Fireplace Safety: How to Safely Use & Maintain a Fireplace
As frigid temperatures, howling winds and deep snows make themselves at home this winter, folks flock to warm themselves in front of a roaring fireplace. Therefore, it’s a good time to talk about fireplace safety. Every winter, fireplaces all over the United States glow brightly with the warming flames tickling the hearth. However, most homeowners […]
Chimney Liners & Stone Fireplaces – What You Should Know
What Is The Job Of A Flue Or Chimney Liner? According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, “A flue lining in a masonry chimney is defined as “A clay, ceramic, or metal conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney […]
Can Stone Veneer be Applied Over Brick?
Can Stone Veneer be Applied Over Brick? Does your family room’s old brick fireplace constantly remind you of the 1960s? Is your home’s worn and faded brick exterior killing its curb appeal? If you answered “yes” to either question, your home is in desperate need of a makeover. Sure you can have Two choices you […]
Updating Your Home’s Exterior With Stone Veneer
Stone Veneer is a beautiful, versatile material that can work wonders in creating and designing beautiful home exteriors and interiors. The flexibility and versatility that comes with stone veneer is unmatched by natural stone. Stone veneer is lighter in weight – Stone veneers weigh typically 75% less than real stone and require no additional support. […]
Best Flooring Options for Your Fireplace Hearth
Whether you already have a stone fireplace/stone fireplaces in your home or you’re planning to have one installed, you need to consider the flooring for your fireplace hearth. The hearth of the fireplace begins with the floor of the fireplace and extends into the living area in front of the fireplace itself, plus the fireplace […]
Best Budget Stores For Home Renovation In Chicago
You don’t have to wear a tool belt to be a do-it-yourself home improvement artist. Being great at the logistics of locating discount materials is a crucial skill in completing projects at lower cost. And it leaves room in your budget for hiring pros whether carpenters or stone veneer masons. Here are some useful local […]
Beautiful Home Uses Stone Veneer to Help Gain LEED Certification
Brick and stone veneer are nothing new to the world of architecture and construction. They are attractive, durable, and don’t come with the same hefty price tag as a traditional, full sized stone or brick. And, in the instance of this beautiful new home in Evanston, Illinois, their use marks achieving a standard of sustainability […]
Basics Stone Veneer Installation
Manufactured stone veneer can be installed to any structurally sound material including wood, wallboard, masonry and metal. If the surface of where the stone is going to be installed has a residual coating such as paint, additional preparation is necessary. Either the coating needs to be removed or a wire lath needs to be secured […]
Announcing The Search For Chicago’s Ugliest Fireplace!
Announcing The Search For Chicago’s Ugliest Fireplace! July 9, Chicago, IL– North Star Stone of Libertyville, Illinois, a contractor that offers interior stone design, stone fireplaces, and custom stone exterior work for homes around Chicagoland, announces the start of their search to find Chicago’s Ugliest Fireplaces. Geared towards home owners in Chicago and the surrounding […]
Adding Value To Your Home With Stone Veneer
As a homeowner, you probably look for ways to add to your home’s value and your overall satisfaction with your home on a regular basis. Not all “home improvement projects” are created equal, though, as some are more worthwhile than others. One home improvement project that will yield the most return on your investment is […]
