In this Episode:
General contractor Tom Silva takes us on a house call to help a homeowner with a window issue. Even though much of the older home is in great shape, one of the original double-hung windows has a top sash that refuses to stay put, preventing the homeowner from using it for its intended purpose.
With the help of a window restoration expert, Tom and the homeowner take the window apart piece by piece. The trio worked together to clean up the window opening and sashes, and to replace the sash ropes and weights for a more operational window.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop as he discusses paint sheens with paint expert Mauro Henrique. Mauro explains the different sheens of paint, including flat, matte, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss. The two discuss where each of these sheens is appropriate or best suited, including how they’ve used them on some of the Ask This Old House projects.
Finally, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada takes us on a trip to Georgia to help a homeowner add a fire pit to their small backyard. With the help of mason Mark McCullough, the two find the perfect place for the pit and get to building.
First, they mark the area for the fire pit and remove the topsoil. Next, they tamp the existing soil down. After that, they add several layers of gravel down, tamping them down in between. Next, the trio installs a fire pit ring and levels it off before adding the fire pit stones and capstones around the ring. Finally, with a few bags of sand in the bottom of the pit, they’re able to relax and enjoy this new backyard addition.
How to Restore an Antique Window
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teams up with window restoration Alison Hardy to help a homeowner deal with repairing the original window in a Victorian home.
Where to Find it?
Tom teams up with a window restoration specialist, Alison Hardy to teach a homeowner how to properly repair a double-hung Victorian window.
After dissembling the window, they worked together to weatherstrip and clean the window. Alison shared steps to the X-Roping method that she recommends when repairing multiple windows at a time.
Simple Guide to Interior Paint Finishes
This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything anyone needs to know about interior paint finishes, including different sheens and their durability.
Where to Find it?
Mauro explains different interior paint finishes, their most common uses, and each of their benefits.
How to Landscape a Small Yard
This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and mason Mark McCullough help a homeowner with the first phase of her small backyard landscaping project: a stone fire pit for her and her husband.
Where to Find it?
Jenn and Mark help a homeowner create a landscape plan and install a fire pit. Special assistance was provided by Jordan’s Legacy Landscaping.
After the homeowner shares her ultimate goals for her backyard, Jenn discusses an overall plan that can be executed when time and budget allow. Mark advises to be sure not to position fire pits in a hazard-prone areas. When choosing a location you should avoid wooden sheds, bushes, and low hanging trees. Once a good location has been selected, contact the local utilities companies to be sure it’s safe to dig.
Original Air Date: Feb 2 2023, Season 21; Ep. 13 23:42
Products and Resources
- Window restoration: The Window Woman, Alison Hardy
- Landscaping: Jordan’s Legacy Landscaping