Ask This Old House

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Season 5 Show Descriptions

Showing results for "Season 5"
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Episode #526
Building a Workbench and What Is It?… more
Episode #525
Lawn Mowing and Edging Basics, What is it?, Repairing and maintaining electric water heaters, Repairing a broken stair tread … more
Episode #524
Replacing a damaged mailbox post,Repointing Brickwork … more
Episode #523
Installing a new radiator/towel bar warmer, What is it?, Controlling crabgrass … more
Episode #522
Replacing a corroded shut-off valve with a "compression" fitting, What is it?, Selecting and planting "climbing" roses … more
Episode #521
Installing composite decking with hidden fasteners, Quieting a noisy steam radiator… more
Episode #520
Replacing a Shub, What is it?, Installing a roof-mounted attic fan… more
Episode #519
Refinishing cast-iron radiators, Installing a standby electric generator… more
Episode #518
Patching a damaged vinyl floor, What is it?, Repairing a leaking in-ground sprinkler system… more
Episode #517
Shopping for and installing wall-to-wall carpet, What is it?, Table saw safety… more
Episode #516
Removing an overgrown Juniper bush, Coiling an extension cord, Replacing a pop-up assembly in a pedestal sink … more
Episode #515
Clearing clogged drains, What is it?, Install Kitchen Cabinets… more
Episode #514
Prune a willow tree, fix a hot-water heater… more
Episode #513
Mulching, Sash Balancers … more
Episode #512
Shower Valve, Recycling Batteries … more
Episode #511
Cedar Clapboards, Chainsaw Etiquette … more
Episode #510
Kitchen Backsplash, Installing Sod … more
Episode #509
Child safety, What is It?, Installing a sump pump… more
Episode #508


Original Air Date: Week of November 23, 2006

Up in the loft, stone countertop expert Jason Keefe shows host Kevin O'Connor how to maintain stone countertops and prevent stains. Then Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Roger and fence contractor Mike McLaughlin help a homeowner install a chain link fence.

Maintaining stone countertops
Up in the loft, Kevin is joined by stone countertop expert Jason Keefe, who explains how to clean countertops and prevent stains. Jason shows a type of "silicone impregnator" that is applied to stone countertops to seal the surface and help prevent liquid from being absorbed. For stains that do occur, Jason uses a mixture of solvents and limestone called a "poultice." The poultice sits on the stone for 48-72 hours and absorbs the oil from the stain into the poultice. For cleaning, Jason recommends soap and water, not abrasive products or citrus-based cleaners, which can damage the surface.

Where to Find It
Advice and technical assistance was provided by:
Jason Keefe
World Class Marble & Granite
275 Lenox Street
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
781-769-0504

Jason used a poultice and silicone-based countertop sealer manufactured by:
StoneTech
877-786-6383

Other countertop care products can be purchased at your local home center or stone countertop store.

What is it?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking products.

Where to Find It
Tom shows a green plastic tool used for spacing exterior deck boards during installation.

DECKIT
866-988-1390

Installing a chain link fence
Roger and fence installer Mike McLaughlin help a homeowner install a short length of chain link fence in her backyard. The yard is already fenced in on three sides, but the homeowner wants the fourth side fenced so she can get a dog. The homeowner also wants a gate, so Mike begins by marking the location of the end posts and the gate posts with spray paint. Roger and Mike then use standard post hole diggers to dig 2-foot deep holes for each post. Once the holes are dug, Mike inserts the posts into the holes and pours concrete into each hole to secure the posts and keep them plumb. After the concrete has cured, Roger and Mike attach the necessary hardware to each post. The posts are then cut to length using a portable band saw and a loop cap is installed on top of the line post. Mike then installs the top rail. Roger and Mike then measure and cut the chain link using fence pliers. One end of the chain link "fabric" is fastened to the end post using tension bands and the top of the "fabric" is secured to the top rail with steel ties. The other end of the chain link is then stretched to the opposite post using a fence stretcher. Once the chain link is pulled taught, the end is fastened to the tension bands. Mike then installs end caps on the top of the end posts and uses more steel ties to secure the chain link to all the posts. The gate is then attached to the posts with steel hinges and the installation is complete.

Where to Find It
Installation was provided by Mike McLaughlin of PRO Fence, Inc.
781-933-1234

Many fencing supplies can be purchased at your local home center or fencing contractor.
Episode #507
Home Energy Audit, what is it?, Removing a toilet seat with corroded bolts… more
Episode #506
Rebuilding a small exterior deck and stairs.… more
Episode #505
Planting flower bulbs in fall, making straight rip cuts with a circular saw, what is it?… more
Episode #504
Installing garage storage cabinets, What is it?, Installing a ceiling fan… more
Episode #503
Installing a new shower base, Installing a rain barrel… more
Episode #502
Replacing a clogged faucet aerator, Selecting houseplants, Quieting a squeaky subfloor under carpet… more
Episode #501
Repairing a bathroom door, planting a bamboo privacy screen, what is it?… more