Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada takes us on a house call where she helps a pair of homeowners build a rain garden in their front yard. With the help of a local soil expert, the four get to work building a garden that takes rainwater from the roof of the home and diverts it to a specially designed landscape feature.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop as he discusses moisture meters with home technology expert Ross Trethewey. Ross teaches Kevin everything he needs to know about the different types of moisture meters, how to use them to detect moisture behind walls, and what homeowners should do if they do detect high levels of moisture.
Finally, we take a road trip with mason Mark McCullough as he helps a homeowner get a handle on their tricky back steps. With children and older folks using the backdoor, the homeowner wanted a handrail installed, and Mark knew just what to do. The two install a custom-built wrought iron railing that looks great and will last for many years to come.
How To Create a Rain Garden
Jenn Nawada heads to Portland, Oregon, to meet up with soil and water conservationist Kathy Shearin. Together, they help a couple revitalize their front yard’s water run-off by installing a rain garden with native plantings.
Where to find it?
Jenn marks out the area of the rain garden using spray paint. Then Jenn, Kathy, and the homeowners use digging shovels to remove the sod and start digging the basin.
To install the downspout extension, Kathy cut the downspout with a hacksaw to the necessary measurement and capped the standpipe. She then attached an elbow to the downspout. Kathy then capped the downspout extension to the elbow.
To install the conveyance, Kathy, Jenn, and the homeowners used trenching shovels to dig a shallow trench about 6” in depth and 3-4” in diameter from the downspout to the rain garden’s basin. They then lined the entire stretch of the trench with a pond liner. Finally, they Fill the trench with ¾’ – 1 ½” river rocks or “drain rock.”
Jenn, Kathy, and the homeowners incorporate a 4-way mix into the existing soil as they backfill the basin. Once the plants are installed, they then cover the surrounding area with Fine Hemlock mulch.
Expert assistance was provided by Kathy Shearin, Urban Lands Program Supervisor at East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, and by Drake’s 7 Dees Landscape Design.
How to Use a Moisture Meter
Ross Trethewey shares how moisture meters can detect unseen water damage and why that knowledge is extremely valuable.
Where to find it?
Ross first discusses infrared meters, which measure temperature. A wall should have a consistent temperature. If it doesn’t, it may lack insolation or have water damage.
For smaller leaks, Ross recommends a pinned or pinless meter. Pinned meters tend to be more accurate. However, they do cause damage because they require puncturing the material. They’re also more difficult to use with harder materials like concrete. While the pinless meter is not as accurate, it can be used across a variety of materials and will not cause damage.
Combo meters are also available and include a pin and pinless function. Large areas of drywall and wood can be scanned for moisture with the pinless pad sensor. Once detected, the cap can be flipped to expose the pin sensors for more exact moisture readings.
How To Install an Iron Railing on Concrete Steps
Mark McCullough makes a homeowner’s concrete steps safer for their young kids by installing an iron rail.
Where to find it?
To install the railing, Mark uses a coring drill to drill two holes in the top and bottom concrete steps.
Once the railing is dropped in, Mark and the homeowner pour the anchoring cement into each hole. They then clean up any excess cement with a damp sponge. Mark double-checks that the railing is level before it cures.
Special assistance is provided by Forte Iron Work Specialist Inc.
Original Air Date: Nov 9, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 7 23:42