Ep 14. Remove Shrubs, Siding

In season 13, episode 14 of Ask This Old House, titled "Remove Shrubs, Siding," the show's team of experts heads to Illinois to assist a homeowner with his landscaping and exterior renovations.

Host Kevin O'Connor meets with the homeowner, who wants to remove some overgrown shrubs near his house and replace them with a more manageable landscape. Kevin and the crew start by removing the shrubs and then work to level the ground and install a paver walkway. To prevent future overgrowth, they recommend adding landscaping fabric and mulch.

Meanwhile, landscape contractor Roger Cook is working on leveling the backyard. His goal is to create a usable space for the homeowner's family, so Roger grades the area and then lays down sod. He also suggests adding a raised planter bed, which can be used for vegetables or flowers.

As the crew works on the outside of the house, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is inside, helping the homeowner with a heating issue. The owner mentions that some of the pipes in the basement are freezing during the winter, so Richard inspects the system. He finds that the pipes are running along an exterior wall without proper insulation. Richard installs heat tape and insulation to solve the problem.

Finally, carpenter Nathan Gilbert is tackling a siding project. The homeowner wants to replace some of the old siding on his house, so Nathan walks through the process of removing the old siding and installing new pieces. He demonstrates how to properly measure and cut the new siding, how to deal with windows and doors, and how to properly nail it in place.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers viewers a wide range of home improvement tips and tricks. From landscaping to heating to siding, the team provides a comprehensive guide to tackling common household projects. By the end of the episode, the homeowner has a beautifully landscaped yard, a comfortable heating system, and new, updated siding.