Ask This Old House Season 1 Episode 25 The Dutchman; What Is It?; Flood Prevention

In season 1, episode 25 of Ask This Old House, the team tackles a variety of home improvement projects including repairing a Dutchman, identifying unfamiliar construction materials, and preventing flooding.

First, the team visits a home in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, where the homeowners are dealing with a large crack in their foundation caused by a failed or inadequate repair called a Dutchman. Roger Cook explains what a Dutchman is and how to properly fix it by removing the damaged area and replacing it with new wood.

Next, the team heads to Memphis, Tennessee, where they explore a property with a unique building material that the homeowner is unsure of. Tom Silva identifies the unfamiliar substance as cypress siding and explains its unique benefits including its ability to resist rot and insects.

Lastly, the team travels to San Francisco, California, where they assist a homeowner with a flood prevention project. Richard Trethewey explains the benefits and installation process of a sump pump and how it can help prevent water damage in the home.

Throughout the episode, the team provides helpful tips and advice for homeowners looking to tackle similar projects in their own homes. From repairing foundation cracks to identifying unfamiliar construction materials to preventing flooding, Ask This Old House has something for every DIYer.