Hello James, 

If you have issues with wind uplift on your roof as well, you may look into metal roofing. Interlock, for instance, developed a roofing system where each shingle is locked on all four sides, making it a very resistant to windstorms. The inorganic nature of metal also helps to keep you roof attractive for decades.

You are welcome to read more on our website: www.interlockroofing.com

Another option, which I have not used myself, is used a lot in Houston.  https://www.plylox.com/  This company sells a clip that is attached to 1/2"plywood, and you can typically get them at your local Home Depot. 

From their website: 

PLYLOX™ window clips are patented h-shaped carbon steel clips engineered to fit 1/2" plywood without nails, screws or adhesives. There is no longer any need to drill holes in brick in order to protect your windows from storm damage.

Just an FYI...  Good luck.

Plyfast is a leading system for proper windborne debree protection. There is a less cost intensive way. Your options are functional shutters, OSB pre drilled and ready to set or a hybrid. Http://gaviganhomes.com either way ensure your plan is ready Andy easy to install. I'd suggest a waterproof membrane over OSB And pre lagged easy to apply system. Test before you need it. 

Security mods may be done for man made situations also. Be prepared and leave early in a potential Natural disaster 

Respectfully- 

Billy Gavigan 

Pres Gavigan 

The wash the brick mason is talking about is an acid wash. That should take care of the white stains. As far as the vertical brick looking a different color, the acid wash should take care of that too. However just like fabric and woodgrain anytime youbturn a material from horizontal to verticalbit will appear to be a different color because the grain pattern in the material is running differently and reflects light differently.  

The acid wash should help with the motor color. As it ages it will naturally darken and blend.

We have a client that recently dealt with a similar situation, but it was a racoon. They installed a one-way door, made from galvanized mesh, over the hole. Once the varment was out, the clean-up and repairs could be made. There are liquids that be applied that will keep them away once everything is sealed up.

It looks like the mason did a good job concerning the texture. But the color is way off. Unfortunatly its not easy to match new to old. The good news- Staining morter isnt hard to do if its not sealed. I suggest a few practice bricks and some best efforts at staining them to match, then do the rest. The bad news- it will probably never be pefect and if it is it will show after a few years of all that Texas weather torture.

here is a link to a good article on How to get squirrels out of an attic.

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/squirrels-attic.htm

On the squirrel removal, best to call a trapper or get a trap. 

That area agains the home can be covered with some heavy guage counter flashing and sealed up prior to that with some fast setting mortar. 

For a great number of years, I was a mason and chimney sweep before rolling out to full bathroom and ktichen remodeling.  It still is my first love.  Please have a certified, licenced chimney sweep out to look at the chimney.  /http://www.ncsg.org/ can put you in contact with a certified chimney professional in your area. Please do not use it until it is checked. 

Philip Anderson

Berkeley Ca

Hard to say based on the limited description available. Is the fireplace constructed completely of masonry? or is there an insert in the firebox? Is it framed walls with stone/brick veneer? Is the chimney a metal pipe or clay flu?

If you haven't used it and it is cracking, I would suggest that the foundation was possibly inadequate and it is settling.

Or the materials used were inferior materials, or the mortar wasn't a quality mix.

There are many factors that could be the cause. Hard to say based on the limited information.

I will say that converting from a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace shouldn't be much of an issue. Converting from gas to wood on the other hand is virtually impossible without major remodeling and expense.

+1 to Jeffrey's answer below. 

Most of the observed deficiences that we see in EIFS are the result of poor installation and flashing details.  Almost all the push off failures that are seen now are the result of poor water management and water getting behind the EIFS and pushing it off the substrate. 

See if it can't be fixed and flashed properly before ripping it all off.