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.

Lovely master closet designed and handcrafted by Superior Woodcraft. The bespoke room provides a fantastic way to start your day - surrounded by beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories all neatly and elegantly stored all just waiting to be worn.

Designer: Trish Juricic, Superior Cabinets Calgary Finish: Maple Ash Door style: Legacy Door Hardware: 9351128 BSN Drawer Hardware: 9351128 BSN
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Calgary

Superior Pools
Pool photo in Miami

Superior Pools

Designer: Lisa Black, Superior Cabinets Saskatoon Finish: Fusion Alabaster & Fusion Iron Ore Door style: Surrey Door Hardware: H-785-160-143 Drawer Hardware: H-785-160-143 Countertop: Caesarstone Quartz - Caldera 6684

Designer: Carrie Hoffman, Superior Cabinets Calgary Finish: Fusion Smooth Willow Grey, Fusion Bridgewater Door style: Essex Door Hardware: H-9113183 Drawer Hardware: H-9113183 Countertop: Granite

Designer: Marina Arthur, Superior Cabinets Saskatoon Finish: Textured Willow Grey Door style: Hamilton Door Hardware: Polished Nickel HBP86863128180 Countertop: Caesarstone Bianca Drift

Designer: Cristin Emmerson, Superior Cabinets Saskatoon Finish: Fusion Granville & Fusion Prosecco Door style: Chicago Door Hardware: Supplied By Others Drawer Hardware: Supplied By Others Countertop: Supplied By Others

Midcentury modern rebuild by Trae Williams & Tavis Westbrook with Superior Acquisitions. Check out all our projects at www.superioracquisitions.net
Example of a 1960s entryway design in Dallas

Designer: Carrie Hoffman, Superior Cabinets Calgary Finish: Fusion Prosecco & Natural Black Walnut Door style: Antonio & Vienna Door Hardware: 9635-256-Polished Chrome Drawer Hardware: 9635-256-Polished Chrome Countertop: Granite by other

Painted white inset frame cabinetry is custom-made by Superior Woodcraft. The grey island is a beautiful centerpiece to the room, Soapstone counter tops and sink brings in warmth and contrasting color. The chandeliers, brick wall and exposed beam header reveals the home's original age and character.

Custom-made walnut baking table with marble top and casters to move the table with ease. Custom-made table by Superior Woodcraft.
Large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, red backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Superior Pools
Pool - pool idea in Miami

Painted white inset frame cabinetry is custom-made by Superior Woodcraft. The grey island is a beautiful centerpiece to the room, Soapstone counter tops and sink brings in warmth and contrasting color. The chandeliers, brick wall and exposed beam header reveals the home's original age and character.

Design by: VIGA Developments and Andy Afonso Cabinet Design: Superior Cabinets Edmonton Builder: VIGA Developments Cabinet Finish: Carbone Textured Wood Grain Vertical Cabinet Doorstyle: Roberto Vertical Drawer Front Style: Standard Door & Drawer Hardware: Richelieu 7544 series Countertops: unknown by other Photos by: David Smith, ilepphoto

Project QUAIL is a whole home project featuring the perfect balance of Maple Wood, shaker door style, and Painted MDF cabinetry, all by Superior Cabinets.

Project QUAIL is a whole home project featuring the perfect balance of Maple Wood, shaker door style, and Painted MDF cabinetry, all by Superior Cabinets.

Project GATHERCOLE is a whole home renovation that features matte black and light grey cabinets, all with a Slim Shaker [DARBY] cabinet door style, all by Superior Cabinets.