Ask This Old House Season 4 Episode 11 Snowthrowers; What is it?; Installing A New Exterior Door

In season 4, episode 11 of Ask This Old House, the crew tackles two common household projects - snowthrowers and installing a new exterior door.

First, host Kevin O'Connor visits a homeowner in Massachusetts who is struggling to maintain their driveway and walkways during winter. With snowthrowers being a popular choice for snow removal, Kevin brings in contractor Tom Silva to help the homeowner choose the right one for their needs. Tom explains the different types of snowthrowers, such as single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage models, and demonstrates how each one operates. They also discuss various features to consider, such as engine size, clearing width, and power steering.

Next, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey joins Kevin at a home in New Jersey where the homeowners are looking to replace their old exterior door. Richard demonstrates how to properly measure for a new door and then works with contractor Roger Cook to remove the old one and install the new one. They discuss the importance of selecting a door with the right type of insulation and weatherstripping to ensure energy efficiency and proper sealing.

Throughout the episode, the crew shares helpful tips and tricks for both projects, such as how to properly store a snowthrower during the off-season and how to use shims when installing a new door. As always, the focus is on providing homeowners with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle their own home improvement projects.