refinishing risks slow cure and poor adhesion. 3. Inspect end grain, fasteners, and joint areas carefully. These spots collect moisture and corrode first. Windy City Painters applies extra primer attention to crevices and seams. FAQ Q: How is Corothane different from Rust-Oleum or other spray paints? A: Corothane is a professional two-part polyurethane with superior hardness, adhesion, and UV resistance. Spray paints are single-stage and fade quickly. Windy City Painters uses Corothane because it's built for architectural metal in harsh climates. Q: Can you refinish ornamental iron railings on two-flats? A: Yes. Windy City Painters regularly refinishes cast-iron railings on Gold Coast greystones and North Side two-flats. The process is identical—strip, prime with RustDestroyer, topcoat with Corothane. Q: My railings have been painted many times. Will one wire-wheeling remove all layers? A: We wire wheel aggressively to remove all loose paint and rust. Thin paint layers that are well-adhered can stay if bare metal is exposed beneath. We always reach bare metal in crevices and end grain. Q: Do I need to prep my porch before Windy City Painters arrives? A: No. We bring all equipment and clean up afterward. Just ensure we have access to electrical outlets and clear floor space around railings. Q: How long until I can pressure wash my railings after finishing? A: Wait at least 2 weeks. Corothane continues cross-linking and hardening for 7 days. Pressure washing sooner may damage the finish. Q: What if my railings show rust again within a year? A: Proper application with bare metal prep and two topcoats prevents this. If rust appears, it indicates either prep failure or damage during installation. Contact Windy City Painters immediately for assessment. Q: Can Corothane be tinted to match my porch trim exactly? A: Sherwin-Williams offers hundreds of colorants. Bring a paint chip or sample, and we'll tint Corothane to your specification. Q: Is the smell strong during application? A: Corothane has moderate VOC and requires ventilation. Smell dissipates within 24 hours of finishing. Windy City Painters opens windows and positions fans for rapid air exchange. Q: What if I want a matte finish instead of glossy? A: Corothane comes in gloss, satin, and flat sheens. Matte finishes show dust more readily but suit certain architectural styles. Discuss preference with Windy City Painters during the estimate. Q: Do you serve Gold Coast and North Side equally? A: Yes. Windy City Painters operates throughout Chicago's north shore. Travel time is built into estimates, but pricing is consistent across neighborhoods. Contact Windy City Painters at windypainters.com or 773-818-6331 for a free metal refinishing estimate.

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

Lawn care maintenance by the seasons is a year long, continuous affair. To keep your lawn healthy and looking its best all through the year requires a considerable effort. Lawn care maintenance differs from season to season so here are some tips to get you started:

Lawn Care Maintenance in Summer
1 Proper watering is important in this season so that the soil does not dry out.

2 In summer the grass grows faster, so you'll need to mow it more often. However ensure that you don't cut off more than 1/3rd portion of the grass blades.

3 Just like the grass, weeds also thrive in warmer climates. Make sure to do some timely weeding in this season so that weed growth does not go out of hand.

4 During summer insects and pests are very active. Check the lawn soil for grubs, larvae of beetles and other insects that cause bare or dry patches. Go for pest control if you find an infestation. Re-seed the bare patches if needed.

Lawn Care Maintenance in the Fall
1 Falling leaves must be cleared more often during fall. This allows the grass to breathe and utilise the sunlight in preparation for the coming winter.

2 Clear any dead grass and other debris from the lawn in this season.

3 It is important to fertilise your lawn during the fall so that it gets the nourishment required for the dormant wintertime.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Winter
1 Leave the grass level as short as possible in preparation for the winter. This will prevent the blades from bending under the weight of the snow.

2 Just before the onset of winter is a good time to prune the shrubs and trees to encourage new growth and flowering as spring approaches.

3 It is a good idea to clear the lawn and yard of all outdoor furniture, pots, planters, logs, etc. This prevents the formation of dead patches as the snow vanishes.

4 Try to keep the side-walks and other spaces free of snow as much as possible.

Lawn Care Maintenance in Spring
1 Clean up the lawn of debris like leaves, twigs and other dead material that has collected over the winter.

2 Early spring is the time to fertilise the lawn which helps in its growth.

3 To get ready for mowing, begin by tuning up your lawn mower. Now is the time for a routine maintenance check.

4 Check for weed growth and de-weed your lawn so that it not only looks neat, but also ensures healthy growth.

You can follow these lawn care maintenance tips and do it all yourself or you could hire a professional lawn maintenance service like Fox Mowing to keep up the schedules. Fox Mowing( http://foxmowing.com.au/) takes up lawn and Garden Maintenance Professionals contracts along with other jobs like weeding and pest control, fertilising, mulching, debris removal, pruning, hedge maintenance, etc.

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc (847) 827-1605 | A+ BBB Rating & Angie's List Award Company. We give FREE Estimates, always! For installations with new slate, we prefer to install only the highest quality time-tested slates. The combination of high quality slate, expert flashing design and installation, correct soldering, necessary underlayments for the conditions, and proper slate laying and fastening produces an aesthetic, long lasting roof that should have a serviceable life of 100+ years easily. Cutting corners on any one of these factors can shorten the life span of a slate roof from 100+ years to literally just a few years or less. A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. provides high quality roofing slate material to the United States. Founded in 2003, based upon twelve years of experience in the roofing slate industry, we pride ourselves on detailed knowledge of our products and their application. We focus exclusively on roofing slate together with the needs of home owners and contractors installing it. We have well-established and long-term relationships with many of the best slate producers all over the world. When it comes to any slate roofing project, A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. delivers unparalleled service and expertise. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We offer the following roofing services: • Roof Tear Offs • Roof Repair • Tile Roofs • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs • Slate Roofs • Gutters|Downspouts • Gravel Roofs • Energy Saving Roofs • Fascia Board Replacements • Torch-Ons • Roof Coatings • Plywood Installations • Hot Mopping • Solar Fans|Skylights • Balconies and Decks • Wood|Composite Shake Roofs • Attic Ventilation • Dry Rot Repairs • Spanish|Mission Tile Specialist • Inspections|Certifications • Gutter|Downspout Cleaning • Built-Up Roof Systems • Preventive Maintenance Please browse our website to find out what you need to know about our company, our services and our reputation. We’re sure you’ll agree…you can depend on A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. to build or repair your roof to last! We want you to be completely satisfied with your new roof. That’s why we spend so much time with you before we even set foot on a ladder. We have the quality and experience you can trust. We are licensed Illinois Roofing Contractors, bonded, and insured. Call us today at (847) 827-1605 for a free estimate!

This Black and White Marble tiled hallway floor at a Grade II listed property in the village of Tattenhall has quite a history. The building was constructed in 1865 and at one time it has been the home to the high sheriff of Cheshire, and the family home of Edith Wignall the daughter of Sir Henry Tate the founder of the sugar company Tate and Lyle. In more recent years the property had been used as a council building and even a nursing home for the elderly. After a long history of decline it has now been restored to a lavish family mansion however the marble floor had suffered over the years and still need attention. The current owner had been in touch as they wanted it restoring and basically brought back to life. As it turns out I had already planned to go to Tattenhall the following week to work on another listed building which was formerly the village bank. After discussing the Marble floor over the phone, I agreed a date and time to pop over from the bank and inspect the floor in detail. I can provide a rough quote from photographs, which has been especially useful recently, but it’s far better for all concerned if I’m able to properly survey the floor first. The Marble floor consisted of Black and White Mable tiles laid in a diamond pattern, it wasn’t a very large area perhaps 9 square metres in total. The tiles were well worn as described but also stained and scratched. I would see they would need a deep burnish and polish to bring them back to life and then protected with a fresh sealer. Following on from that visit I was able to provide an accurate quote which was accepted, and a date agreed for my return. The first job was to protect the surrounding heavy wooden panelling with masking film. The floor was very heavily stained yellow with deep scratches, to remove these I would have to grind the marble back until a clean fresh tile was left. To start I used a 200-grit coarse pad fitted to a weighted buffing machine, the abrasive action of the pad was lubricated with water. After inspection I found that the staining and scratches were still there, so I needed to use stronger pads, so I worked my way through a set of very coarse milling pads starting at a 50, 100 and finishing with a 200-grit pad. Again, water was used to lubricate, and the resultant slurry was removed by a powerful wet vacuum and washed down between each pad. The milling pads had the desired effect, and I was then able to bring back the polished appearance of the Marble surface using a set of finer burnishing pads with the same process. The 400 and 800-grit pads helped to clean and remove the fine scratches left by the milling pads and then the next 1500-grit pad started to build the shine back on the marble tile. After finishing with 1500-grit pad I washed the Marble with Tile Doctor Stone Soap and vacuumed up the residue with the wet vacuum. I left an industrial blower in place overnight to dry out the floor ready for the next morning when it would be sealed. The next morning, I used the last of the four burnishing pads which is a very fine 3000-grit to polish the floor further. This last pad is applied dry with just a spray of water to create a high gloss finish. When I was happy, I sealed the floor with two coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that soaks into the fine pores of the Marble to protect it from within. This product also improves colour and after application it was left to soak into the tile for five minutes before polishing off and then leaving it to dry. The last step was to I buff the floor with a white pad. The finish was impressive, and the family were very happy with the work we had carried out. For aftercare I recommended they use Stone Soap as its designed for the regular cleaning of sealed and polished stone, as well as cleaning it also helps build the patina. Alastair Robb West Cheshire TIle Doctor

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

Modern Tudor on the Prairie Our clients fell in love with the wide-open spaces of the White Oaks Savanna development. They dreamed of a home that celebrated the beauty of Minnesota’s ever-changing landscape and blurred the line between indoor and outdoor. They wanted a home with a traditional exterior, impressive entry, and modern interiors. The large site provides spectacular views of the restored prairie landscape. All four sides of this home are refined and architecturally resolved since each elevation is highly visible in the open prairie setting. Properly locating the home on the site was critical to maintaining the stunning prairie views. The home is nestled behind a hill instead of sitting on top of it, so it is blocked from the neighbors and respects their views. Natural materials adorn the exterior, including cedar, stone, stucco, and copper, that act as “jewelry” for the home. The cedar and copper will patina with time, adding richness and texture to the home. Front Door: The custom front door is 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall. It is paired with a matching fixed panel, so the door appears to be 8 feet wide from the outside, and is painted a cheery bright blue to greet visitors. The intentional placement of color adds vibrancy throughout the home in contrast to the quiet exterior colors. The bold pops of color requested by the client continue on the interior of the home, including a turquoise dining room, magenta closet doors, and a deep blue basement. Lantern Staircase: A triple-height stair floating in front of 18-foot-high windows welcomes visitors. At night, a hidden, remote controlled retractable shade scrim (lightweight shade) limits light pollution to follow the Dark Skies Initiative. Great Room: Cased openings of white oak create transition spaces and frame views to and from the grand, two-story great room. The entry and dining room have cozy 8-foot ceilings and are perched 12” up from the great room for views over the living room furniture. To avoid dining chairs sliding over the steps, a custom built-in credenza sits on the steps behind the dining table. Folding Outswing Door: The 20’ wide by 9.5’ tall folding outswing door blurs the line between outside and inside. A hidden bi-parting retractable bug screen allows the large door to remain open throughout the day to bring in fresh air. Catwalk: A catwalk, or raised walkway, on the upper floor overlooks the great room and leads to the guest suites. A long bench with built-in linen storage is tucked into a niche with clerestory windows, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax. Guest laundry is tucked into the backside of the fireplace chimney. Owner's Suite: From the start, the owners wanted their bedroom perched on the second level to maximize views of the prairie beyond. Located in its own wing of the home, the owners’ suite offers privacy. Magenta closet doors guide the owners into the bedroom and adjacent bathroom. Lifestyle: The home incorporates numerous lifestyle features that are as much a part of the house as the main spaces. A sauna is located on the main level, allowing for easy access after a dip in the pool and a wine cellar is tucked neatly under the staircase for convenient and beautiful display.

When the weather begins to get colder, this can be a dangerous time for trees. There are many reasons how the cold and other elements during winter can harm your trees and surrounding landscape. This also means that there are many ways in which you can help prevent any unfortunate accidents due to the weather. Some of the most common reasons trees can get damaged from the cold weather are as follows: -Root damage -Extensive bark -Core chewing from pests We here at Five Star Tree Services want to provide you with the right information on how to help prevent winter tree damage. Root Damage Prevention Unlike the rest of the tree, which includes the stems, branches, and buds, the roots are the last part of the tree to go dormant for the winter. This means that they are more vulnerable when the weather takes a sharp cold turn. The reason this tends to happen is that the soil temperatures stay warmer than the air, hence why the branches go dormant first and the roots take longer. There are also a number of different things that dictate soil temperatures. For instance, dry soil gets colder quicker than sodden soil. Making it so that there is more ice present in sandy or dry soils, which is how it gets colder in temperature. If you want your soil temperatures to be higher, mulch and snow can help insulate the ground and keep it sheltered from the harsher elements. If you have recently planted a tree, the disturbed soil will now allow cold air to get at the roots, which will hinder any root development or even kill newly grown roots. How To Prevent For newly planted trees, you should cover the roots with 3-4 inches of wood mulch. The best thing to do is make a 6-inch circle surrounding the base of your tree but make sure to keep it away from the trunk. Doing this is going to help support the tree during the winter and help stop unusual roots from growing. Before you lay your mulch down, you should also be checking for holes or breaks in the soil and fill them in before laying your mulch down. In the fall and spring, the soil is continuously being defrosted and refreezing again. This makes the soil contract and expand and can hurt newly planted roots. It can also be enough to push them out of the ground completely! Making mulch even more important since it can provide more consistent temperatures in the soil. If you are experiencing a dry fall with little to no rain happening, you need to give your tree a really good watering before the ground starts to freeze. Doing this is going to lower the risk of your tree getting infiltrated by ice or frost. Pest Damage Prevention There are plenty of things that can harm your trees when the weather turns cold. Some of these other things include: -Sunscald -Dieback -Brown evergreen foliage -Salt damage But aside from weather related ailments, you also need to worry about the damage done by certain pests as well. This can include: -Mice -Hares -Voles -Deer These seemingly harmless animals are known to do major damage to plants during the winter when they are foraging on things like twigs, bark, stems, and leaves. They have even been known to completely eat bushes, right to the ground, and kill trees when they destroy their bark. One of the only ways to prevent animals from chewing on the bark is by building barriers around your trees in order to keep the pests from getting at them. Luckily, making these barriers isn’t as hard as you might be thinking. There are numerous potions for you to choose from that are easy to assemble and disassemble that you can find at your local garden center or landscaping stores. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Colder weather insights many potential negative things for your trees that can severely harm them, damage them, or even kill them if they are not properly protected. It is always important to make sure that your trees are properly prepared for the winter months ahead. This means utilizing preventative measures to alleviate the risks of things like root and animal damage. If you require help to prepare your trees for winter, our team at Five Star Tree Services is here to help you with our tree care services in Richmond Hill, don’t wait until it’s too late, give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

This client owned a property in Haringey, North London, which had a classic Victorian tiled floor laid in the hallway. Unfortunately, the floor was in a bad state, the tiles were dull and dirty and there was a missing section by the bottom of the stairs that had been back filled with cement. Fortunately for him however his neighbour decided to remove their front path which was made with matching tiles and so he was able acquire replacements from him. He then contacted us to see if we could use those tiles to fill in the missing ones and revive the whole floor with a clean and seal at the same time. Before quoting for the restoration work, I paid a visit to the property to survey the floor. I can give quotes from photographs, but much prefer to visit and conduct a test clean, and in this case, I was able to check the spare tiles he had acquired. From that I emailed a quote which the client was happy with, so we arranged a date to return and do the work. This was a large job, so I teamed up with Jackson Davis the Central London Tile Doctor and whilst Jackson started on cleaning the floor, I took the reclaimed tiles outside and carefully grinded off the excess cement and adhesive from them and cleaned them by hand. We managed to do this by about 3pm. Jackson and I work on a lot of jobs together so it made sense to work as a bubble from the beginning of Covid so we could continue to work together, with two of us on the job it also means we can get the job done quicker. Cleaning the floor involved applying a 200-grit diamond burnishing pad to the tile lubricated with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go, the slurry was then rinsed off the floor with more water and then extracted with an industrial vacuum. The process was repeated on stubborn areas until we were satisfied the tiles were really clean. We then moved onto carefully removing the cement from the floor at the bottom of the stairs and cleaning up the base. Once done the newly renovated replacement tiles were laid in place using a rapid setting adhesive which meant they could be grouted later that day before heading home. The floor was then left overnight to dry off. We then returned the following day and took some moisture readings with the damp meter. The readings were within the expected range, so we were good to go ahead and apply the sealer. If the floor is not dry the seal will not cure properly, and this can lead to a patchy finish. Three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow were applied to seal the tiles. This is a colour intensifying impregnating sealer that works from with and will gives the Victorian tiles durable protection, ideal for a high traffic area such as the hallway. In addition, Colour Grow is a fully breathable sealer so it will allow for moisture to rise through the tile and evaporate, this is critical for floors of this age that will not have the benefit of a damp proof membrane installed under the floor. The hallway is now looking transformed by the work we did, we certainly thought so, but more importantly our client was very happy with the result and now has the floor he hoped for. Andrew Newstead North London Tile Doctor

Located in Burgh Castle West of Great Yarmouth, this Travertine stone floor was a classic example of an incomplete installation. By incomplete I mean the tiler had done a fine job of laying and grouting the tiles but had left it at that and not sealed the stone. Natural stone like Travertine is porous and needs a sealer to stop dirt becoming ingrained in its pores, a sealer will also improve its appearance. Without a sealer this floor now looked very dull, pale, rather damaged with pitting and heavily soiled with ingrained dirt. Pitting in stone like this is a natural feature of Travertine however it can be exacerbated with the use of acid cleaning products. This was a floor in urgent need of a face lift, and I was confident it could be transformed into a very beautiful floor. I think it is true to say that most tilers will skilfully lay a floor for you but usually don’t have the knowledge, experience or equipment to finish the surface properly and when it comes to sealing many will recommend a product and suggest you take care of it yourself. Naturally if your find yourself in that position don’t insist the tiler does it, better to give us a call and have it done properly. Our first job was to backfill the larger pits in the stone which as I mentioned are a natural feature of travertine material, but they can trap dirt and so its best if they are plugged with a suitably rigid filler. Also, if left alone the larger holes can quickly become larger as their edges crumble and break up leading to the entire tile becoming unstable. Replacing a tile in a floor like this is possible however its an extremely awkward job to do and it can be difficult to find an exact match for replacement. Filling was done using a two-part, neutral cream-coloured polyester compound which gels in about fifteen minutes after addition of the catalyst. After this initial period, the excess product is trimmed off level with the surface of the tile before it sets harder than the stone itself in around sixty minutes. The fully cured compound can then be cut and machined as though it were part of the stone structure. Our second job was to remove deep scratches caused by the unprotected feet of workmen’s ladders. This was done using Tile Doctor 50-grit and 100-grit diamond hand burnishing pads with a little water as a cutting medium. Shallower scratching present across the rest of the floor was removed using a Tile Doctor 200-grit soft milling pad driven by our Klindex 17″ rotary machine. This abrasive action produces a fine slurry which was then rinsed with water and extracted using our 400psi Ninja machine in preparation for the next stage of the refinishing process. These machines were an expensive investment for our business however they are very robust and effective producing a good result that saves time. Next task was to restore the polished appearance of the Travertine which was done using the application of a set of Tile Doctor burnishing pads. The process starts by applying a coarse 400-grit diamond pad, again fitted to the Klindex rotary machine. This cleans the tile and improves the matt finish left by the milling pad; again, the slurry was rinse-extracted before moving on to the next pad in the set. Next came the finer diamond polishing stages of 800 grit and 1500 grit, slurry being removed as before between the grades. By this time, all the scratches had been removed and the Travertine floor had visually pleasing even sheen across the whole surface. The last pad in the set is applied dry with a little water sprayed onto the tile so we left the area to dry out thoroughly overnight with the assistance of our large capacity dehumidifier. Returning the following morning, we found that the floor had dried out perfectly and was ready to be vacuumed and spray burnished with the last pad in the set which is a 3000-grit very fine pad applied using a small amount of water sprayed from a trigger bottle resulting in a deep, rich shine across the floor surface. Last step in the face lift was to seal the floor with a generous coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal, a premium grade penetrating sealer recommended for use in Kitchens and food preparation areas. Having left the floor to soak up as much of the Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal as it could, the excess product was removed and the whole area allowed to dry completely with the assistance of our industrial air moving fan. Finally, the floor was spray buffed to a deep shine using a white maintenance pad. The client was extremely pleased with our results and was amazed at the variation of colours within the stone which had never been visible previously. Nick White Norfolk Tile Doctor