Due to its deteriorating condition, the asphalt roll roofing on this ADU required replacement before the Fall rains. Asphalt roll roofing generally lasts only 5-10 years, leading to ongoing maintenance challenges. The original 1×10 sheathing showed significant sagging in several spots, resulting in standing water not suitable for asphalt. Additionally, there was a complete absence of ventilation after improper installation of R-21 fiberglass insulation, leaving no air gap between the sheathing and insulation. A noticeable hump along the center of the roof indicated that the load-bearing wall had been supporting that section since construction, contributing to light sagging between the walls. The old roof was completely removed down to the joists, revealing a solid base for the new installation. The central hump was eliminated by shaving the high point along that line. 2×6 beams were ripped in half then nailed on top of the existing joists, creating a 1.5″ gap for insulation and providing strong attachment points for the OSB sheathing, which was secured with screws to prevent any potential issues with nail heads popping through over the roof’s expected lifespan of over 50 years. The EPDM membrane was then adhered using glue and contact cement along the edges of each sheet, with the ends folded over the roof edges and secured with termination bars. Drip edge flashing was added and taped to ensure a water-tight seal, and EPDM-safe caulking was applied over the seams for additional protection. Finally, all exposed wood was primed and painted. The new roof features a 60mil commercial-grade EPDM rubber membrane, offering a lifespan exceeding 50 years, in stark contrast to the 5-10 year lifespan of asphalt roll roofing. Using two sheets of EPDM for installation streamlined the process, resulting in one single seam across the entire roof, compared to the asphalt roll’s dimensions of 3 feet wide by 33 feet long, which created 8 vertical seams and 9 horizontal seams—significantly increasing the risk of leakage and failure. Wrapping the rubber over the edge of the roof effectively addressed concerns about water infiltration at the edges, an issue prevalent with the asphalt and drip edge interface. Another benefit to removing the splitting 1×10 decking and replacing it with OSB sheathing is the increase in structural integrity, moisture resistance, longevity and consistency. The project successfully transformed the ADU’s roof from a maintenance-prone asphalt roll system to a highly durable 60mil EPDM rubber membrane. By addressing critical structural issues, including sagging sheathing and inadequate ventilation, the team ensured that the new roof not only offers superior water resistance and longevity but also meets higher performance standards for insulation and durability. The replacement process eliminated common weak points, such as numerous seams and poor edge sealing, which were vulnerabilities in the old roofing system. The result is a streamlined, secure installation that provides peace of mind and long-term value, with a lifespan extending well beyond the original roof.

This Job was a complete scraping job spent a weak scraping and sanding by hand and electric on the entry wall the even out the boards again. The garage doors where being replaced so did not touch them.

Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Denver

"It was only later in the design phase that it became clear that the fireplace was a weak link, so we added a new fireplace surround uplift with a mantel treatment. It really pulled the whole space together," says Mann. Fireplace — 6x24 Rock Ledger - Marble (CTW) SLA 6x24 LEDG ROC Hearth top & inset space — Granite-Opalesene (1/4" Bevel) She wanted happiness in how it looks even more than how it works—and she got both. Beautiful kitchen happy wife. Happy husband too.

Removed large fireplace from roof to basement to open up kitchen to expansive view and allow in much more natural light. Structurally supported weak ceiling above stairwell and room off of stair well with new beams and posts. Tore out all kitchen area walls and framing. Constructed half wall to extend out into living space giving kitchen more space and to create a raised bar top counter. Added new range hood and induction cook top and range. New Evoke flooring, Semi-custom natural cherry cabinets, Pental quartz counter tops and bar. New semi-flush light fixtures and pendants + recessed. Painted all walls and cleaned and oiled wood panels on stairwell.

Effectively maintaining your landscape and trees take a good amount of time and effort. Often, homeowners will delay trimming or pruning their trees out of laziness or simply because they don’t know how to correctly care of their trees. But, you should know that tree trimming should be at the top of your to-do list for many reasons. Pruning, proper maintenance, and fertilization are all critical if you want the trees in your yard to thrive to grow strong. For homeowners that are unable to handle the tasks on their own, our professional tree trimming service can help. Five Star Tree Services has put together a list of the top three reasons why you need to trim your trees on a regular basis. Healthier Trees Regular tree trimming will keep your trees in their best health while also promoting growth. Sometimes trees may have dead or broken branches, removing them prevents decay and can even prevent an infection from spreading. If you leave damaged or rotting branches on your tree, it can spread the condition to other parts of the tree or even to other trees in the area. When you prune your tree on a regular basis, it also promotes the growth of new leaves and branches. Reducing the thickness of the leaves and branches also opens up the inner part of the tree to the sun. Furthermore, air circulation is critical for a healthy tree and regular trimming ensures that your tree always has access to the fresh oxygen it needs to thrive. The healthier your tree is the better quality oxygen it will produce for the surrounding area. Improve Property Value Well-kept trees greatly improve the aesthetics of your home. Decaying branches or trees that are overgrown are not only unsightly and dangerous, but they can also have a negative impact on the curb appeal of your house. If your house is on the market, seeing an unkempt yard with untrimmed trees can leave potential buyers with a negative perception of your property. Keeping your trees trimmed and neat show that you care about your home and how it looks. Work hard for your property and it will turn the best profit when you finally sell. Prevent Environmental Damage Tree branches that are rotting or weak pose a safety hazard to your home and your family. Dead limbs or even overburdened are more likely to fall off of the tree and strike your home. There have been plenty of reports of dead or overly heavy branches suddenly falling on people as well. Trees that grow close to power lines also pose a threat if they are not trimmed on a regular basis. Limbs can grow too high or too long causing them to brush against the power lines. This may trigger a fire or even a power outage. Sick trees with limbs that are diseased are more likely to cause the entire tree to tip over. This can cause damage to your home, vehicles, or even a person if they are unlucky. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help If you are not sure about how or when to trim your trees, Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer a wide range of Toronto Tree Trim Services and pruning services for both commercial and residential locations. Our passionate team of tree care experts will keep your property safe and ensure that your trees are beautiful and can continue to grow in a healthy state. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more information about the services we offer.

Helical screw piles are used to reach competent bearing soils below a weak upper layer to support a permanent structure. No deep excavation is required.

Moss as a lawn alternative, creates a soft texture ground cover in this garden where shade prevented grass from growing. Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

This condo is in an industrial redevelopment district in Jersey City, right across from Manhattan. Before, the dated wooden cabinets and black granite was not in synch with the modern loft look. Ceilings were low (7'2"), light was weak. The peninsula/breakfast bar under stairs was awkward, and the laundry jut out, making the entrance too narrow and claustrophobic. First, we raised the ceiling 7 inches, and straightened the sight lines, widening the entry to the condo. We then put down white hardwood floors, white acrylic cabinets from IKEA, Caesarstone quartz counters, and Bosch appliances. The laundry was brought into the kitchen. We also added a second 1 foot wide 9 foot long counter space with cabinets underneath, making this a galley kitchen. We used stainless legs and uppers to make the 2nd row of cabinets, which kept the kitchen from feeling narrow. We extended the kitchen into the living room, extending it 5 ft longer, and making it open concept and functional. The floating staircase was covered to keep it sanitary. Finally, we used a large format tile as backsplash, making clean up a breeze and put in LED undercabinet lights. The most expensive part of the project was raising the ceiling and straightening the entrance, which cost about $10,000. We splurged on Bosch 800 appliances, top of the line flooring (Mohawk Architexture), countertop (Caesarstone), tile (Porcelanosa), and doors (Ringhult IKEA) but managed to stay under $20,000 otherwise. The kitchen was part of a full renovation designed by the owner, and undertaken by Nazco Interiors.

What does a roof deck look like when every part of the roof, even areas deemed uninhabitable and structurally weak, is utilized and optimized? This large midcentury home on the edge of Presidio National Park in San Francisco had an incredible location and views. But the original roof deck suffered from poor design detailing that had rendered it a leaking, deteriorating mess. Even worse, the previous owner had covered three roof areas surrounding the deck with river stones, structurally overloading the building and endangering its occupants. We removed the river stones and everything else down to the framing. An expertly detailed drainage and waterproofing system underlies everything above. The deck and access stairs are surfaced with durable and refined porcelain pavers. The guardrail is made from custom stainless steel supports with clear, low-iron, laminated glass spanning between for an unobstructed view. Heated seats make watching the chilly fog roll in through the gate comfy. Planting and greenery surround the deck. The type varies depending on structural conditions- a deep planter sits on top of a structural wall, sedums in shallow soil occupy the strong edges of the surrounding rooftops, and faux grass turf fills out the middle in areas that can’t support the weight of wet soil.

This Tacoma home underwent a complete roof transformation, ensuring long-term durability and improved curb appeal. The project began with a thorough inspection, revealing aging shingles, water damage, and areas of structural weakness. The roof was in dire need of a full replacement. We started with a meticulous removal of the old shingles and underlying materials, exposing damaged decking that required reinforcement. After replacing compromised plywood sections, we installed a high-performance underlayment to provide superior weather protection and prevent moisture infiltration. Next, we carefully placed new, impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather. The skylight was resealed to ensure no future leaks, and improved ventilation was added to enhance airflow and extend the roof’s lifespan. The finishing touches included ridge vents and flashing details to ensure maximum efficiency and water resistance. The final result is a sleek, high-quality roof built for longevity. This project not only enhanced the home’s structural integrity but also boosted its visual appeal. With expert craftsmanship and top-tier materials, this roof replacement in Tacoma guarantees lasting protection and value.

The Parasite Installation is the outcome of the cooperation between the architect Hsieh Ying Chun and TCA Think Tank, led by Pier Alessio Rizzardi, Zhang Hankun and Martin Huba The pavilion took part in the installation Synergy & Symbiosis during the Architecture Biennale 2014 at the garden outside the Chinese Pavilion attracting visitors arriving from the Giardini and Arsenale exhibitions. (Based on the Bug Dome pavilion, a similar experiment from Hong Kong 2009, constructed by Weak! Architects as an icon of “illegal architecture). The structure was primarily used as physical research of fundamental elements of the traditional space, understanding the basic concepts behind traditional Chinese spaces created the reference to developing the design. We were happy to use simple parametric tools to build the form defined by two curves interacting with the existing permanent structure. As a result was created a lively spatial composition shaped by a single curved mesh. The workshop used contemporary and locally produced economical materials, such as wires, metal nets and PVC pipes. The pipes are bent to create arches that guarantees zero impact, as well as a temporary environment for the fragile Venice Biennale venue. PVC was chosen for its flexibility, which allows several possible and flexible forms. Main Designer: Pier Alessio Rizzardi Design Team: Martin Huba, Zhang Hankun http://tcathinktank.com/parasite-pavilion.html

These Slate kitchen floor tiles at a property in Oxford were in good physical condition, but had become dull over time due to heavy usage, and upon close inspection the grout was stained. The customer contacted me as she was keen to get the tiles back to looking their best. This would require a thorough clean and the application of a fresh sealer. While Slate floor tiles are reputed to be hard wearing and damage resistant – and are therefore a popular choice for high traffic areas like kitchens – this does not exclude them from needing regular maintenance. To begin, I mixed a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean and water. Pro-Clean is a versatile cleaner that when used in a weak dilution can be used as a regular cleaner for most types of natural stone floor, including more sensitive stones such as Limestone and Marble. The cleaning was then spread across the surface area of the floor, and left it to dwell for ten minutes to allow the solution to seep into the pores of the stone and lift the ingrained dirt to the surface. Pro-Clean in a strong dilution also functions as a stripping product, meaning it works to strip away any old and ineffectual sealer. I then scrubbed the solution into the floor using a stiff scrubbing brush, paying particular attention to the grout in order to break down the visible staining. The tiles and grout lines came up really well during the cleaning process – this became clear once I had rinsed the floor and removed the residue using a wet vacuum. With the customer eager to have the job completed quickly, I installed portable room dryers and utilised a heat gun to dry the floor, allowing me to seal it on the same day. Once I had ensured the floor was completely dry, I commenced the sealing process by firstly applying a coat of Tile Doctor Stone Oil, a product which is designed to bring out all of the natural dark shades in the Slate. When this was dry, I applied a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. This is an impregnating sealer, meaning that it soaks into pores of the stone to provide durable protection from within against ingrained dirt and stains. Colour Grow also enhances the natural colours in the stone even further. The customer was amazed by just how big a difference could be made to the tiles in the space of just a day. Although the tiles were generally in very good nick, my main task was to be liven them up – judging by the before and after photos, I think this was achieved. And, now that they have been treated to a fresh seal, the tiles will be prevented from quickly becoming dull again. Barry Woodward Oxfordshire Tile Doctor

Interiors | Bria Hammel Interiors Photographer | Laura Rae Photography
Sunroom photo in Minneapolis

Amy Strode Interiors, Mike Ballard Construction, Ken Jobe Flooring, Tom Pfeifer Carpentry, Cody Weakly Painting, Fehrenbacher Cabinets, Resto

This Tacoma home underwent a complete roof transformation, ensuring long-term durability and improved curb appeal. The project began with a thorough inspection, revealing aging shingles, water damage, and areas of structural weakness. The roof was in dire need of a full replacement. We started with a meticulous removal of the old shingles and underlying materials, exposing damaged decking that required reinforcement. After replacing compromised plywood sections, we installed a high-performance underlayment to provide superior weather protection and prevent moisture infiltration. Next, we carefully placed new, impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather. The skylight was resealed to ensure no future leaks, and improved ventilation was added to enhance airflow and extend the roof’s lifespan. The finishing touches included ridge vents and flashing details to ensure maximum efficiency and water resistance. The final result is a sleek, high-quality roof built for longevity. This project not only enhanced the home’s structural integrity but also boosted its visual appeal. With expert craftsmanship and top-tier materials, this roof replacement in Tacoma guarantees lasting protection and value.

Daco's complete firepit kit is shipped right to your door with everything you will need to transform your outdoor living space in a weekend's time 770-222-2425

A tree has many parts, all of which contribute to its overall health. Just like the human body, each part of the tree works together to ensure the tree’s survival. There are a few important elements that trees and other plants need to live; these include carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and food. A tree that has been planted in a nourishing environment and that has quality soil for its roots will grow tall, strong, and healthy. Trees that are planted in an urban environment such as on someone’s personal property need regular maintenance to thrive. The arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are happy to provide residential and commercial tree care services, including pruning and removal. We help trees stay healthy by getting rid of dead branches, trimming overgrown leaves to prevent them from infringing on power lines and much more. Aside from regular care, homeowners should pay particular attention to the roots of the tree, and here’s why. Why Trees Have Roots The roots are what hold the tree in place as well as used to absorb essential nutrients from the surrounding soil. Furthermore, water is also absorbed by the roots, which is critical for the tree’s survival. The majority of the roots of a tree are located between six inches and one foot underground. While they may be shallow going down, they extend very far horizontally, even surpassing the canopy of the tree. If a tree didn’t have roots, then it would not be able to stand or withstand harsh weather. Allow The Roots to Breathe The roots of your tree need to be protected, but they also need plenty of oxygen in order for your tree to thrive. Drying out the soil under your tree will allow oxygen to reach the area. Instead of watering your tree on a daily basis, choose a schedule that keeps the tree hydrated but allows the soil to rest. Packing the soil around the tree too tight will also limit the airflow which may suffocate surface roots. Watering Trees constantly require water regardless of their age. Trees need to be watered on a regular schedule, especially during dry seasons or drought. Ample watering will boost tree growth and maintain tree health. Don’t Cut Them Cutting the roots of a tree not only limits its ability to nourish itself, but it can also leave it open to attacks. Bacteria, insects, and viruses are more prone to strike a tree with a weak root system than one with a sturdy one. Cutting will also place stress on the tree which may stunt its growth for several years. Depending on the severity of the cut, severed roots may even cause the death of your tree. Invest in Mulch Mulch is a material placed around the bottom of a tree. It is fully organic and is intended to give the roots extra protection while also providing nutrients for your tree. Mulch should be placed around the base of a tree in the spring in order to promote new growth. An additional layer should be added in the winter to provide a buffer from the cold. Tree Care by Five Star Tree Services If you are worried about the health of your tree Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer Toronto Tree Care Services, storm damage, regular maintenance, affordable tree removal, pruning and planting services all over the metro area. If you are interested in boosting the aesthetic value of your property, or just maintaining your tree’s health, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

Client desire: Bring back the original splendor of the master bathroom in her 1905 four-square mansion, including a low profile bathtub for her mother, a separate shower for herself, and plenty of storage. Design challenges: The bathroom had been part of a poorly constructed 1960’s addition with a narrow passage and a substandard foundation resulting in a room that was always too cold. The original part of the house had a foot of concrete for the sub-flooring so we were unsure about the ability to move fixtures. The window size and location had to remain fixed due to architectural details on the outside of the home. Solutions: We removed the addition subfloor to repair the weak footings and added closed cell insulation. We widened the passage and added a floor to ceiling armoire and shallow base cabinets with a curved end for storage. Inside one of the base cabinets we concealed a new larger radiator and we added in-floor heat. Functionality and flow were improved by switching the placement of the vanity and bathtub. The arched doors throughout the house were the inspiration for the curved glass shower door, arched medicine cabinet, and curved cabinetry. The antique wall sconces were purchased by the homeowner on her quest to find lighting in keeping with the era of the home. But the pièce de résistance is the beautiful Carrera marble and basket weave tile flooring achieved by a master tilesetter who worked meticulously to create the perfect result from my design.