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.

Traditional exterior home idea in New York

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.

We will reconfigure floor plans, move walls, fixtures and utilities, to increase floor area and storage space. A bathroom remodeling project is also the perfect chance to upgrade the plumbing systems, fix weak water pressure, or replace leaky faucets. Heat, moisture, and heavy use make the bathroom especially vulnerable to deterioration and structural damage, high-quality materials and exacting craftsmanship are imperative.

Standard annual or mechanical Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces typically works to remove any type of buildup as well as checking for the structural integrity of the chimney. Maintaining an annual chimney cleaning will meet the national safety standard set by the NFPA, CSIA, IRC and NCSG, helping homeowners avoid chimney fires and blockages. Why does safety matter? Did you know that there was a chimney fire in Marengo in January? Or a chimney fire at a Peotone home at the end of March? Or a log cabin fire caused by the chimney in June? That’s just a few that happened in the past 7 months. Why Does a Chimney Cleaning Matter? Chimney sweeps also known as chimney cleanings, fireplace cleanings, or fireplace sweeps. Regardless of what you call it, it still means the same thing. Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces serve 3 key purposes: confirming structural integrity removing flammable deposits and obstruction-free assurance. Homeowners with gas or wood burning fireplaces benefit from each of these safeguards. The National Fire Protection Association addresses this directly through NFPA 211, a widely recognized fire safety code. The standard states that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents require inspection at least once a year for soundness, free from deposits, and correct clearances, with cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to be done whenever needed. This annual requirement applies equally to gas and wood burning fireplaces. Organizations including the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, International Residential code and the National Fire Protection Association each reference this standard as the requirement for home fire safety. Free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection Every chimney sweep completed through Superior Chimney includes a complimentary 14-point certified written inspection along with photo documentation delivered to you by email. This documentation gives homeowners a clear visual record of their chimney system. The written report covers the condition of the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, chimney crown, and chimney cap, among other components examined during a standard visit. Photo documentation captures each area so homeowners can review the findings independently of the technician’s verbal summary. Written inspection reports allow families to track the condition of their fireplace chimney system over time. Chimney Cleaning and Structural Integrity A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician, such as Superior Chimney technicians, visually examines the chimney from the top opening to the firebox below, gaining a full evaluation of the interior. When chimney rods and brushes pass through the chimney system, loose pieces of fire clay tile, damaged tile joints, or crumbling brick sometimes fall down into the fireplace. This debris can mean there is an integrity problem. By knowing this is a problem, will protect families and their homes. Now it’s time to take care of it and call in a certified chimney technician. Fireplace Cleaning and Creosote Removal Creosote, is the technical name for soot. Soot forms as a natural byproduct of burning wood. Smoke traveling upward through the chimney and leaves deposits of creosote along the interior walls. With every fire, a little more gets built up. The issue with creosote is that it is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires nationwide. Removing the buildup through regular chimney cleanings keeps a fireplace serviceable for continuous use throughout the spring, fall and winter seasons. Standard and mechanical chimney cleanings pay close attention to the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox in a single service visit. Superior Chimney performs each fireplace chimney inspection using a no-mess process that protects the home during service. This keeps soot contained within specialized equipment rather than the living room. An Obstruction Free Chimney Several conditions create blockages within a chimney system. Bird, squirrel, bat and raccoon nesting material, feces, and debris frequently accumulate inside an unprotected flue, especially during spring and summer months when the fireplace sits unused. Excessive creosote accumulation or a collapsed chimney liner can restrict proper airflow. Homeowners that address obstructions with a chimney inspection will be able to maintain proper draft and ventilation with their gas or wood burning fireplace. This will reduce the risk of smoke backing into the home. Gas Chimney Cleaning Compared to Wood burning Chimney Cleaning Gas and wood burning fireplaces share the same annual chimney inspection requirement. Whether you are burning wood, gas or a “pile of shirts” there is still heat and flame that requires worthy firewalls to protect the home from heat transfer. Fire worthiness and checking the firewall integrity is priority. Wood burning fireplaces generate creosote that builds along the flue liner with every fire. Gas fireplace systems accumulate lighter deposits along with potential venting obstructions, since gas appliances rely heavily on venting for safe combustion byproduct release. Each system accumulates different residues that need attention. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician from Superior Chimney adjusts the specific cleaning approach based on fuel type. However, the same core safety elements apply: structural integrity, deposit removal, and clear airflow. What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning? A typical chimney inspection begins with a walkthrough of the fireplace and the chimney on top of the roof, allowing the technician to record any visible concerns the homeowner reported in advance as well as any new findings. The certified technician then covers the immediate hearth area with protective material before setting up specialized equipment designed to contain creosote throughout the cleaning and inspection. Chimney rods and brushes pass through the flue liner to loosen and remove creosote deposits along the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and damper. The certified technician inspects each section closely for loose or crumbling firewall, cracked joints, or other signs of weak structural damage. A final walkthrough of the firebox and chimney completes the visual inspection. Photo documentation captures each component, and the certified written report is sent to the homeowner by email. This consistent process gives homeowners the documentation they need to compare year to year. Chimney Cleaning Safety Standards The table below summarizes the organizations that set national chimney safety standards, along with their specific requirements for fireplace chimney sweeps. NFPA211 National Fire Protection Association Annual inspection for soundness, deposit buildup, and correct clearances; cleaning and repairs completed as needed CSIA Chimney Safety Institute of America Certifies technicians through testing on chimney and venting system knowledge NCSG National Chimney Sweep Guild Establishes trade standards and best practices for chimney sweep professionals How Often Should You Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection? CSIA recommends scheduling chimney cleaning and inspection annually by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. This recommendation applies to gas and wood burning fireplaces, regardless of how frequently a household uses the fireplace and especially in freeze/thaw geographic areas. Regular chimney sweeps save lives, since a clean fireplace chimney rarely catches fire. CSIA encourages homeowners to rely on Certified Chimney Sweeps, as these technicians undergo regular testing on the complexities of chimney and venting systems throughout their careers. Frequently Asked Questions What is included in a chimney sweep? A chimney sweep includes the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox, removing creosote while checking for obstructions and structural concerns throughout the chimney system (NOT the ashpit). How often should gas and wood burning fireplaces receive chimney sweeps? CSIA, NFPA, IRC and NCSG guidelines each call for chimney sweeps at least once a year for gas and wood burning fireplace systems. Why does creosote removal matter for fireplace safety? Creosote is highly flammable and builds along the interior walls of a fireplace chimney with every fire, creating conditions that lead directly to chimney fires when left in place over time. Creosote is unburned particles from the combustion chamber. Who should perform a fireplace chimney sweep? CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technicians complete fireplace chimney sweeps after passing regular testing on chimney and venting system knowledge, meeting the certification standard recognized across the industry. Does a fireplace chimney sweep remove animal nests and debris? No, a fireplace chimney sweep addresses soot and creosote, while significant nesting material, feces, or collapsed liner debris often calls for dedicated obstruction removal alongside the standard service. What does the free 14-point inspection include? The complimentary 14-point certified written inspection documents the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, crown, and cap through photo evidence delivered directly by email for homeowner records. Choose Superior Chimney for Your Certified Chimney Inspection All service technicians completing chimney sweeps through Superior Chimney hold National Certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), reflecting the training standard recommended by fire safety organizations nationwide. Scheduling regular chimney sweeps to clean gas and wood burning fireplace systems protects a home from fire risk, preserves the structural integrity of the chimney, and keeps airflow clear for proper, continuous use throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection at 877-244-6349.

Original shower removed due to leaking causing subfloor water damage and weakness. Installed new panel shower system, new toilet, new vanity and new flooring.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Once the endless winter has finally subsided, it is time to start thinking about your spring tree care! Once the last of the snow and ice has finally melted away, your trees and garden will be released once again. It is finally time to prepare for your spring tree care. If you want to maximize your tree’s new growth, you are going to want to follow Five Star Tree Services spring checklist! You can also start planning for new trees as well. We are going to give you all the information you need to know in order to properly take care of your trees this spring. Inspect Your Trees When all the ice and snow has left your trees, this is a good time to inspect for any damage done from the harsh winter. There aren’t any leaves that will get in your way, making it easier to see anything amiss, like damage or diseases. If you hire an arborist to do this initial spring inspection, you can guarantee that they will analyze every tree on your property very carefully to make sure they can provide you with the most accurate report. This report will make you aware of any and all tree problems on your property. The arborist will also go over all possible ways that you can fix these problems and explain them to you. Preemptive Pruning In order to properly prepare your trees for their spring growth, you will need to prune them. A trained arborist will be able to identify dead branches and cut them off. They will also deal with damaged branches, weak branches, and any unsafe branches and make sure they remove them before they become a problem or hazard. We recommend that you prune or hire an arborist to prune your trees in the early spring. If you wait and prune your trees after their spring growth, they are more likely to be attacked by pests and diseases. When done properly, your spring pruning is going to have a major positive impact on the overall health of your trees. Cleanup the Gardens Part of your spring cleaning is not limited to your home. You also need to clean your gardens too! This is an important part of your checklist routine. When all the snow and ice melt away and exposes your gardens and lawn once again, it is important to clean up your yard from any and all fallen leaves, branches, and anything else that isn’t supposed to be there. Once you do this, the sunlight will be able to get to the ground and will aid in penetrating and warming up the ground faster below the surface. Developing tree roots will have a positive effect from the sunlight. Which results in better tree growth in the spring. Fertilization of Your Trees After the winter has subsided, it usually takes most of the nutrients out of the soil. Which is why you should be taking advantage of fertilizing your trees in the spring. It is important to feed your trees in order to provide them with the adequate nutrients they need in order for them to be healthy and grow during the spring. When trees are properly fertilized, this helps them fight off diseases and pests. Add Some Mulch There are many marvelous benefits to mulching in the spring. This improves the soil quality that’s around your tree. It also helps to keep the soil fertilized and moist. Mulch is also a fantastic way to prohibit weeds from developing and growing in your gardens. This is very important for newly planted and young trees. We recommend that you add 2-4 inches of mulch around each tree in the early spring. Plant Some New Trees! There are many reasons why people plant trees. One major reason is to combat deforestation and provide more oxygen. If you are looking for other reasons to plant some trees, consider planting shade trees. These trees allow you to take shelter under them in the summer from the glaring sun. But did you know that they can also benefit you by maximizing your energy savings during the winter? Making it so that you can actually increase the overall value of your home when you plant new trees. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help When you are looking to add more magnificent trees to your yard, you need to make sure they are planted properly. One of the first important steps is to pick the right placement for your new tree. You also need to consider what trees are right for your property. Without any experience planting trees, we highly recommend that you contact your local Toronto Tree Planting Services for assistance! Our team is highly knowledgeable and will be able to help you with anything you require for your trees, both new and pre-existing. Make sure to contact Five Star Tree Service for all your tree needs. Contact us at (416) 990-3355 or go to our website to learn more!

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.

A closer look of the front landscaping in front of the attached garage. The plants have yet to fill in completely, but will cover most of the mulched area within 3 years to limit the amount of mulch used and time spent weeding. The main color theme used through the front landscaping was blues, purples and whites with frosty green colors. Inspiration was taken from Italian country landscapes. The large Hydrangea was existing and is one of the plants on the property that the deer had not yet chewed to nothing. A Kousa Dogwood stands where a large Callery Pear once stood. Removing the large weak wooded tree helped to add more sunlight the front landscaping so the same plants could be used to make the look cohesive. As the dogwood grows it can be trimmed to allow people to walk under the branches in dappled sunlight.

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.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Crape Myrtle Towns across the South dedicate tours and festivals to crape myrtles. When the heat is on, they put on their best flower show. Known for their abundant blooms, crape myrtles are one of the most identifiable trees in our local landscapes. You'll find a wide variety of flower colors available, as well as plant sizes. But it's not just the flowers that make this small tree distinctive - it's bark puts on an equally impressive show. Crape myrtles need a full sun location in order to stay healthy and flower well. Plants in too much shade will grow thin, weak, and have persistent problems with sooty mold and pests. Be sure to check the mature size of the crape myrtle variety you select. You can find plants that grow as small as 1.5 feet...all the way up to 40 feet! Right plant, right place. Choose a crape myrtle that will fit the space you choose.

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.

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.

Marble is fun! If you have a weakness for geometrical patterns this will be the perfect tile for you, this pattern brings together Beach glass and Calacata Marble. The best part, you get to choose the color of the glass.

Open concept kitchen - huge transitional l-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

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.