When the homeowners bought the 1893 Colonial Revival in Westford, it had already had a 3-alarm fire and had been taken down to the studs inside.
Kevin O’Connor meets Charlie Silva on the first floor and learns of Charlie’s reasoning for adding new framing on top of the existing exterior wall studs. A lot of weight will be coming down from the new widow’s walk and roof which is then transferred through posts and beams to the perimeter walls.
After looking through the framing progress of the second floor, Kevin finds Richard Trethewey in the newly built attic. Richard shows the new air handler of the mini duct system which will save space.
They go to the basement where Richard explains how the system uses chilled or hot water to deliver the heating and cooling throughout the house.
Tom Silva takes a trip to Worcester, MA to meet Fire Chief Terrence Baudin. They discuss why fires travel quicker in a balloon-framed house than a platform-framed house. Tom brings a mockup that illustrates both types and they set fire to it in a controlled environment and watch what happens.
Meanwhile back at the house, roofing contractor Tommy Santos and Kevin install a shingle style metal roof that keeps the historic appeal without the cost and maintenance of a slate roof, which was originally on the house.
Original Air Date: Apr 10, 2025, Season 46; Ep. 19 23:42
Products and Resources
- HVAC contractors: Enertech
- HVAC system manufacturers: The Unico System
- Roofing contractors: Robert L Green Inc
- Roofing shingles manufacturers: GAF
- Insulation consultants: Seek Thermal
- Side trip: Worcester Fire Department
