"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."
We have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at seth hardin strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
The most inexpensive option is to paint the brick facing of your existing fireplace. You can create an interesting design with the right color of paint, as long as the brick is in good shape. Sometimes, simply cleaning the brick fireplace makes a big difference in the way it looks. Otherwise, covering an existing stone, brick, or masonry fireplace facing with stucco or concrete is an inexpensive option versus tearing out the existing material and refacing the fireplace.
When comparing which is better between German schmear, whitewash, and limewash, your answer will depend on the look you're going for. German schmear is the best option for those who want a heavily distressed look for their brick without full coverage. Whitewash is best if you like the current brick color and want it to show through. Limewash paint is best for full coverage.
The main difference between limewash and German schmear is their core ingredient. Limewash is made from crushed limestone, while German schmear uses a mortar base. This affects their application, appearance, and longevity. German schmear involves applying a thin layer of mortar to brick or stone and then partially wiping it off. In contrast, limewash is a type of paint. German schmear is essentially permanent, lasting one to two decades with minimal maintenance, whereas limewash has a shorter lifespan of five to seven years. Cost-wise, German schmear is about $1 to $4 per square foot and is typically only available in white or gray.
Yes, you can limewash surfaces other than brick. Plaster, stone, stucco, and concrete can all also be limewashed. Any porous surface that will absorb the wash is a good candidate for limewash, although it won’t help much with waterproofing. If you choose to limewash over paint, you’ll need to prep before applying it to avoid a powdery, chalky finish. Shiny surfaces like metal or glass can’t absorb limewash, so it’s not suited for these.
The downsides of brick staining include a complex process and lengthy application. Also, if your brick is damaged or already contains a non-porous sealant or paint, staining won’t be an option as it won’t be able to absorb properly.
The Sublette, KS homeowners’ guide to fireplace cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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