Q. We have had a persistent leak in the ceiling by our fireplace. I read in your column that a saddle or a cricket behind the chimney would help this. We had a new saddle installed but have found that ...

Q. Some bricks on the front of my home are deteriorating; I have no idea if it is an animal causing it or what. Any remedy or repair you could recommend? A. Brick is porous, and the older it gets, the ...