This Plymouth, MN homeowner contacted Gem Chimney & Duct after noticing signs of water intrusion around the chimney system. Our team performed a full inspection and installed a custom-fabricated chimney cap designed to protect the flue from rain, snow, debris, and animal entry. The project also included chimney waterproofing and preventive maintenance to help extend the life of the masonry structure and improve overall chimney performance. Services completed: • Custom chimney cap installation • Chimney inspection • Waterproofing treatment • Preventive maintenance • Chimney safety evaluation Location: Plymouth, MN Company: GEM Chimney & Duct Phone: 612-800-8261 Website: https://gemchimneyduct.com

This Colorado mountain home had rotting cedar siding that was creating water intrusion issues. We solved these problems by removing all the siding and trim, as well as soffits and fascia, wrapping the house with HardieWrap, and installing James Hardie HardiePlank 7" lap siding and James Hardie HardieTrim trim. The homeowner selected Timber Bark for the both the siding and trim from the James Hardie ColorPlus Statement Collection, which has a 15-year finish warranty. How do you like the look?

Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children. As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings. With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition. Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors. As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends. Design Features Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor. Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door. Light and bright natural hardwood flooring. A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows. Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement. Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard. Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment. Energy Efficient and Green Features 1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit. Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed. No-VOC Paints and Finishes. Durable Exterior Construction No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows Cement Fiber Siding Cement Fiber and PVC Trim Life-time Architectural Shingles Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures

Bruce Keller
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This Colorado mountain home had rotting cedar siding that was creating water intrusion issues. We solved these problems by removing all the siding and trim, as well as soffits and fascia, wrapping the house with HardieWrap, and installing James Hardie HardiePlank 7" lap siding and James Hardie HardieTrim trim. The homeowner selected Timber Bark for the both the siding and trim from the James Hardie ColorPlus Statement Collection, which has a 15-year finish warranty. How do you like the look?

This home originally featured a faux Spanish‑tile metal roof installed over the existing cedar shake roof back in the mid‑1990s — a common shortcut at the time that unfortunately led to leaks in multiple areas. By the time we inspected it, water intrusion had compromised both roof layers and sections of the decking beneath. At Deskins Siding & Exteriors, we took the home down to the bones and rebuilt it the right way. We removed both roofs, re‑decked the entire structure, and installed a GAF Timberline HDZ roof in Charcoal, giving the home a clean, modern look with industry‑leading protection against Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. During the process, we also repaired rotten siding and fascia, restoring structural integrity and curb appeal. Because the original metal roof had extended up the walls, we finished the project by repainting the entire exterior with Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, a premium coating designed to resist dirt, mildew, and UV damage — perfect for Houston’s climate. The result: a watertight, energy‑efficient, and visually striking home that blends timeless design with modern performance.

Image Quest Photography - All entry doors are covered with a porch to prevent water intrusion and rotting of joist, sill plates and studs. Steel handrails (exterior) have been allowed to rust, as the rust will protect them from deterioration.

The lower panels were made with tempered glass to reduce water intrusion and damage from pets.
Inspiration for a contemporary porch remodel in Kansas City

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Rebuild of existing addition. The original builders made many mistakes with their weather sealing details, which led to some disastrous, and dangerous rot in the structure of this addition. We were hired to rebuild what was damaged, and installed new jeld-wen site line windows. We then installed new HardiePanel HZ5 siding, over a ventilated rain screen weather barrier, as well as composite trim to prevent any further water intrusion and rot.

This home originally featured a faux Spanish‑tile metal roof installed over the existing cedar shake roof back in the mid‑1990s — a common shortcut at the time that unfortunately led to leaks in multiple areas. By the time we inspected it, water intrusion had compromised both roof layers and sections of the decking beneath. At Deskins Siding & Exteriors, we took the home down to the bones and rebuilt it the right way. We removed both roofs, re‑decked the entire structure, and installed a GAF Timberline HDZ roof in Charcoal, giving the home a clean, modern look with industry‑leading protection against Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. During the process, we also repaired rotten siding and fascia, restoring structural integrity and curb appeal. Because the original metal roof had extended up the walls, we finished the project by repainting the entire exterior with Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, a premium coating designed to resist dirt, mildew, and UV damage — perfect for Houston’s climate. The result: a watertight, energy‑efficient, and visually striking home that blends timeless design with modern performance.

This home originally featured a faux Spanish‑tile metal roof installed over the existing cedar shake roof back in the mid‑1990s — a common shortcut at the time that unfortunately led to leaks in multiple areas. By the time we inspected it, water intrusion had compromised both roof layers and sections of the decking beneath. At Deskins Siding & Exteriors, we took the home down to the bones and rebuilt it the right way. We removed both roofs, re‑decked the entire structure, and installed a GAF Timberline HDZ roof in Charcoal, giving the home a clean, modern look with industry‑leading protection against Houston’s heat, humidity, and storms. During the process, we also repaired rotten siding and fascia, restoring structural integrity and curb appeal. Because the original metal roof had extended up the walls, we finished the project by repainting the entire exterior with Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, a premium coating designed to resist dirt, mildew, and UV damage — perfect for Houston’s climate. The result: a watertight, energy‑efficient, and visually striking home that blends timeless design with modern performance.

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

This modern home in Houston’s Energy Corridor was designed with clean lines and bold geometry — a true reflection of contemporary style. When the homeowner noticed water intrusion around the aging front windows, it was time to take action. At Deskins Siding & Exteriors, we removed the deteriorating vinyl siding from the front elevation and installed Hardie® lap siding at a contemporary angle, enhancing the home’s architectural character while improving durability and moisture protection. We also replaced the original entry with a sleek, modern iron door unit that complements the updated façade and reinforces the home's design vision.

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

We poured a new, structurally sound footing.
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Tash Hopkins
Trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Auckland with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, an island and stainless steel appliances

photos by Susan Teare • www.susanteare.com
Inspiration for a small rustic beige one-story wood gable roof remodel in Burlington