Carpenter Nathan Gilbert takes us on a house call to help a homeowner deal with an old utility cover. Recently moved in, the homeowner wants to upgrade the cover hiding his gas meter to something newer and more attractive, and Nathan knows just what to do.

Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor as he meets with home technology expert Ross Trethewey back at the shop to talk about carbon monoxide and the detectors that homeowners should have. Ross explains to Kevin that typical carbon monoxide detectors don’t alert to trace amounts of carbon monoxide in the home, but these small amounts can be dangerous over time. Ross gives some examples of low-level CO detectors and where to install them.

Finally, Mason Mark McCullough takes us on a road trip to help a homeowner reclaim her fireplace from creosote. First, the two work together to remove creosote from the brick by scraping and grinding. Then, they move to chemicals and brushing. The result is a safer fireplace that also looks great.

How to Build a Utility Cover

Nathan Gilbert travels to Tulsa to help a homeowner tackle a curb appeal project by making a personalized gas meter cover.

Where to find it?

For building materials, Nathan uses 4×4” cedar posts and composite decking. The cedar posts are rot-resistant. Composite decking is great against the elements, and its fixed dimensions make it great to use as dimensional lumber.

To build the cover, Nathan starts by measuring, marking, and cutting the 4×4” posts to the correct height and width. He cuts 4 posts for the sides and 3 posts for the bottom.

To secure the frame together, Nathan uses exterior grade deck screws.

Next, Nathan measures, marks, and cuts the composite decking with a miter saw. He miters the decking for the edges, so it looks more cohesive on the outside.

To secure the decking to the frame, he uses deck screws on the face of the composite. He adds a wood glue to the mitered edges for extra strength.

To add the house numbers, Nathan measures and marks the location so it’s perfectly centered on the front of the box. He then secures the house numbers to the front of the box using the provided screws.

After placing the cover around the gas meter, add weights for extra support.

All supplies are available at your local home store—special assistance provided by Tulsa Remote.

Special Thanks to Jasmine Teer, Chad Previch, and Oklahoma Natural Gas.

Understanding Low-Level CO Monitors

Ross Trethewey discusses low-level carbon monoxide and some of the dangers associated with exposure over a long period of time. Low levels of carbon monoxide read at or under 30 parts per million. In addition to the required UL standard CO and smoke detectors, Ross suggests having a low-level CO monitor.

Where to find it?

There are a variety of low-level CO monitors available online. Defender LL 6170 manufactured by Defender, and CO EXPERTS Home Safety PRO-10 manufactured by CO EXPERTS.

How to Clean Creosote from a Fireplace

Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove stubborn creosote from a brick fireplace.

Where to find it?

Mark recommends wearing eye protection, gloves, a respirator mask and opening the windows whenever disturbing creosote.

Results may vary depending on the amount and age of creosote buildup.

To get started, use a metal putty knife to chip away as much of the stage 2 creosote as possible. Stage 2 creosote can be identified by its flaky texture.

Next, use a handheld grinder with a wire wheel brush and rust stripper attachments to continue to remove Stage 2 as well as Stage 3. Mark advises to start with the wire wheel brush to take off the more stubborn wax-like build up, which is Stage 3.

To remove the remaining creosote, Mark recommends saturating the brick with water using a scrub brush. Apply brick and stone cleaner of your choice. (Follow product instructions for application). Rinse the treated area with a scrub brush and repeat until satisfied with the results.

All supplies are available at your local home store.

Original Air Date: Oct 19, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 4 23:42

Products and services from this episode

• Special assistance: Tulsa Remote
• Special thanks: Jasmine Teer, Chad Previch, Oklahoma Natural Gas
• Low-level CO monitor manufacturers:
  Defender
  CO EXPERTS