A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

Front facade; Patsy McEnroe Photography
Home design - traditional home design idea in Chicago

A big part of the garage’s aesthetic qualities and functionality is its overhead door. The door provides protection from the elements for things stored in the garage. It also offers a barrier of insulation for conditioned spaces. Most garage doors will either roll up manually or have an automatic component powered by an electric operator and remote. They also have a large surface area that will typically be decorated in a manner consistent with the building it is attached to. These separate features allow home and business owners a number of options. At On Track Overhead Doors, for example, we have a wide selection of styles, colors and materials to choose from. From custom designed wood and aluminum garage doors, you can complement your home’s design. We also offer insulated and non-insulated garage doors. If your business uses garage space that is conditioned you may consider insulated doors to help conserve energy. On the other hand, non-insulated doors are a more affordable option that is perfect for garage space that is merely utilized for storage. Our trained technicians will install or replace your garage doors in a prompt and efficient manner. We work swiftly and accurately, so your garage door is functional and effective in no time.

We are thrilled to present our latest garage door installation featuring the stunning Skyline Flush Panel style in the rich and captivating Accent Woodtone color of Walnut. With its sleek lines and modern design, this garage door effortlessly elevates the curb appeal of any home. The Walnut hue adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, blending harmoniously with both traditional and contemporary architectural styles. Our team of skilled technicians worked diligently to ensure a flawless installation, guaranteeing not only the impeccable beauty of this door but also its superior functionality and durability. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current garage door or add a touch of elegance to a new construction project, our Walnut Skyline Flush Panel style is a perfect choice. It's time to enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your home with a garage door that truly stands out. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experts guide you towards finding the perfect garage door solution tailored to your needs. You can reach us at (972)-422-1695 or PlanoOverhead.com/contact-us/. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your home's style and make a lasting impression.

Patio - craftsman patio idea in Los Angeles

In the heart of Singapore's humid summer, the Pro-Handy team embarked on a project titled "Breezy Living," aimed at bringing stylish relief to homes across the city. Our skilled technicians provided a seamless end-to-end ceiling fan installation service, tailored to each home's unique aesthetics and functional needs. The journey began with personalized consultations, understanding client preferences, and offering expert guidance on fan models and placement for optimal air circulation. Precision, safety, and a clean work ethic were our mantras, ensuring minimal disruption during installation. Once our clients selected their fans, the Pro-Handy experts, equipped with the right tools and knowledge, set out to transform their living spaces. The project wasn't just about affixing fans to ceilings; it was about ensuring each spin enhanced comfort, marrying efficiency with elegance. We employed technical accuracy in assessing ceiling structure, wiring placements, and optimal balance, guaranteeing each fan's quiet operation and longevity. As the blades whirred to life, our clients' homes were enveloped in a refreshing, cool ambiance. The "Breezy Living" project by Pro-Handy wasn't only about escaping the heat; it was about elevating lifestyle comforts through expert handyman services. Each satisfied client and each serene environment created was a testament to Pro-Handy's commitment to excellence and a job well done.

Tile Girl We almost died of heat stroke trying to get this travertine patio fixed for this homeowner in North Scottsdale. He paid a different company to come out and replace a bunch of cracked tile. They started taking the tile out and when they realized the job was harder than they thought, they took off with his money, and never came back. Our client, Tom, found us through the Houzz website and messaged me about his project. After looking at it, Robert, our master tile technician, got started tearing out the rest of the broken tiles. That was a chore in and of itself because the previous installer decided to tile over tile! See picture below. You never know what you are going to find when you start tearing out tile! After Rob got the tile back in we came back and cleaned, honed and sealed it. This will be the LAST patio job for us until October! LOL #heatstrokeisreal #travertinepatio #travertinecleaning #tilecleaning #travertinesealing #tilegirl #travertinetilerepair #scottsdaletravertinecleaningpatio #tileguy #travertine #polishingtravertine #naturalstone #naturalstonepatio #scottsdaletravertinetilecleaning

Protect all sensitive areas: Cover carpet, baseboards & wood flooring Grinding If the marble surface has deep scratches or unevenness, grinding may be employed. This involves using abrasive materials to level the surface and remove imperfections. Honing: Honing follows grinding and involves the use of progressively finer abrasives to achieve a smooth and matte finish. This step helps eliminate minor scratches and prepares the surface for polishing. Polishing: A multi-stage polishing process is applied to the marble, using polishing compounds and tools to bring out the natural shine. This step enhances the reflective qualities of the marble, giving it a glossy appearance. Repair: Any chips, cracks, or damage to the marble are addressed during this phase. Technicians use fillers and adhesives that match the color and composition of the marble to restore its structural integrity. Sealing: A high-quality sealant is applied to protect the marble from future stains, spills, and damage. Sealing helps maintain the restored appearance and facilitates easier cleaning.

Tile Girl We almost died of heat stroke trying to get this travertine patio fixed for this homeowner in North Scottsdale. He paid a different company to come out and replace a bunch of cracked tile. They started taking the tile out and when they realized the job was harder than they thought, they took off with his money, and never came back. Our client, Tom, found us through the Houzz website and messaged me about his project. After looking at it, Robert, our master tile technician, got started tearing out the rest of the broken tiles. That was a chore in and of itself because the previous installer decided to tile over tile! See picture below. You never know what you are going to find when you start tearing out tile! After Rob got the tile back in we came back and cleaned, honed and sealed it. This will be the LAST patio job for us until October! LOL #heatstrokeisreal #travertinepatio #travertinecleaning #tilecleaning #travertinesealing #tilegirl #travertinetilerepair #scottsdaletravertinecleaningpatio #tileguy #travertine #polishingtravertine #naturalstone #naturalstonepatio #scottsdaletravertinetilecleaning

Professional Toilet Repair Service You Can Trust ?️ At Handyman Expert, we recently completed a toilet repair in Dunwoody, GA, restoring comfort and functionality to our client’s bathroom. The toilet was loose and leaking from the base, causing both inconvenience and water damage. Our skilled technicians carefully removed the toilet, cleaned the tile area and the drain opening, and replaced the old wax seal with a new, durable sealing system to ensure a perfect fit and watertight connection. Once the area was fully prepared, we reinstalled the toilet, securely anchoring it to the floor with reinforced metal brackets for long-term stability. The result? A completely fixed, sturdy toilet that no longer leaks or wobbles — leaving the bathroom clean, safe, and fresh once again. Reliable Bathroom Plumbing Solutions in Dunwoody ? This toilet repair project in Dunwoody, GA is another example of our dedication to high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full bathroom renovation, our team delivers precise, reliable, and lasting results every time. If you’re experiencing leaks, unstable fixtures, or any other plumbing issues — don’t wait! Contact Handyman Expert today for fast, professional, and affordable repair services that keep your home running smoothly. Project Highlights: ? ✅ Location: Dunwoody, GA ✅ Service: Toilet repair & leak fix ✅ Duration: 1 day ✅ Result: Stable and leak-free toilet installation

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.

Tile Girl We almost died of heat stroke trying to get this travertine patio fixed for this homeowner in North Scottsdale. He paid a different company to come out and replace a bunch of cracked tile. They started taking the tile out and when they realized the job was harder than they thought, they took off with his money, and never came back. Our client, Tom, found us through the Houzz website and messaged me about his project. After looking at it, Robert, our master tile technician, got started tearing out the rest of the broken tiles. That was a chore in and of itself because the previous installer decided to tile over tile! See picture below. You never know what you are going to find when you start tearing out tile! After Rob got the tile back in we came back and cleaned, honed and sealed it. This will be the LAST patio job for us until October! LOL #heatstrokeisreal #travertinepatio #travertinecleaning #tilecleaning #travertinesealing #tilegirl #travertinetilerepair #scottsdaletravertinecleaningpatio #tileguy #travertine #polishingtravertine #naturalstone #naturalstonepatio #scottsdaletravertinetilecleaning

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.

This is the perfect Farmhouse bath. Let’s start with the gorgeous shiplap. This wife was adamant that she wanted floor to ceiling shiplap. It was a bit interesting to complete because these walls tile halfway up the walls for a wainscoting appearance.

Our experience professional Conroe lighting repair electricians can assist you with any residential and commercial lighting repair needs you may have. Covenant Electrical Services knows that you can’t control when you will have an electrical lighting emergency, that’s why we offer 24/7 emergency lighting repair services. We guarantee all of our work and ensure you will be 100% satisfied with all the electrical work done in your home or office. Our experienced Conroe lighting repair specialists are truly professionals. They stay up-to-date with all the new advances in their field. For quality electrical lighting repair services, call Covenant Electrical Services today. Our professional lighting installation technicians can also remove old chandeliers, raises or lowers existing fixtures, changes light bulbs and repairs malfunctioning ceiling mount light fixtures. We ensure that the new location is suitable to handle the weight of the chandelier and can brace for a new box should it be needed. Very few if any other electricians dare to touch a chandelier but we welcome helping you transport and install your chandeliers for your home. In addition, we also install, service, and remove old ceiling fans, including adding wireless fan speed controls.

Paula Truchon of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Frederick, MD designed a primary bathroom featuring Ultracraft Cabinetry’s Plantation door style with 5-piece drawer front in Red Birch with a Natural Low Sheen finish. Selections for bathroom include MSI Q Calacatta Valentin with Polished finish vanity countertops, Jeffery Alexander hardware, Kohler sink, Moen faucet and Kichler lighting. The client expressed their immense satisfaction. “From the initial planning stage, Paula's insights on cabinetry, lighting, and overall design resonated perfectly with my taste in furnishings. Walking through my home to the bathroom, she was able to pick up my style. The project was painless. Everything was well orchestrated and the pieces just fell into place. The crew in charge of demo and installation worked quickly and fastidiously, protecting floors and leaving the site clean and neat each day. Scott's consistent oversight and collaboration with Paula made the project progress smoothly. Despite my initial concerns of a prolonged demo and tedious installation, Reico's team delivered a quick and flawless job.” Added the client, “This space is truly gorgeous and has exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to deal with Reico and their team. Paula, Lisa, Scott and all the technicians charged with demo and installation. Thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful bathroom!” Photo courtesy of BTW Images.