1 00:00:00,700 --> 00:00:05,266 ♪♪ 2 00:00:05,333 --> 00:00:06,766 Kevin: On "Ask This Old House," 3 00:00:06,833 --> 00:00:09,266 our experts travel across the country 4 00:00:09,333 --> 00:00:11,766 to answer questions about your house. 5 00:00:11,833 --> 00:00:18,633 ♪♪ 6 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:21,400 Today, Nathan is in high demand. 7 00:00:21,466 --> 00:00:24,400 Richard needs him on a project updating a bathroom 8 00:00:24,466 --> 00:00:26,900 for a woman who wants to age in place. 9 00:00:26,966 --> 00:00:29,600 Margaret: I grew up here. My son grew up here. 10 00:00:29,666 --> 00:00:31,466 I would like to stay here as long as possible. 11 00:00:31,533 --> 00:00:32,733 Richard: Let's see what we can do the help. 12 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:34,500 Nathan: Yeah. Margaret: Great. Thank you. 13 00:00:34,566 --> 00:00:38,166 Kevin: And Tom needs Nathan's help to replace a wooden gutter. 14 00:00:41,066 --> 00:00:44,100 That's all coming up next on "Ask This Old House." 15 00:00:46,766 --> 00:00:50,266 ♪♪ 16 00:00:50,333 --> 00:00:51,433 Kevin: Hey, there. 17 00:00:51,500 --> 00:00:52,866 Welcome back to a brand-new season 18 00:00:52,933 --> 00:00:54,033 of "Ask This Old House." 19 00:00:54,100 --> 00:00:55,400 We got a great one for you this year. 20 00:00:55,466 --> 00:00:56,833 Lots of projects throughout the season, 21 00:00:56,900 --> 00:00:58,166 and a bunch going on today. 22 00:00:58,233 --> 00:00:59,833 I like to see that the workshop is abuzz. 23 00:00:59,900 --> 00:01:00,966 Richard, Nathan, how you guys doing? 24 00:01:01,033 --> 00:01:02,466 Nathan: Good. Richard: Good. 25 00:01:02,533 --> 00:01:03,666 Kevin: You guys going out on a project together? 26 00:01:03,733 --> 00:01:04,800 Richard: Yeah, we got an email 27 00:01:04,866 --> 00:01:06,233 about a project about aging in place, 28 00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:08,266 and we thought we'd go together and help her out. 29 00:01:08,333 --> 00:01:09,833 Kevin: Perfect. Just the man, I know. 30 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:11,833 But -- S-Silva's here somewhere. 31 00:01:11,900 --> 00:01:13,600 Hey, Tommy. How are you? Tom: Hey, I'm good. 32 00:01:13,666 --> 00:01:14,900 Kevin: What are you working on? Tom: I'm looking for him. 33 00:01:14,966 --> 00:01:16,233 Nathan: Uh-oh. Richard: When? 34 00:01:16,300 --> 00:01:17,900 Tom: I need you to give me a hand on a project. 35 00:01:17,966 --> 00:01:19,366 It's a pretty good size, so... 36 00:01:19,433 --> 00:01:21,033 Kevin: I can give you a hand. 37 00:01:21,100 --> 00:01:22,200 Tom: Well, I really need him. 38 00:01:22,266 --> 00:01:23,466 Kevin: Oh. You want me to give you -- 39 00:01:23,533 --> 00:01:25,033 I'll give you a hand. Richard: No. We're good. 40 00:01:25,100 --> 00:01:26,833 Nathan: I'll help Richard first, then I'll come to you, Tommy. 41 00:01:26,900 --> 00:01:28,166 Tom: Alright. Kevin: You got both of them? 42 00:01:28,233 --> 00:01:29,233 Nathan: I got it. Kevin: I'll -- I'll fill in. 43 00:01:29,300 --> 00:01:30,300 Nathan: I got it. Kevin: You sure? 44 00:01:30,366 --> 00:01:31,533 Nathan: I got it. Kevin: Okay. 45 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:32,800 That's -- No, you know what? That's alright. 46 00:01:32,866 --> 00:01:34,433 I'll stay here. I'll just hold down the fort. 47 00:01:34,500 --> 00:01:36,600 Manage the workshop and stuff. 48 00:01:36,666 --> 00:01:38,266 Unless you guys need me. 49 00:01:38,333 --> 00:01:39,933 Tom: Nope. We're all set. 50 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:44,066 ♪♪ 51 00:01:44,133 --> 00:01:45,833 [ Chickens clucking ] 52 00:01:45,900 --> 00:01:48,466 Richard: Margaret! Hello, there. 53 00:01:48,533 --> 00:01:49,800 Margaret: Hello! Richard: How are you? 54 00:01:49,866 --> 00:01:51,766 Nathan and Richard are here to get a few eggs. 55 00:01:51,833 --> 00:01:54,600 Margaret: Well, hello. Oh, farm fresh. 56 00:01:54,666 --> 00:01:57,200 Richard: So, you got three chickens in there. 57 00:01:57,266 --> 00:01:58,900 And they all have names and everything? 58 00:01:58,966 --> 00:02:01,266 Margaret: Yeah, there's Buffy, Red, and Lady Rock. 59 00:02:01,333 --> 00:02:02,600 Richard: I can tell that must be Red. 60 00:02:02,666 --> 00:02:03,933 The red one. Which one's Buffy? 61 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:05,433 Margaret: The light-colored one. 62 00:02:05,500 --> 00:02:07,366 Richard: You get eggs out of it? 63 00:02:07,433 --> 00:02:08,733 Margaret: I'm getting about an egg a day 64 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:10,666 at this time of year. Nathan: Oh, that's great. 65 00:02:10,733 --> 00:02:11,866 So, they have a beautiful home, 66 00:02:11,933 --> 00:02:13,333 but you also have a beautiful home. 67 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:15,266 Margaret: Yes. Thank you. Nathan: What year is your house? 68 00:02:15,333 --> 00:02:16,766 Margaret: It was built in 1890. 69 00:02:16,833 --> 00:02:18,366 Nathan: Well, it's immaculately kept. 70 00:02:18,433 --> 00:02:19,833 It's beautiful. Margaret: Thank you. 71 00:02:19,900 --> 00:02:21,166 Richard: Did you grow up here? 72 00:02:21,233 --> 00:02:23,700 Margaret: I grew up here. My son grew up here. 73 00:02:23,766 --> 00:02:25,566 Richard: So, you sent us an email 74 00:02:25,633 --> 00:02:27,533 that you actually want to stay even longer here. 75 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:29,500 Margaret: I would like to stay here as long as possible 76 00:02:29,566 --> 00:02:30,766 Richard: Let's see what we can do to help. 77 00:02:30,833 --> 00:02:33,200 Nathan: Yeah. Margaret: Great. Thank you. 78 00:02:33,266 --> 00:02:35,066 Richard: So, did you ever contemplate leaving here? 79 00:02:35,133 --> 00:02:36,566 Margaret: Yes. Several years ago, 80 00:02:36,633 --> 00:02:37,933 I was going to sell the property. 81 00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:41,500 And I said to the realtor, "Don't bring anybody 82 00:02:41,566 --> 00:02:43,033 who's telling me what's wrong with the house, 83 00:02:43,100 --> 00:02:44,400 because I know what's wrong." 84 00:02:44,466 --> 00:02:46,200 Richard: It's an old house. Margaret: That's right. 85 00:02:46,266 --> 00:02:47,733 Richard: But the driveway comes up right here, 86 00:02:47,800 --> 00:02:49,233 so you can get a car up here. 87 00:02:49,300 --> 00:02:51,066 Nathan: Come around. Smooth transition in. 88 00:02:51,133 --> 00:02:52,366 Margaret: Yes, exactly. 89 00:02:52,433 --> 00:02:54,766 No steps, no stairs. Nathan: Not bad. 90 00:02:57,300 --> 00:02:59,066 Nathan: Oh, this is beautiful. Margaret: Oh, thank you. 91 00:02:59,133 --> 00:03:00,300 Richard: Look at this. Beautiful. 92 00:03:00,366 --> 00:03:01,566 Margaret: Thank you. 93 00:03:01,633 --> 00:03:02,500 Nathan: So, what have you done over the years? 94 00:03:02,566 --> 00:03:04,233 What renovations? 95 00:03:04,300 --> 00:03:06,566 Margaret: So, I renovated this kitchen about 20 years ago. 96 00:03:06,633 --> 00:03:08,166 Because when I was growing up, 97 00:03:08,233 --> 00:03:10,200 the refrigerator was over there, 98 00:03:10,266 --> 00:03:12,766 the stove was there, the sink, a laundry, 99 00:03:12,833 --> 00:03:14,566 a toilet around the corner. Nathan: Mm-hmm. 100 00:03:14,633 --> 00:03:17,000 Richard: Combination kitchen, laundry, bathroom. 101 00:03:17,066 --> 00:03:19,266 All in one. Margaret: Exactly, exactly. 102 00:03:19,333 --> 00:03:21,266 Richard: You did great. What's this piece now? 103 00:03:21,333 --> 00:03:22,900 Margaret: Yes, this was original to the house 104 00:03:22,966 --> 00:03:24,066 and I wanted to save it. 105 00:03:24,133 --> 00:03:25,666 It's functional. It looks pretty. 106 00:03:25,733 --> 00:03:27,000 Richard: That's great. 107 00:03:27,066 --> 00:03:28,800 Alright, so you're perfect in the kitchen, 108 00:03:28,866 --> 00:03:30,866 but you're going to end up staying on one level. 109 00:03:30,933 --> 00:03:32,700 Living on one level, right? Margaret: That's the plan. 110 00:03:32,766 --> 00:03:34,466 And my bedroom is through there 111 00:03:34,533 --> 00:03:35,933 and the bathroom is through here. 112 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:38,166 Nathan: Bathroom. I'm glad you said bathroom, 113 00:03:38,233 --> 00:03:40,000 because I actually brought grab bars. 114 00:03:40,066 --> 00:03:41,800 Margaret: Excellent. 115 00:03:41,866 --> 00:03:44,133 Nathan: And I think that's a necessity for aging in place. 116 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:46,333 We want to put them on the walls, prevent falls. 117 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:48,433 There's a lot of transitions that happen here. 118 00:03:48,500 --> 00:03:50,333 I grab bar up here would be really helpful 119 00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:51,333 and keep you safe. 120 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:52,900 Margaret: Perfect. 121 00:03:52,966 --> 00:03:54,200 Richard: I see you've got a conventional cast-iron tub 122 00:03:54,266 --> 00:03:55,833 here that will stay. 123 00:03:55,900 --> 00:03:57,666 Means the shower head is pretty high, 124 00:03:57,733 --> 00:04:00,400 so we'll probably add a hand shower to the end 125 00:04:00,466 --> 00:04:03,500 of that shower head arm so you can actually use it down lower. 126 00:04:03,566 --> 00:04:04,666 Alright? Margaret: Perfect. 127 00:04:04,733 --> 00:04:06,400 Richard: Now, I didn't plan ahead, 128 00:04:06,466 --> 00:04:08,066 so I'm going to run to the store and grab what we need. 129 00:04:08,133 --> 00:04:09,566 Anything you need, give me a shout. 130 00:04:09,633 --> 00:04:10,700 I'll be back. Margaret: Thank you. 131 00:04:10,766 --> 00:04:11,666 Nathan: Can I show you what I got? 132 00:04:11,733 --> 00:04:13,166 Margaret: Yeah. Nathan: Alright. 133 00:04:13,233 --> 00:04:14,833 Margaret, these are the parts and pieces 134 00:04:14,900 --> 00:04:16,833 that I picked up for you. 135 00:04:16,900 --> 00:04:20,033 First off, we have a 24-inch grab bar and a 36-inch grab bar. 136 00:04:20,100 --> 00:04:22,000 And we're going to put these on the wall, 137 00:04:22,066 --> 00:04:24,100 and I think they're going to give you that stability 138 00:04:24,166 --> 00:04:26,266 you need to transition in and out of the shower. 139 00:04:26,333 --> 00:04:28,200 To anchor them, we could find studs, 140 00:04:28,266 --> 00:04:29,700 which is great if we can. 141 00:04:29,766 --> 00:04:31,800 If we don't hit a stud, you know, we hit a cavity, 142 00:04:31,866 --> 00:04:33,266 for years, a lot of people would use 143 00:04:33,333 --> 00:04:35,866 a toggle bolt like this, but it's really soft. 144 00:04:35,933 --> 00:04:37,000 It could rust. 145 00:04:37,066 --> 00:04:38,666 It's not going to hold up as well. 146 00:04:38,733 --> 00:04:41,566 This company sells an anchoring system 147 00:04:41,633 --> 00:04:45,233 that works with their bars, and it's really, really nice. 148 00:04:45,300 --> 00:04:47,033 It comes in a bunch of different pieces, 149 00:04:47,100 --> 00:04:48,633 but what we're -- essentially what we're going to do 150 00:04:48,700 --> 00:04:50,800 is drill a 1 1/4-inch hole. 151 00:04:50,866 --> 00:04:52,500 We're going to insert this piece. 152 00:04:52,566 --> 00:04:54,666 Then we're going to slide this in. 153 00:04:54,733 --> 00:04:56,200 And see how that flips up there? 154 00:04:56,266 --> 00:04:58,266 Margaret: Mm-hmm. Nathan: And then if you listen, 155 00:04:58,333 --> 00:05:01,466 you can hear it actually starts to ratchet as we pull it back. 156 00:05:01,533 --> 00:05:03,100 Now we're starting to create a sandwich 157 00:05:03,166 --> 00:05:04,700 that's going to be on either side of the wall. 158 00:05:04,766 --> 00:05:06,433 We're going to introduce this plate here, 159 00:05:06,500 --> 00:05:08,600 which again works with their grab bars. 160 00:05:08,666 --> 00:05:10,366 And we're going to take this machine screw 161 00:05:10,433 --> 00:05:12,633 and screw that in there. 162 00:05:12,700 --> 00:05:14,233 We're going to sandwich either side. 163 00:05:14,300 --> 00:05:15,700 And then once we have that in place, 164 00:05:15,766 --> 00:05:17,666 then we can mount our bars. 165 00:05:17,733 --> 00:05:20,533 What I really like about this system -- ADA-compliant, 166 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:22,266 it has up to 300 pounds of pull weight. 167 00:05:22,333 --> 00:05:24,300 So it's more than what we need. 168 00:05:24,366 --> 00:05:26,100 But I think more important than this 169 00:05:26,166 --> 00:05:27,266 is where we put them. 170 00:05:27,333 --> 00:05:28,666 And I have an idea of where I think, 171 00:05:28,733 --> 00:05:30,433 but I'd like your opinion. Margaret: Okay. 172 00:05:30,500 --> 00:05:31,966 Nathan: Alright, so let's talk about placement 173 00:05:32,033 --> 00:05:33,600 of these grab bars. 174 00:05:33,666 --> 00:05:35,500 The first thing to talk about 175 00:05:35,566 --> 00:05:37,800 is kind of the way that we can hang them. 176 00:05:37,866 --> 00:05:40,000 We can go horizontal, 177 00:05:40,066 --> 00:05:43,500 we can go vertical, and we can also go diagonal. 178 00:05:43,566 --> 00:05:45,333 Each one has its own purpose. 179 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:47,766 So, vertical would be great for transitioning 180 00:05:47,833 --> 00:05:49,533 in and out of the tub. 181 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:51,666 Horizontal I think is really good for stability. 182 00:05:51,733 --> 00:05:52,966 You know if you're taking a shower, 183 00:05:53,033 --> 00:05:54,833 plenty of real estate to grab onto. 184 00:05:54,900 --> 00:05:57,533 And then you have diagonal placement like that. 185 00:05:57,600 --> 00:06:00,033 Really good for being able to lower yourself down 186 00:06:00,100 --> 00:06:01,900 if you're going to take a tub. 187 00:06:01,966 --> 00:06:04,033 But do you take more tubs or more showers? 188 00:06:04,100 --> 00:06:06,066 Margaret: Oh, showers. Nathan: Showers. Perfect. 189 00:06:06,133 --> 00:06:09,166 Alright, well, I think this is a good spot for a vertical one. 190 00:06:09,233 --> 00:06:11,000 Another thing to talk about is the height 191 00:06:11,066 --> 00:06:12,666 that we're going to place it at. 192 00:06:12,733 --> 00:06:14,400 The Americans with Disabilities Act 193 00:06:14,466 --> 00:06:16,366 has some great guidelines to follow. 194 00:06:16,433 --> 00:06:19,200 Between 33 and 36 inches off the floor 195 00:06:19,266 --> 00:06:22,233 or off the base of the tub would be an area for us to aim for. 196 00:06:22,300 --> 00:06:24,400 Margaret: Okay. Nathan: So if we go over here, 197 00:06:24,466 --> 00:06:26,566 between 33 and 36 inches for a grab bar 198 00:06:26,633 --> 00:06:30,533 is a great height, especially for horizontal. 199 00:06:30,600 --> 00:06:32,633 You know, if we hang this vertically, 200 00:06:32,700 --> 00:06:34,700 we're obviously going to cover that, no problem. 201 00:06:34,766 --> 00:06:36,200 Over here, 202 00:06:36,266 --> 00:06:38,966 you know, between that 33 and 36 would be ideal. 203 00:06:39,033 --> 00:06:40,733 But also a lot of it's the comfort level 204 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:42,600 and how you're going to use this shower. 205 00:06:42,666 --> 00:06:45,000 You know, if they told me to put it up 4 feet, 206 00:06:45,066 --> 00:06:46,966 if it doesn't work for you, then it's no good. 207 00:06:47,033 --> 00:06:49,000 We need to make it customized to your needs. 208 00:06:49,066 --> 00:06:52,600 So what I'd like you to do is maybe step in and step out. 209 00:06:52,666 --> 00:06:53,966 Let me hop out. 210 00:06:54,033 --> 00:06:55,766 And just show me what you think 211 00:06:55,833 --> 00:06:59,600 about vertical height and horizontal height. 212 00:06:59,666 --> 00:07:01,000 So, that's great. 213 00:07:01,066 --> 00:07:02,666 That's definitely going to hit right there. 214 00:07:02,733 --> 00:07:04,200 Margaret: Mm-hmn. 215 00:07:04,266 --> 00:07:06,166 Nathan: And then we'll have that 3-foot bar 216 00:07:06,233 --> 00:07:07,900 that we can put horizontally. 217 00:07:07,966 --> 00:07:10,433 We can go second course. 218 00:07:10,500 --> 00:07:13,233 We can go third course. 219 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:15,133 What do you think? 220 00:07:15,200 --> 00:07:17,266 Margaret: I mean, I've been saying second all along, 221 00:07:17,333 --> 00:07:18,733 but now I'm thinking, 222 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:20,500 I wonder if I should have it a little lower. 223 00:07:20,566 --> 00:07:21,900 Nathan: Just a little bit lower? Margaret: Sure. 224 00:07:21,966 --> 00:07:23,966 Nathan: Easy. Very easy for us to do. 225 00:07:24,033 --> 00:07:26,466 Aesthetically, we definitely want to center it in the tile. 226 00:07:26,533 --> 00:07:28,266 I'm going to have to drill that 1 1/4-inch hole, 227 00:07:28,333 --> 00:07:30,966 so we want that to be in a nice solid piece of tile 228 00:07:31,033 --> 00:07:33,200 and not on any joint, so we'll make it work. 229 00:07:33,266 --> 00:07:34,933 I think we get started with the vertical one 230 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:36,966 and then we hop over onto the horizontal one. 231 00:07:37,033 --> 00:07:38,566 Margaret: Sounds good. Nathan: Alright. 232 00:07:40,633 --> 00:07:42,000 So, the first thing we're going to do 233 00:07:42,066 --> 00:07:46,066 is we're going to plumb this. 234 00:07:46,133 --> 00:07:49,933 Then I'm going to trace the outside of this ring. 235 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:53,700 From there I'm going to bring in this stainless steel plate. 236 00:07:53,766 --> 00:07:56,966 And I'm going to trace the center. 237 00:07:57,033 --> 00:07:59,333 Now that's our center. 238 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:01,233 So we get ready to drill. 239 00:08:01,300 --> 00:08:03,866 We have a jig with a 1 1/4-inch hole taken out of it, 240 00:08:03,933 --> 00:08:07,866 and this is going to help guide our diamond-tipped hole saw bit. 241 00:08:07,933 --> 00:08:09,566 Since we're drilling a large hole, 242 00:08:09,633 --> 00:08:11,133 it's going to be very easy for that bit 243 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:14,066 to want to walk as we start it. 244 00:08:14,133 --> 00:08:19,666 So, I have this 1 1/4-inch hole cut out of some PVC 245 00:08:19,733 --> 00:08:21,366 with the double-sided tape, 246 00:08:21,433 --> 00:08:23,533 and I'm going to center that over there. 247 00:08:26,566 --> 00:08:29,766 And now we can bring our drill bit up, 248 00:08:29,833 --> 00:08:32,266 and we'll have a nice clean guide 249 00:08:32,333 --> 00:08:34,766 for us to drill out our core. 250 00:08:34,833 --> 00:08:43,533 ♪♪ 251 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:52,700 ♪♪ 252 00:08:52,766 --> 00:08:54,800 Make sure that's facing up. 253 00:08:57,166 --> 00:08:59,500 It's going to take a little bit of work. 254 00:08:59,566 --> 00:09:01,600 Oh, there it is. You can hear it click in. 255 00:09:06,166 --> 00:09:07,933 Now we're ready to put this plate on, 256 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:10,266 and you'll see that it has an arrow right here. 257 00:09:10,333 --> 00:09:12,600 And we're running this bar vertically, 258 00:09:12,666 --> 00:09:15,766 so I'll make sure those arrows are pointing towards each other. 259 00:09:15,833 --> 00:09:20,966 ♪♪ 260 00:09:21,033 --> 00:09:26,566 ♪♪ 261 00:09:26,633 --> 00:09:28,600 Can we hold it up? 262 00:09:28,666 --> 00:09:31,466 If you just center it over the piece behind. 263 00:09:31,533 --> 00:09:33,466 You check all three of your holes. 264 00:09:33,533 --> 00:09:34,966 Margaret: Looking good. 265 00:09:35,033 --> 00:09:40,800 ♪♪ 266 00:09:40,866 --> 00:09:42,400 Nathan: Let's try snapping these on. 267 00:09:42,466 --> 00:09:44,066 Like I said, they're a little tough, 268 00:09:44,133 --> 00:09:45,900 so just get it where you want it. 269 00:09:45,966 --> 00:09:53,900 ♪♪ 270 00:09:53,966 --> 00:10:02,400 ♪♪ 271 00:10:02,466 --> 00:10:05,066 Richard: Alright, Margaret, short of doing a full remodel, 272 00:10:05,133 --> 00:10:07,033 this is a very affordable and simple way 273 00:10:07,100 --> 00:10:09,033 to give you that hand shower you're looking for. 274 00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:11,933 All I did was attach it onto the existing base right here. 275 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:14,700 So you've got a new shower head and then the hand spray. 276 00:10:14,766 --> 00:10:16,266 Let me show you how it works. 277 00:10:16,333 --> 00:10:18,433 [ Water running ] 278 00:10:18,500 --> 00:10:20,433 The default will come out to the shower head, 279 00:10:20,500 --> 00:10:23,666 and you can select different types of sprays there. 280 00:10:23,733 --> 00:10:26,866 And it has a selector right here on the side. 281 00:10:26,933 --> 00:10:30,300 You can decide between the shower head or the hand shower. 282 00:10:30,366 --> 00:10:33,166 So, you have what you need. 283 00:10:33,233 --> 00:10:36,000 And we hope you don't need any of this stuff for a long time, 284 00:10:36,066 --> 00:10:37,500 but you're ready to go if you ever do. 285 00:10:37,566 --> 00:10:39,400 Margaret: Beautiful. Richard: My hands are wet, but 286 00:10:39,466 --> 00:10:40,733 I'll shake your hand anyway. Margaret: Thank you very much. 287 00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:42,266 Richard: We wish you a long and happy life. 288 00:10:42,333 --> 00:10:43,933 Margaret: [ Laughs ] Thank you. Richard: Thanks. 289 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:44,933 Nathan: Nice to meet you, Margaret. 290 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:46,600 Richard: Great job, Nathan. 291 00:10:46,666 --> 00:10:52,600 ♪♪ 292 00:10:52,666 --> 00:10:59,533 ♪♪ 293 00:10:59,600 --> 00:11:01,200 Tom: So, we have a homeowner that wrote us 294 00:11:01,266 --> 00:11:04,200 about her wooden gutters on her old wooden house, 295 00:11:04,266 --> 00:11:05,800 and they were leaking. 296 00:11:05,866 --> 00:11:08,833 So I visited this house about three or four months ago, 297 00:11:08,900 --> 00:11:10,633 and the gutters were leaky, 298 00:11:10,700 --> 00:11:12,533 but I told her we really can't work on them 299 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,133 in the cold weather, 300 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:16,133 so let's see what happens over the winter 301 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:19,466 and we'll see the condition and assess the problem then. 302 00:11:19,533 --> 00:11:21,166 So, that's where we're heading now. 303 00:11:21,233 --> 00:11:22,666 But a lot of people don't realize 304 00:11:22,733 --> 00:11:24,333 that when I was younger, 305 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:26,200 along with my brother Dickie and my brother Johnny, 306 00:11:26,266 --> 00:11:29,366 we had a gutter machine and we used to roll out gutters 307 00:11:29,433 --> 00:11:30,800 and put them on people's houses. 308 00:11:30,866 --> 00:11:32,100 And they were aluminum, 309 00:11:32,166 --> 00:11:34,100 so they didn't require any maintenance. 310 00:11:34,166 --> 00:11:35,933 They didn't even have to be painted. 311 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:37,966 And that's what people liked about it. 312 00:11:38,033 --> 00:11:40,633 Unlike a wooden gutter that requires a lot of maintenance 313 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:44,800 sometimes, and they got to be oiled once a year. 314 00:11:48,066 --> 00:11:49,666 Hi, Regina. 315 00:11:49,733 --> 00:11:51,033 Regina: Hey, Tommy. How are you? 316 00:11:51,100 --> 00:11:52,500 Tom: I'm good. 317 00:11:52,566 --> 00:11:54,000 It's busy around here in the morning. 318 00:11:54,066 --> 00:11:55,733 A lot of traffic. 319 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:58,066 Regina: Yes, we have a school across the street. 320 00:11:58,133 --> 00:12:00,000 It's noisy, too. Tom: Yeah. [ Laughs ] 321 00:12:00,066 --> 00:12:01,733 Well, you wrote me about your gutters. 322 00:12:01,800 --> 00:12:03,333 And this is a beautiful house. 323 00:12:03,400 --> 00:12:04,633 Pretty old, isn't it? 324 00:12:04,700 --> 00:12:06,566 Regina: 1882. Tom: 1882. 325 00:12:06,633 --> 00:12:08,066 That's about the year of my house. 326 00:12:08,133 --> 00:12:10,866 Actually, I think my house is a little bit older, but not much. 327 00:12:10,933 --> 00:12:13,200 And so, what's the story about the gutters? 328 00:12:13,266 --> 00:12:16,900 Regina: Well, Peter, my husband, 329 00:12:16,966 --> 00:12:20,500 had very strong feelings about being a steward 330 00:12:20,566 --> 00:12:27,166 of the property, and he wanted to find somebody 331 00:12:27,233 --> 00:12:29,933 who would replace the wooden gutter. 332 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:32,666 And someone came and met with him 333 00:12:32,733 --> 00:12:34,833 and wanted to put up an aluminum gutter. 334 00:12:34,900 --> 00:12:37,966 But Peter felt strongly to maintain 335 00:12:38,033 --> 00:12:40,233 the authenticity of the house. 336 00:12:40,300 --> 00:12:44,333 And Peter died last year. 337 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:45,933 Tom: I'm sorry to hear about your loss. 338 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:47,566 Regina: Thank you. 339 00:12:47,633 --> 00:12:50,933 And so I wanted to honor his quest 340 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:52,900 for somebody to do a wooden gutter. 341 00:12:52,966 --> 00:12:56,566 So I asked everybody that I knew, did they know somebody? 342 00:12:56,633 --> 00:12:58,333 And then I thought, 343 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:01,133 "Well, I'll send an email to 'Ask This Old House.'" 344 00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:03,000 Tom: Yeah. Regina: And... 345 00:13:03,066 --> 00:13:04,500 Tom: Well, here I am. Regina: ...you showed up! 346 00:13:04,566 --> 00:13:05,933 [ Both laugh ] 347 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:08,133 Tom: Well, I have to say, it's hard to find somebody 348 00:13:08,200 --> 00:13:09,533 to do wooden gutters today. 349 00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:11,866 But I love the fact that Peter 350 00:13:11,933 --> 00:13:14,800 and you want to keep the house original 351 00:13:14,866 --> 00:13:17,200 and keep that old wooden gutter up there. 352 00:13:17,266 --> 00:13:18,866 It's a little bit difficult, 353 00:13:18,933 --> 00:13:20,933 a little harder than putting an aluminum one up. 354 00:13:21,033 --> 00:13:23,500 But I've got Nathan and his dad out back, 355 00:13:23,566 --> 00:13:25,033 setting the station up 356 00:13:25,100 --> 00:13:26,700 so we can see what we have to do with your gutters. 357 00:13:26,766 --> 00:13:28,733 So let's take a walk out back. Regina: Okay. 358 00:13:29,866 --> 00:13:31,366 Tom: Alright. So, as you know, 359 00:13:31,433 --> 00:13:34,033 I was here about four months ago when I checked the gutter 360 00:13:34,100 --> 00:13:36,033 and it looked like it might be repairable, 361 00:13:36,100 --> 00:13:38,700 but Nathan's up there now with his dad checking it out. 362 00:13:38,766 --> 00:13:40,266 What do you think, Nathan? 363 00:13:40,333 --> 00:13:42,066 Nathan: Oh, I think it needs a little bit of help. 364 00:13:42,133 --> 00:13:44,133 This repair that they had made years ago is starting to go. 365 00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:45,600 And then the ends are looking a little punky, 366 00:13:45,666 --> 00:13:46,833 a little soft, so... 367 00:13:46,900 --> 00:13:48,133 Tom: We got to change the whole thing? 368 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:50,200 Nathan: I think so. Tom: Alright. 369 00:13:50,266 --> 00:13:53,033 So, we get a little bit of work to do up there. 370 00:13:53,100 --> 00:13:54,366 Regina: You need my help? 371 00:13:54,433 --> 00:13:56,566 Tom: [ Laughs ] No, you can stay down here. 372 00:13:56,633 --> 00:13:58,533 The gutter should be here any moment, 373 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:00,066 and the materials to get started. 374 00:14:00,133 --> 00:14:01,500 But in the meantime, 375 00:14:01,566 --> 00:14:03,100 we're going to take some measurements, prep the area, 376 00:14:03,166 --> 00:14:04,233 and we'll be in business. 377 00:14:04,300 --> 00:14:05,366 So why don't you go and relax? 378 00:14:05,433 --> 00:14:06,666 Regina: I'll do the heavy looking-on. 379 00:14:06,733 --> 00:14:09,600 Tom: Okay, great. Thank you. 380 00:14:09,666 --> 00:14:14,866 Alright, so what you have here is a multi-piece fascia board. 381 00:14:14,933 --> 00:14:18,900 There's a small fascia board here that sits under the gutter. 382 00:14:18,966 --> 00:14:21,800 The gutter is wide enough that it goes in 383 00:14:21,866 --> 00:14:25,833 and sits on the face of the rafter ends. 384 00:14:25,900 --> 00:14:29,000 So, if I was to draw a little line... 385 00:14:31,433 --> 00:14:35,633 ...3/4 inch back right here, 386 00:14:35,700 --> 00:14:39,366 that's where the rafters come down all along the house. 387 00:14:39,433 --> 00:14:43,833 And the gutter actually sits on the face of these. 388 00:14:43,900 --> 00:14:47,566 This fascia board is underneath it. 389 00:14:47,633 --> 00:14:50,433 Above the gutter are two pieces of fascia. 390 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:53,233 So we have the gutter that sits up here, 391 00:14:53,300 --> 00:14:55,433 and then two pieces of fascia board 392 00:14:55,500 --> 00:14:58,433 over the gutter right here. 393 00:14:58,500 --> 00:15:01,833 So I'm going to place a piece of paper, something I can bend, 394 00:15:01,900 --> 00:15:05,000 and I'm just going to trace the profile. 395 00:15:09,166 --> 00:15:13,400 So I can transfer this onto the new gutter. 396 00:15:13,466 --> 00:15:16,333 This is going to give me my outside miter. 397 00:15:19,366 --> 00:15:21,900 Then I want to match the profile coming down here 398 00:15:21,966 --> 00:15:24,466 and the profile here with a miter. 399 00:15:24,533 --> 00:15:27,100 So this is my long point. 400 00:15:27,166 --> 00:15:29,900 This is my ogee. 401 00:15:29,966 --> 00:15:32,466 And this is where I die into the corner right here 402 00:15:32,533 --> 00:15:35,033 where the fascia and the rake trim meet. 403 00:15:41,066 --> 00:15:43,266 And now I have a straight-edge mark right here 404 00:15:43,333 --> 00:15:46,466 that lines up with the face of the gutter here. 405 00:15:46,533 --> 00:15:50,100 And I'll mark it here so I have two points. 406 00:15:52,033 --> 00:15:54,566 Right there. 407 00:15:54,633 --> 00:15:57,100 And once we cut the gutter to this profile, 408 00:15:57,166 --> 00:15:59,566 we'll have to fine-tune it in place 409 00:15:59,633 --> 00:16:01,700 with a little bit of sanding and rasping. 410 00:16:01,766 --> 00:16:05,933 Now we do the same thing on the other end. 411 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:08,466 Now I got my piece right across there. 412 00:16:08,533 --> 00:16:12,200 Nice. Nice fit. 413 00:16:12,266 --> 00:16:14,366 I gotta make sure I push that in, 414 00:16:14,433 --> 00:16:17,833 because if I don't push it in and I don't follow that contour, 415 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:19,566 if I have a straight line here, 416 00:16:19,633 --> 00:16:21,166 I'm not going to get a true measurement. 417 00:16:23,433 --> 00:16:26,233 Nathan: So, on the back side of this wood gutter, 418 00:16:26,300 --> 00:16:29,233 on the rafter tails, there's a heavy nail on each one. 419 00:16:29,300 --> 00:16:30,933 So we're going to find those rafter tails 420 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:32,633 and take each nail out. 421 00:16:32,700 --> 00:16:39,500 ♪♪ 422 00:16:39,566 --> 00:16:41,566 What I just took out is this big piece of lead. 423 00:16:41,633 --> 00:16:44,866 And what they did is they created a dam in the corner. 424 00:16:44,933 --> 00:16:46,500 And what it does is it prevents the water 425 00:16:46,566 --> 00:16:48,366 from going into the end. 426 00:16:48,433 --> 00:16:51,566 It forces it to go back down and into the downspout. 427 00:16:54,166 --> 00:16:55,866 Tom: Now you can really see how bad 428 00:16:55,933 --> 00:16:58,633 that gutter is rotted right there on the end. 429 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:03,700 Alright. All of our rotted wood is off. 430 00:17:03,766 --> 00:17:06,500 And now we're ready to start putting things back together 431 00:17:06,566 --> 00:17:08,466 We've got about four rafter tails -- 432 00:17:08,533 --> 00:17:12,100 That's the end of the rafters that the fascia board mounts to. 433 00:17:12,166 --> 00:17:14,433 Four of them are a little iffy. 434 00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:16,166 They're not bad enough to cut out, 435 00:17:16,233 --> 00:17:19,266 but we do want to sister a piece beside it 436 00:17:19,333 --> 00:17:21,633 for good nailing for the gutter and the fascia 437 00:17:21,700 --> 00:17:23,433 when we install it. 438 00:17:23,500 --> 00:17:25,366 And the house has what is called a 12 pitch, 439 00:17:25,433 --> 00:17:29,533 which means it's 12 inches it goes in, 12 inches goes up. 440 00:17:29,600 --> 00:17:33,333 So I set my square at a 12 pitch, 441 00:17:33,400 --> 00:17:35,500 mark the angle of the rafter, 442 00:17:35,566 --> 00:17:40,533 and I'm going to make these about 6 1/2 inches long. 443 00:17:40,600 --> 00:17:42,866 And I'm going to cut four of them. 444 00:17:42,933 --> 00:17:44,966 [ Saw whirring ] 445 00:18:08,066 --> 00:18:09,266 Okay! 446 00:18:15,966 --> 00:18:17,400 Bill: Okay. 447 00:18:17,466 --> 00:18:20,000 [ Drill whirring ] 448 00:18:21,700 --> 00:18:23,566 Tom: Alright, we're getting ready to install 449 00:18:23,633 --> 00:18:25,800 the 1x12 fascia board. 450 00:18:25,866 --> 00:18:29,166 This is exterior-grade wood that's primed. 451 00:18:29,233 --> 00:18:33,600 And I'm going to cut it on a 45-degree angle. 452 00:18:33,666 --> 00:18:35,600 I just want to prime that end. 453 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:49,500 [ Drill whirring ] 454 00:18:51,933 --> 00:18:53,966 [ Saw whirring ] 455 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:04,233 To make sure that our joint fits correctly 456 00:19:04,300 --> 00:19:06,833 where the intersection from the gable end 457 00:19:06,900 --> 00:19:08,866 comes down to the gutter, 458 00:19:08,933 --> 00:19:12,266 I've got a template of that transition piece right there. 459 00:19:12,333 --> 00:19:16,233 I'm going to scribe a line. Make sure it's tight. 460 00:19:16,300 --> 00:19:18,900 Follow it around. 461 00:19:18,966 --> 00:19:21,000 And I'm going to make a rough cut. 462 00:19:44,100 --> 00:19:45,633 Nathan: Alright, we're ready to cut the hole 463 00:19:45,700 --> 00:19:48,366 for this 2 1/8-inch drop. 464 00:19:48,433 --> 00:19:51,400 So we have our measurement, 465 00:19:51,466 --> 00:19:54,633 15 1/4 back off our long point. 466 00:19:56,566 --> 00:19:58,300 15 1/4. 467 00:19:58,366 --> 00:19:59,800 And then we're going to split the difference 468 00:19:59,866 --> 00:20:01,566 on this 4-inch gutter, 469 00:20:01,633 --> 00:20:03,700 so we're going to go 2 inches back. 470 00:20:03,766 --> 00:20:05,700 15 1/4. 471 00:20:09,733 --> 00:20:11,766 [ Drill whirring ] 472 00:20:22,400 --> 00:20:24,166 Tom: I want to put a little tar in there first 473 00:20:24,233 --> 00:20:26,666 before I slide the gooseneck into it. 474 00:20:38,900 --> 00:20:44,833 ♪♪ 475 00:20:44,900 --> 00:20:51,600 ♪♪ 476 00:20:51,666 --> 00:20:52,733 How you looking, Bill? 477 00:20:52,800 --> 00:20:54,100 Bill: Pretty good now. 478 00:20:54,166 --> 00:20:55,500 Tom: I want to make sure we get plenty in the middle. 479 00:20:55,566 --> 00:20:56,833 Nathan: Yeah. 480 00:20:56,900 --> 00:20:59,800 Tom: Just asking the screws to do a lot there. 481 00:20:59,866 --> 00:21:01,800 [ Drill whirring ] 482 00:21:01,866 --> 00:21:07,600 ♪♪ 483 00:21:07,666 --> 00:21:13,400 ♪♪ 484 00:21:13,466 --> 00:21:15,933 Now, I got a sheet of lead. High spot here. 485 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:18,200 Water coming down here will roll right back down 486 00:21:18,266 --> 00:21:21,000 into the downspout. 487 00:21:21,066 --> 00:21:22,666 Nathan: We're ready to put our ground underneath. 488 00:21:22,733 --> 00:21:24,133 Some people use a bed molding, 489 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:26,133 but for this one we'll go square. 490 00:21:29,533 --> 00:21:32,333 Tom: Where the gutter meets the fascia board along the top, 491 00:21:32,400 --> 00:21:35,333 we sealed that joint with an acrylic caulking. 492 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:37,600 Finally, to protect the inside of the gutter, 493 00:21:37,666 --> 00:21:41,900 we applied a good coat of boiled linseed oil. 494 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:43,900 Well, this was a big job today, guys. 495 00:21:43,966 --> 00:21:46,266 We got it done. I didn't think we would, but... 496 00:21:46,333 --> 00:21:48,500 Nathan: It turned out great. Tom: Yeah, it sure did. 497 00:21:48,566 --> 00:21:49,900 Never would have been able to get it done without you. 498 00:21:49,966 --> 00:21:51,200 So thanks for your help. 499 00:21:51,266 --> 00:21:52,533 Bill: Give us a call anytime. 500 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:55,466 Regina: And I thank you on behalf of my Peter. 501 00:21:55,533 --> 00:21:57,700 He was a good steward of the house, 502 00:21:57,766 --> 00:22:01,166 and so you've gave him a wonderful gift. 503 00:22:01,233 --> 00:22:02,533 Thank you so much. Tom: Thanks, guys. 504 00:22:02,600 --> 00:22:03,766 Nathan: I'll see you guys next time. 505 00:22:03,833 --> 00:22:05,133 Bill: See you soon. Tom: Alright. 506 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:08,233 So we've got the gutter all up, new fascia board up. 507 00:22:08,300 --> 00:22:10,166 We repaired the rotted rafters. 508 00:22:10,233 --> 00:22:11,966 You're going to have to get the painter here. 509 00:22:12,033 --> 00:22:13,466 We're going to leave the staging up for him 510 00:22:13,533 --> 00:22:15,166 to make it a lot easier. 511 00:22:15,233 --> 00:22:18,233 We've got everything primed that you can't see, 512 00:22:18,300 --> 00:22:19,800 would never be able to prime without it. 513 00:22:19,866 --> 00:22:21,666 So that's good. 514 00:22:21,733 --> 00:22:23,633 And then we'll come and take the staging down. 515 00:22:23,700 --> 00:22:26,066 But remember, you have wooden gutters. 516 00:22:26,133 --> 00:22:29,633 They should be oiled at least once a year, and cleaned. 517 00:22:29,700 --> 00:22:30,733 Alright? 518 00:22:30,800 --> 00:22:31,900 Regina: I'll follow your directions. 519 00:22:31,966 --> 00:22:33,300 Tom: Alright. Regina: Thank you. 520 00:22:33,366 --> 00:22:34,466 Tom: It looks great. 521 00:22:34,533 --> 00:22:35,966 Regina: It looks beautiful. 522 00:22:36,033 --> 00:22:39,900 ♪♪ 523 00:22:41,900 --> 00:22:44,466 Kevin: Next time on "Ask This Old House"... 524 00:22:44,533 --> 00:22:46,733 Mauro shows a homeowner the correct way 525 00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:48,766 to repair a wall crack. 526 00:22:48,833 --> 00:22:51,133 Mauro: Okay, press the tape down. 527 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:53,533 Stretch it out, all the way down. 528 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,000 Kevin: Then we challenge our crew 529 00:22:55,066 --> 00:22:58,500 with a game of "What Is It?" 530 00:22:58,566 --> 00:23:04,266 And Richard helps a homeowner update their baseboard covers. 531 00:23:04,333 --> 00:23:07,266 Richard: So, what do you think? Man: I think this looks great. 532 00:23:07,333 --> 00:23:10,333 Kevin: All that, on "Ask This Old House."