In this episode:
Tom Silva explains why he enjoys sanding so much and how it gets him into the zone. He describes what he looks for in a good sanding job and how important sanding can be for the finished product. Then, he meets up with Kevin O’Connor to discuss power sanders and how they work. Tom breaks down the uses of a belt sander, finishing sander, and a random orbit sander. He explains the strengths and weaknesses of each and goes through what types of jobs would be best for each specific sander.
Then, paint expert Mauro Henrique cleans the vinyl siding of a house with a power washer. He first explains the basics of a power washer and discusses the differences between colored tips when it comes to pressure washing, and why it is extremely important to know what each means. The color of the nozzle determines the angle of the water stream, which causes the water pressure to be more or less concentrated. Mauro advises that beginners use the tip with the widest angle as it is the least likely to cause damage to your siding. After, he demonstrates the proper technique in how to clean your vinyl siding.
Richard Trethewey, Mark McCullough, and Jenn Nawada share more Home Inspection Nightmares with Kevin O’Connor, including some growth on a roof and chimney and an over-caulked plumbing fix.
Later, Heath Eastman installs LED strip lights to the underside railing of a deck. Heath helps a homeowner transform their dark deck into a suitable hangout spot for after the sun goes down. By adding undermount lighting, it can provide light for the deck but also illuminate where you might be walking. Heath goes through the process of installing waterproof strip lights and shows how you can make them last longer in the outdoors. By using mounting channels to put the lights in and heat shrink tubes to protect wire connections, he shows how to protect the lights from the elements. In just a few hours and for a few hundred bucks, Heath shows how you can transform your deck into a space you’ll always be happy to come home to.
Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Principles of Sanding Wood
Tom Silva describes what he looks for in a good sanding job and how important sanding is for your woodworking project. Then, he breaks down the uses of a belt sander, finishing sander, and a random orbit sander.
Where to find it?
Tom demonstrated how a belt sander, a finishing sander, and a random orbit sander work differently from one another.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Paint Expert Mauro Henrique, goes over all of the basics of using a power washer to clean exterior vinyl siding.
Where to find it?
When done incorrectly, power washing can be a dangerous job both to yourself and the material being clean, so Mauro urges caution when using a power washer. Fortunately, most power washers come with the same color-coded system Mauro described to help select the right tip for the job.
For this project, Mauro used a 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, which is manufactured by DeWalt and can be rented from home centers.
Home Inspection Nightmares
Richard Trethewey, Mark McCullough, and Jenn Nawada share more Home Inspection Nightmares with Kevin O’Connor.
Where to find it?
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
How to Install Deck Rail Lighting
Master Electrician Heath Eastman installs undermount, LED deck railing lights for a homeowner whose only deck lighting includes a single, bright spotlight.
Where to find it?
Heath installed sections of 3′ White LED Landscape Strip Light—12VAC—1P67 Waterproof, which is manufactured by SuperBrightLEDs. Before buying, Heath suggests confirming that the lights are UL rated.
The other tools and materials required to install the lights, including the landscape wiring and pliers, can be found at home centers.
Original Air Date: Apr 4, 2021 Season 19; Ep.17 23:42
Products and Services from this Episode
- Pressure washer manufacturer: DeWalt
- Expert assistance: American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
- LED landscape strip lights manufacturer: SuperBrightLEDs