Archives
Wright House, Wrong Roof
High-tech solutions for the architect's notoriously leaky design at Wingspread
S1 E7: Ask This Old House
Tom repairs a sagging floor in a three-family house. The failing beam is jacked up, new concrete footings poured, and several new lally columns installed. Roger works with chainsaw expert Tim Ard to sharpen and maintain his saws.
How to Install a Stair Runner
An easy step-by-step guide to putting down a stair rug runner.
S1 E6: Ask This Old House
Tom repairs a cracked plaster ceiling in a condominium. Richard and Steve rebuild a toilet to prevent it from continuously filling. Roger uses a stump grinder to remove an old tree stump. Tom replaces a broken pane of glass and reglazes a window sash.
S1 E5: Ask This Old House
Tom and Steve demonstrate two types of floor sanders: a traditional drum sander and a random orbital sander. Roger and Steve dig post holes for a new fence. Richard replaces a corroded pipe on a a boiler. Tom gives Steve a lesson in proper caulking technique.
Fall Furnace Maintenance
Now's the time to service your heating system
How to Scrape Old Paint Off a House
What stands between an old house and new paint? Ten tenacious coats of the old stuff. But you can get it off with these tools and techniques.
U.S. Architecture: Where Did American Second Empire Come From?
We have Napoleon III to thank for the style known as American Second Empire.
S1 E4: Ask This Old House
Richard installs an air eliminator valve on a hydronic heating system. Tom shows how to remove nails without damaging trim. Steve and Roger maintain a snow blower. Painting contractor Jim Clark shows ways to clean and maintain old paintbrushes. Tom shows how to use sisal and jute rope to fill the gaps in a 160-year-old pine floor.
All About Tile Grout and How to Clean It
Explore the basics of grout — the difference between cement-based and epoxy grout, sealers, colors and cleaning.
S1 E3: Ask This Old House
Tom helps to hide an ugly back stoop. He shows the different adhesives and fasteners used, as well as more traditional types of decking. Steve and Roger demonstrate a new product that could rid backyards of mosquitoes. Richard Trethewey shows the proper technique for installing a thermostat on an old radiator.
Choosing and Using Hand Planes
Plane tools are the best tool for smoothing and shaping wood. Here is why you would use one and the types available.
S1 E2: Ask This Old House
Roger demonstrates different ways to mend a damaged garden hose. Richard shows plumbing tools he recommends for homeowners. Tom explains how to use a square as a guide for cross-cutting. Tom fixes a noisy garage door opener. Roger helps with a muddy lawn under swings.
S1 E1: Ask This Old House
In the debut episode, host Steve Thomas joins Richard , Roger, and Tom in the Ask This Old House loft to give viewers a chance to ask questions and get expert advice about their homes.
How to Install a Kitchen Sink
From costs to tools and plumbing, here’s what to do for a new kitchen sink installation.
Adding an Eyebrow to Your Roof
They might not be the most inexpensive home improvement project you'll ever attempt. But eyebrow windows can dramatically improve the look of your home
Choosing and Using Sandpaper
Here's the secret to getting good results from woodworking's humble sandpaper.
Looking for Clues to a House's Origin
There are always clues about how a house has evolved. But there are red herrings, too.