Serving Cleveland's West Side

Chimney & Roofing Blog

Honest advice, real pricing, and expert guides for Cleveland homeowners. No fluff — just the information you need to make smart decisions about your home.

Damaged chimney in Parma, OH before Five Star repair — crumbling mortar and missing bricks
Chimney Repair Feb 15, 2026 7 min read

How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost in Cleveland?

Chimney repair in Cleveland typically costs $200–$5,000+ depending on the scope. Here's what drives the price and how to avoid overpaying.

Read Article
Colonial home in Westlake, OH with new dark gray corrugated steel panels metal roof installed by Five Star
Metal Roofing Feb 8, 2026 8 min read

Metal Roof vs. Shingles: Which Is Better for Cleveland Weather?

Metal roofs cost more upfront but last 3x longer than shingles. Here's an honest comparison for Cleveland homeowners weighing their options.

Read Article
Severely deteriorated chimney in Lakewood, OH showing spalling bricks and missing mortar — needs rebuilding
Chimney Repair Jan 28, 2026 6 min read

7 Signs Your Chimney Needs Rebuilding (Not Just Repair)

Not every chimney problem can be patched. Here are 7 warning signs that your chimney needs a full rebuild, not just tuckpointing.

Read Article
New stainless steel chimney caps installed on multi-flue chimney in Lakewood, OH by Five Star
Chimney Repair Jan 20, 2026 5 min read

Do I Need a Chimney Cap? (Yes — Here's Why)

A $200-$600 chimney cap can prevent thousands in water damage. Here's why every Cleveland chimney needs one and what type to get.

Read Article
Chimney after professional tuckpointing by Five Star — fresh gray mortar joints in Parma, OH
Tuckpointing Jan 12, 2026 6 min read

Tuckpointing 101: What Cleveland Homeowners Need to Know

Tuckpointing restores deteriorated mortar joints and can extend the life of your brick by decades. Here's everything Cleveland homeowners need to know.

Read Article
Five Star crew member applying waterproofing sealant to chimney in Lakewood, OH
Chimney Repair Jan 5, 2026 5 min read

Chimney Waterproofing: The $300 Fix That Saves Thousands

Waterproofing your chimney is the most cost-effective way to prevent freeze-thaw damage in Cleveland. Here's how it works and what it costs.

Read Article
Aerial view of completed metal roof on Westlake, OH home — built to withstand Cleveland winters
Roofing Dec 20, 2025 6 min read

Winter Roof Maintenance Checklist for Cleveland Homeowners

Cleveland winters are hard on roofs. Use this checklist to prepare your home and prevent costly damage from ice dams, snow loads, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Read Article
Ranch home with dark gray corrugated steel panels metal roof — curb appeal and insurance savings
Metal Roofing Dec 10, 2025 5 min read

Can a Metal Roof Lower Your Homeowner's Insurance in Ohio?

Many Ohio insurance companies offer discounts of 5-35% for metal roofs. Here's how to qualify and what to ask your agent.

Read Article
CSIA-certified chimney inspector examining a Cleveland-area chimney
Chimney Repair Feb 20, 2026 6 min read

Chimney Inspection in Cleveland: What to Expect and Why It Matters

A chimney inspection is the first step before any repair or cleaning. Here's what CSIA Level 1, 2, and 3 inspections cover and when you need each one.

Read Article
HeatShield flue liner restoration being applied inside a Cleveland chimney
Chimney Repair Feb 25, 2026 7 min read

HeatShield Chimney Liner Restoration: What Cleveland Homeowners Need to Know

HeatShield can restore a cracked or deteriorated flue liner at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Here's how it works and whether your chimney qualifies.

Read Article
Chimney flashing repair on a Cleveland-area home — new step flashing and counter flashing installed
Chimney Repair Mar 1, 2026 6 min read

Chimney Flashing Repair: The #1 Cause of Roof Leaks in Cleveland

Failed chimney flashing is responsible for more roof leaks than any other single cause. Here's how to identify the problem and what it costs to fix.

Read Article
New deck construction in progress on a Cleveland-area home
Carpentry Mar 3, 2026 8 min read

Deck Construction in Cleveland: Materials, Costs, and What to Expect

A new deck adds living space and home value. Here's what Cleveland homeowners need to know about materials, costs, permits, and finding the right contractor.

Read Article
Freshly tuckpointed chimney in Cleveland — clean mortar joints after Five Star restoration
Tuckpointing Mar 5, 2026 5 min read

Tuckpointing vs. Repointing: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they're different processes. Here's what each one means and which one your chimney or masonry actually needs.

Read Article
Colonial-style home in Cleveland with a charcoal gray metal roof installed by Five Star
Metal Roofing Mar 7, 2026 6 min read

Metal Roofing Colors for Cleveland Homes: What Works and What Doesn't

Metal roofing comes in 50+ colors. Here's how to choose the right one for your Cleveland home's style, neighborhood, and energy goals.

Read Article
Chimney waterproofing application on a Cleveland-area brick chimney
Chimney Repair Mar 8, 2026 5 min read

Chimney Waterproofing vs. Sealing: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Not all chimney water treatments are the same. Here's the difference between waterproofing and sealing, and which one your chimney actually needs.

Read Article
Kitchen remodeling project completed by Five Star in a Cleveland-area home
Remodeling Mar 9, 2026 7 min read

Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Cleveland: What to Budget in 2026

Kitchen remodeling is the most popular home improvement project in Cleveland. Here's a realistic budget breakdown for 2026, from minor refreshes to full gut renovations.

Read Article
Five Star chimney sweep cleaning a Cleveland-area fireplace chimney
Chimney Repair Mar 10, 2026 5 min read

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Swept in Cleveland?

The NFPA recommends annual chimney sweeping for all wood-burning fireplaces and appliances. Here's what's involved, how much it costs, and why Cleveland homeowners shouldn't skip it.

Read Article
New siding installation on a Cleveland-area home by Five Star
Siding Mar 11, 2026 7 min read

Siding Replacement in Cleveland: Materials, Costs, and What to Expect

New siding is one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements you can make. Here's a complete guide to siding materials, costs, and the installation process in Cleveland.

Read Article
Repaired chimney crown with new stainless steel cap on a Cleveland-area home
Chimney Repair Mar 12, 2026 5 min read

Chimney Crown Repair in Cleveland: Why It Matters and What It Costs

The chimney crown is the first line of defense against water intrusion. A cracked crown is the most common cause of premature chimney deterioration — here's what it costs to fix.

Read Article
Flat roof installation on a Cleveland-area commercial building by Five Star
Roofing Mar 12, 2026 7 min read

Flat Roof Repair and Replacement in Cleveland: A Complete Guide

Flat roofs are common on Cleveland's older homes, additions, and commercial buildings. Here's what you need to know about repair, replacement, and the best materials for Northeast Ohio.

Read Article