Ep 22. Deck Staining; Water Monitoring
- June 22, 2019
In Ask This Old House season 17 episode 22, the team is busy tackling two home improvement projects - deck staining and water monitoring.
First up is deck staining, as host Kevin O'Connor heads to Alexandria, Virginia to meet homeowner Linda, who wants to give her deck a facelift. Kevin explains that before starting the stain process, it's important to clean and prep the deck surface, removing any debris or old stain. To do this, he recommends using a deck cleaner and a power washer.
Next, Kevin shows Linda different types of deck stain and explains their differences, including water-based vs. oil-based and transparent vs. solid. Linda ultimately chooses a semi-transparent stain, which will allow some of the wood grain to show through.
Kevin and Linda then begin the staining process, which involves applying the stain with a brush and wiping off any excess with a rag. Kevin also cautions against staining in direct sunlight, as it could cause the stain to dry too quickly and leave streaks.
Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is helping homeowners Tom and Liz install a new water monitoring system. The couple is concerned about their well running dry, so Richard suggests installing a system that will track their water usage and send them alerts if they're using more than average.
Richard begins by installing a flow sensor on the main water line, which will measure the amount of water used. He then installs a monitor that connects to the home's Wi-Fi and sends data to the homeowners' phones. The monitor can even shut off the water if a leak is detected.
Tom and Liz are pleased with the new system, which gives them peace of mind and helps them conserve water.
Back in Virginia, Kevin and Linda finish up the staining project, admiring the new look of her deck. Kevin reminds viewers that regular maintenance of a deck, including cleaning and staining, is crucial to its longevity.
Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House provides helpful tips and suggestions for homeowners looking to improve their decks and monitor their water usage. From cleaning and prepping a deck for staining to installing a water monitoring system, the expert advice is sure to benefit any DIY enthusiast.
