Q: What is an acrylic bath and shower wall system?

A: Our acrylic bath tub is custom made to fit over the existing tub. The walls surrounding the tub or shower are similarly custom made to fit over the existing walls. Our acrylic bath and shower liner systems provide a cost effective solution for updating a shabby, outdated bath and shower. The mess and disruption that the homeowner must endure for a full bathroom remodeling, is very unappealing. Our acrylic bath and shower system is a painless way to achieve an updated bath and shower.

Q: How much will an acrylic bath and shower system cost?

A: The cost is approximately 1/3 the cost of a complete bathroom remodeling. The existing tub and/or tiled walls are not removed. The acrylic bath/shower system is installed over the existing tub and surround

Q: What is the cost to update the bathtub and shower?

A: The exact price for the one day acrylic bath system is as individual as each home. During the free in home consultation, necessary measurements will be taken and the interested family members will have the opportunity to examine the many choices that are available. The price depends upon the scope of the work and the specific options selected.

Q: Are there accessories and options for the acrylic bath and shower system?

A: Yes, there are many accessories available such as safety grab bars, soap and shampoo holders, shower curtain rod and a posi temperature valve.

Q: What is the warranty on your acrylic bath system?

A: The acrylic bath/shower system that Early Times Home Solutions installs is non- porous and includes a lifetime warranty on the material as well as a one warranty on the labor.

Q: It is very difficult for me to climb into and out of the bathtub. Can you help?

A: Yes, in most cases we can remove the existing bathtub and replace it with a shower pan and complete the work with a new wall system.

Q: How long does it take for the acrylic bath stem to be installed?

A: The BCI acrylic bath and shower system takes about one day to install and is ready for use the very next day.

Q: Is it important to hire a certified chimney sweep?

A: Yes. When an individual is certified, it means that he has successfully passed a stringent examination administered by The Chimney Safety Institute of America, the CSIA, and the governing body which sets the standards and oversees the practices for chimney services. An experienced certified chimney sweep has expertise in all facets of chimney maintenance.

Q: Are your sweeps certified?

A: Yes, All of the chimney sweeps of Early Times Home Solutions are certified.

Q: Who certifies chimney sweeps?

A: The CSIA, the Chimney Safety Institute of America is the governing body which sets the standards and oversees the practices for chimney services

Q: How often should my wood burning fireplace be cleaned?

A: It is recommended that a wood-burning fireplace be cleaned after burning two face cords of wood since the last time the fireplace was swept

Q: Do I need to service my gas fireplace?

A: The gas company typically recommends that any gas appliance be inspected annually.

The need for sweeping a gas log fireplace or scheduling the gas log refurbishing service depends on a variety of factors, including the homeowner’s preferences. Call Early Times Home Solutions for more details.

Q: How often should my fireplace be inspected?

A: According to National Fire Protection Association Code 211 an inspection is recommended annually.

Q: Is there any type of inspection other than a visual inspection?

A: Yes, a camera inspection refers to the use of a special camera, which has a 360 degree viewing ability. The Chimney scan includes the manipulation of this camera through the entire length of the chimney flue. The images are visible on a monitor, which both the customer and the chimney sweep can view. This enables our chimney sweep to point out to the customer if the liner is in fine condition or if there are cracked or broken tiles, missing or deteriorated mortar joints or open voids in your chimney. This safety inspection is the most thorough process to inspect the chimney liner.

Q: How long does the fireplace or furnace flue cleaning process take?

A: The basic sweep takes approximately 20 - 40 minutes.

Q: Are you insured?

A: YES, we carry comprehensive worker’s compensation insurance as well as 4 million dollars in liability insurance.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: We have been in business since 1985.

Q: How do I know I will get a knowledgeable technician?

A: All of our technicians are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the governing body that oversees this industry’s standards and practices. Most have been on staff for many years and have extensive experience and expertise.

Q: What other cleanings do you offer?

A: We also clean wood-burning stoves, furnace flues, boiler flues, and water heater flues, as wells as the clothes dryer exhaust.

Q: What is the process you use to clean the chimney?

A: Our certified chimney sweep uses long, flexible fiberglass rods which are attached to a special chimney brush (chimney brushes come in many shapes and sizes and sweeps the entire length of the flue to remove the flaky creosote. He will then use a hand brush to brush the smoke chamber, damper plate, vacuum smoke shelf and brush all the walls in the firebox including the floor.

Q: Will my chimney be inspected at the same time as it is cleaned?

A: A visual inspection of those parts of the fireplace or furnace flue that are visible is included with a fireplace or furnace flue sweeping. A Chimney scan camera inspection is available at an extra cost for those who want a thorough safety inspection.

Q: Will I have to clean up after the technician is done?

A: We have a no-mess guarantee. Our chimney sweep lays down a clean drop cloth in front of the fireplace on top of which he places his tools.

Q: What is creosote?

A: Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood and is flammable. Creosote goes up the chimney in the smoke as the wood burns, and settles on all those surfaces over which the smoke travels.

Q: Do I need to be home?

A: YES. In order to sweep the fireplace, furnace, boiler, water heater flues or the dryer exhaust; we must have access inside the home.

Q: Why do I need my dryer vent cleaned and what is the dryer vent cleaning process?

A: A clogged dryer exhaust leads to longer drying time for clothes. Longer drying time means greater expense for electricity or gas. A clogged dryer vent can also be a fire hazard; as heat can build up when the exhaust vent is clogged.

Our technicians use 1, 2 or 3 different approaches to clearing the dryer vent. They disconnect the exhaust pipe at the back of the dryer and use special dryer vent rods and brush to clear out lint and possibly other debris. They may also use equipment to blow or suck out the lint. Each situation is unique.

Q: Do I have to do anything to my chimney or fireplace before it is cleaned?

A: The only thing we ask is that you do not use the fireplace 24 hours before our chimney sweep arrives. Clear the area immediately in front of the fireplace so that the chimney sweep can place his clear drop cloth and tools. It takes many hours for the firebox and flue to cool down.

Q: Do you sell glass doors for the fireplace?

A: Yes fireplace glass doors are available for many prefab fireplace units as well as masonry fireplaces. There are many choices.

Q: Do you install gas lines and do you convert fireplaces from wood burning to a gas fireplace?

A: Yes, our certified chimney sweeps can convert a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace and conversely can convert a gas fireplace to wood fireplace.

Q: Can I avoid having a new fireplace liner installed if I convert my fireplace from a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace?

A: No the same safety standards apply regardless whether or not the fireplace is gas or wood burning. However we also install vent free gas log units which do not require a liner.

Q: Is it ok to use my fireplace if the backwall of my pre-fab fireplace is cracked?

A: A fireplace that has a cracked wall should not be used until a certified chimney sweep inspects the unit.

Q: My damper for the fireplace is difficult to open and sometimes shuts on its own, can you help?

A: Yes Problems with dampers are very common. The fireplace should not be used until inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

Q: I get smoke in my basement fireplace when I use my upstairs fireplace, what’s happening?

A: A certified chimney sweep will diagnose the causes of this problem.

Q: Why do I need gutters, is it really important to have gutters?

A: The gutter system directs rain water away from the foundation, thereby preventing seepage of water into the basement. Damage due to seepage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. The gutter system is the hardest working component of the exterior of the house.

Q: If I have water seepage in my basement could it have anything to do with gutters?

A: Yes this is the first thing to check, an extremely common cause of water seepage in the basement is related to gutters, be they improperly pitched gutters, inadequate downspouts, poor quality gutters and deteriorating miters.

Q: Can the pitch of the gutters have anything to do with my gutter problems?

A: Yes, the pitch of the gutters must be such that the water is directed into the downspouts which continue to direct the water away from the foundation.

Q: What kind of gutters do you install?

A: Early Times Home Solutions installs seamless aluminum 5”gutters.

Q: Do you offer free estimates for gutters?

A: Yes, we offer free in home consultations for gutters. At the time of the free gutter consultation, our professional consultant will explain various options that are available, take measurements and present you with a quotation.

Q: Do I have a choice of colors for gutters?

A: Yes there is a nice selection of colors for gutters.

Q: If my gutters are fine, can I buy only the gutter covers?

A: Yes. The gutter protection system that Early Times Home Solutions chooses to install is Gutter Topper. It is sold and installed completely separately from the need to purchase gutters. We do not want the homeowner to go to the expense of buying new gutters, when their gutters are perfectly fine.

Q: Will the installation of the gutter covers you install, damage my roof or void my roof warranty?

A: No the installation of Gutter Topper, gutter covers that we install does not damage the roof or void the warranty.

Q: My gutters are pulling away from the fascia can you help?

A: Yes. Gutters pulling away from fascia can be indicative of a variety of problems. Is the fascia rotting? Were nails or screws used when the gutters were originally installed? Once there is a hole in a gutter, the same hole cannot be reused as the strength is seriously compromised and it won’t hold. Water takes the path of least resistance. It is important that the gutters are snug and tight to take water drainage away from the foundation.

Q; Do you repair gutters?

A: Typically it is more cost effective and a far superior solution to replace a damaged gutter. Metal gutters really cannot be repaired effectively and resealing a broken miter seal is very ineffective.

Q: Will the installation of your gutter protection product keep my gutters free-flowing?

A: Yes. Some pine needles and small leaves may get into the gutters. However, rainwater washes this out. Q: How strong is the Gutter Topper?

Q: How much does Gutter Topper cost?

A: Gutter Topper offers a full line of gutter protection products which are available at different price points and appropriate for different applications. Gutter Topper offers gutter protection that is among the strongest aluminum gutter protection systems available. The Leaf Terminator one of the gutter protection choices is virtually the ultimate in gutter protection. It protects entry of leaves, pine needles, seedpods---you name it into the gutters. It’s the only commercial gutter solution with a warranty to combat clogs and holds up under the harshest weather conditions.

Q: What is included with the Gutter Topper Installation?

A: We will clean, re-pitch, seal and secure the gutter brackets on the existing gutters before beginning the installation of Gutter Topper.

Q: Why does a fireplace need to be relined?

A: Some of the circumstances requiring a new liner are listed below:
• missing mortar between tiles
• cracked, deteriorated terra cotta flue tiles
• chimney is unlined
• improper sized tiles
• existing liner is oversized or undersized
• to safely exhaust the byproducts of burning

Q: Why does a furnace flue need a liner?

A: Some of the circumstances requiring a new liner are listed below:
• chimney is unlined
• Furnace or water heater appliances have been changed
• existing liner is oversized or undersized for existing boiler, furnace and/or water heater
• chimney is incapable of containing flue gases
• joints between the flue tiles are deteriorated
• cracked terra cotta flue tiles

Q: How much does a fireplace or furnace flue liner cost?

A: Every home is different and that is why Early Times Home Solutions offers an in home consultation in which a certified chimney sweep evaluates the safety of the chimney and determines the need for a liner

Q: What type of masonry work does Early Times Home Solutions do?

A: The masons employed by Early Times Home Solutions undertake all types of masonry restoration ranging from minor tuckpointing and rebuilding a chimneys, mailboxes, walls etc.

We pour new crowns, tuckpoint or rebuild all or part of a fireplace including the firebox. Early Times Home Solutions installs cultured stone to give an entirely new look to just about any surface in and around your home.

Q: Do you warranty your masonry work?

A: Early Times Home Solutions offers generous warranties. The warranties vary depending upon the scope of the masonry repair that is being done.

Q: Do you offer free masonry estimates and how much will a masonry repair cost?

A: Yes Early Times does offer free masonry estimates. Each home is unique and the need for, and scope of the repair is specific to a particular home. There is no standard price for masonry work. The scope of the work that is required, the level of difficulty, the need for scaffolding and other equipment are some of the factors which are taken into consideration when a price is quoted. When we do this free masonry estimate our potential clients have the opportunity to discuss face to face what is needed. The quotation is typically given to the client at the time of the estimate.

Q: Do I have to be home for a masonry estimate?

A: It is in your best interest to meet with our chimney sweep or mason so that you have a face to face opportunity to explain your concerns, have your questions answered and discuss options for repairing the deteriorated masonry structure.

Q: Do I have to be home for masonry work on the outside of my home?

A: While it is not essential, it is in the customer’s best interest to be home when the exterior masonry repairs are being done. If it is not possible to be at home, we do need access to water and an electrical outlet.

Q: Can the masonry repair be done at the time of the estimate?

A: Our certified chimney sweeps and masons are prepared to do many masonry repairs but the scope of the masonry work needed, the appropriateness of the weather, the other commitments for the day, has are all factors which determine our ability to undertake a masonry repair on the same day as the estimate.

Q: What is the white discoloration on my chimney?

A: The whitish discoloration, known as efflorescence, is a crystalline deposit of white powder-like water soluble salts. This condition should be corrected. Some of the causes of efflorescence include an unlined, oversized or deteriorated flue, rain, humidity and condensation.

Q: Pieces of brick and mortar are falling off my chimney, what do I do?

A: The cycle of freezing and thawing which is characteristic of Chicago weather, is very damaging to brick and stone structures. Mortar joints deteriorate, spalling, (the brick faces fall off) occurs, pieces of brick, stone or mortar are seen on the ground. All these symptoms indicate the need for masonry restoration. Free estimates are available to determine the most appropriate restoration to the brick or stone structure and/or solutions to the deterioration.

Q: What is the purpose of a chimney crown?

A: The chimney crown is the concrete slab on the uppermost part of a masonry chimney. It is designed to protect the rows of brick or stone beneath. Overhanging crowns, which is the style we choose to build, are designed to help prevent water from running down the face of the chimney, causing premature deterioration...

Q: How long will it take to complete the masonry work?

A: Our full time masons complete all types of masonry work ranging from minor tuckpointing to tearing down an entire chimney and rebuilding it from the ground up. The scope of the work and the level of difficulty of the masonry repair are two of the factors which determine the length of time that the masonry restoration will take. Early Times Home Solutions works efficiently and will take all the time necessary to complete the project with excellent results.

Q: How do I know when I need masonry work?

A: Cracked and broken bricks, missing mortar between the bricks are common signs that masonry restoration is needed. Water stains on the ceiling or walls adjacent to the chimney structure are telltale signs that there may be deterioration of the masonry.

Q: How important is it that I get masonry repairs done?

A: It is very important not to wait to have the masonry repaired. Rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles are constantly causing the deterioration of brick and stone structures. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will be, resulting in a larger scope of work which will be more costly. It is best to have masonry restoration, be it tuckpointing or chimney rebuilding, or crown resurfacing or rebuilding; done as soon as possible to avoid additional deterioration and more extensive and costly repair work.

Q: What can I do to help protect my masonry?

A: Preventive measures can be taken by scheduling Early Times Home Solutions to apply a protective water repellant to the brick or stone and a different type of protective coating to resurface a concrete crown. As soon as you notice deterioration, schedule an appointment for Early Times Home Solutions to advise the best course of action.

Q: What kind of solar products do you install?

A: Early Times Home Solutions sells and installs solar powered attic fans & tubular sky lights. Both these products are environmentally friendly products that use the sun’s energy, which is free, resulting in energy conservation and money savings for our customers. The solar attic fan reduces the cost of heating and air conditioning

Q: Why do I need an attic fan?

A: Attic venting is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy, energy efficient home. The Solar attic fan works with your existing vents to improve attic air circulation.

Q: Does a solar attic fan help reduce energy bills?

A: Yes. The solar attic fan reduces the load on your HVAC system in hot summer months. It saves money on your electric bills and reduces the work load on your air conditioning unit. Similarly it reduces the work load of the furnace and also saves money.

Q: Will a solar attic fan help extend the life of the roofing shingles?

A: Yes installation of an energy star rated attic fan will extend the life of the roof. The solar attic fan reduces heat build-up on in the attic.

Q: What is the warranty?

A: The solar attic fan carries at 25 year manufacturer’s warranty and a one year labor warranty.

Q: What is a solar light tube or tubular skylight?

A: A solar light tube or tubular skylight is an energy star rated product which brings the brightness of soft natural sun light into a room, which otherwise would be dark.

Q: How does the solar light tube or tubular skylight function?

A: The low profile, durable acrylic dome captures sunlight on your roof during daylight hours. The light is magnified as it passes through a highly reflective, mirror-like tube, thereby significantly brightening a dark room.

Q: What about harmful UV rays?

A: The solar light tube or tubular skylight has built-in UV protection.

Q: What is the benefit of a solar light tube?

A: A Solar light tube is energy star rated and significantly brightens a dark room by magnifying the sun’s rays.

Q: What is the warranty on the solar light tube or tubular skylight?

A: The solar light tube or tubular skylight carries at 25 year manufacturer’s warranty and a one year labor warranty.

We install solar attic fans which cool the attic. The solar attic fan uses the sun’s energy; thereby reducing the cost of your heating and air conditioning. This results in lower energy consumption and savings.

We install solar light tubes also known as tubular skylights which significantly brighten a dark room by magnifying the sun’s rays.

Q: Do you offer free estimates for retractable awnings?

A: Yes, Early Times Home Solutions offers a free in home consultation for the SunSetter Retractable Awning.

Q: Are there any options from which to choose when I buy a SunSetter retractable awning?

A: There are many options and choices for your SunSetter retractable awning.

Early Times Home Solutions sells and installs the top 3 models of SunSetter Retractable Awnings: vista, motorized and motorized pro.

Q: How can I find out if a retractable SunSetter Awning can be installed on my home?

A: There are specific height, width and projection measurements that are necessary for the installation of a SunSetter awning. These measurements will be taken at the time of the free in home consultation.

Q: Where can a SunSetter awning be mounted?

A: Early Times Home Solutions installs on wood or aluminum siding, under the soffit cavity, or on a roof. Early Times Home Solutions can offer unique solutions for special situations.

Q: Are the any accessories available for the SunSetter retractable awning?

A: Yes there are many accessories available including a motor with a remote control, wind sensors, side shades, winter cover& patio lights.

Q: Is there a choice of materials for the SunSetter retractable awning?

A: There is a choice of materials for the SunSetter awning. Also the awnings are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and sizes.

Q: Are there any warranties?

A: Yes in addition to the one year warranty on labor, there is a 5 year prorated manufacturer’s warranty. Also available at an additional charge is a 5 year unlimited warranty.

Q: What type of sun protection can I expect?

A: All SunSetter fabrics block 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

Q: Does a SunSetter retractable awning help keep the inside of my house cooler?

A: Yes it can be opened just a little or all the way to block the sun’s rays.

Q: How much are the Sunsetter Retractable awnings?

A: The price of a SunSetter retractable awning is dependant upon many factors some of which are the size of the awning, the choice of material, and the specific options selected.

When we meet with you at your home and learn about your preferences, we will be able to quote a price.

Q: Do you sell any other type of awning?

A: Yes we sell and install a motorized and non motorized free standing Oasis awning. This free standing awning is the perfect solution to be used in an open outside area.

We also sell and install SunSetter Solar EasyShade Screens.

Early Times Home Solutions offers a free in home consultation for the Solar Easy Shade screens. Our in home consultant measures the area that you would like protected and the homeowner has many options from which to choose.