If you have ever looked closely at cinder block or brick structures, you are probably aware of step cracks. These are vertical and horizontal cracks that run through the mortar of blocks, making them look like stair steps. These common foundational defects are often no more than cosmetic blemishes on an otherwise structurally sound building. … Read more
Your chimney protects your home. It requires yearly upkeep, so you can protect it, too, by preventing serious water damage. However, with so many options for waterproofing material on the market, it’s all too easy to make the wrong selection. Some waterproofing materials can damage your chimney just as much as the water it prevents … Read more
Home inspections are an exhaustive task where an inspector goes over everything with a fine-toothed comb. No inspection report is perfect, but you should address issues that might cause hesitation from potential buyers. Doing so means selling your home can be quicker and for more money. A few hundred dollars’ worth of investment in repairs … Read more
During the winter months, sitting next to a warm, crackling fireplace is often the highlight of a busy day. Many homeowners prize their fireplaces, taking good care of them to make sure they provide warmth and comfort for years. One major problem with fireplaces is that if there isn’t an actual fire burning, all you … Read more
If you have a basement in your house, then you know the convenience that comes with having all of that extra square footage. Whether it is an area for living, recreation or storage, a basement provides homeowners with extra space that can be used for a variety of purposes. Of course, with that extra space … Read more
Your home is your castle. It’s the onus of every homeowner to make sure their castle is in tip-top condition. In that regard, it often seems that there are a million projects to juggle. Unless you’ve been saving up and planning a massive renovation, you need to prioritize what needs to be fixed and what … Read more
Brick or stone steps are a beautiful and long-lasting option for steps leading up to your home or garden. However, the fact that they last long does not mean they will survive forever with no upkeep. The longer your masonry steps go without being checked, the more likely they are to develop dangerous flaws. To … Read more
Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are over 25,000 chimney fires that add up to over $125 million in property damage and cause death and injury to many people? To prevent this issue from happening to you, proper maintenance is crucial. The problem is, most homeowners do not have the time … Read more
Have you ever paid attention to older chimneys? If so, you might have noticed that many of them have large white stains on their exterior surface. These white stains are known as “efflorescence”. While they are not necessarily damaging to the chimney, they can be an indication of serious problems inside the chimney that need … Read more
If you have a home with a fireplace, then you know the comfort and joy it can bring, especially on cold winter nights. There is nothing quite like a cozy, roaring fire to help cut the chill out and make a house feel like a home. The problem with fireplaces and chimneys, though, is that … Read more