Search results for "Water intrusion" in Home Design Ideas

This basement remodel came from a large intrusion of water and failure of the previous system they had installed to help prevent water from entering into the basement. We ended up having to dig up around the entire exterior foundation of the home and redo the drainage and water proof the foundation and then remove all flooring on the interior and tear up the slab on grade and redo all the drainage inside and repour the slab and then install this stunning pre engineered hardwood flooring back over all the interior surface of this basement to finish it off so the owners would have a excellent finish to their basement spaces. Their in home gym their tv room and many other space down here.

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?

Roofing repair specialist cut small "window" into waterproofing mechanism to check for leak location. Forensic investigation found signs of water intrusion via rusted hardware, wood rot and damaged decking where previous repair was completed.
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This basement went under a huge transformation with all the water damage to the area we were able to save this kitchenette space and worked around it and installed these amazing engineered hardwood floors in all the spaces. And we installed the custom book shelves so the owners can house all their books and pictures.

We poured a new, structurally sound footing.
Example of a garage design in Ottawa
Example of a garage design in Ottawa

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

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This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

This secret under stair hidden powder room is got a custom tiled floor with large subway tile laid on the floor and a secret hidden bookshelf door to enter into the bathroom space so that it looks like nothing is behind the book shelf. This was designed to be a storage and bathroom space for the owners when they go to exercise in the at home gym we have built for them in this open basement space.

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.

This Newark home had a worn, aging roof with visible shingle damage and signs of water intrusion. We removed the failing system and installed a complete GAF Lifetime roofing system, including upgraded underlayment and proper ventilation. The result is a clean, durable, and leak-free roof that enhances curb appeal and provides long-term protection.

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

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.

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
Inspiration for a contemporary porch remodel in Kansas City

A Polygal cover was added above the pergola, too. It adds fantastic water protection below so the clients can hang out under their structure even if it rains. And, it allows rainwater to drain directly into an existing gutter which eliminates the water intrusion dilemma. Polygal lets the sunshine in so the family can hang out on their patio couch and grill rain or shine.

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Columbus, OH
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Homeowners had been trying to keep flooding rains from coming up to the doorway of their daylight basement
Photo of a landscaping in Portland.
Photo of a landscaping in Portland.

This residence located in San Francisco’s Glen Park was built in the late 60’s. At the time of purchase it had sustained severe water intrusion. BBGC performed extensive water and mold remediation to the entire house. The project also included a full seismic retrofit and installation of new electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. This newly transformed urban dwelling was featured in the AIA SF 2007 Home Tour.

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.
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