Ep 3. Spring House Revival

The show Barnwood Builders follows a team of craftsmen as they rescue and restore historic structures that would otherwise be lost to time. In season 3 episode 3, titled "Spring House Revival", the team takes on the challenging task of restoring an 1800s spring house in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

The episode begins with the team meeting with the property owner, who shares the history of the spring house and its importance to the property. The spring house was used to collect and store spring water, which was then used to irrigate the farm and provide drinking water for the animals. Over the years, the structure had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of collapsing. The owner was determined to save the historic building, and turned to the Barnwood Builders for help.

The team begins the restoration by carefully dismantling the existing structure to salvage as much of the original materials as possible. They use traditional hand tools to avoid damaging the antique wood, and take great care to label and store each piece for later use. Once the structure is completely dismantled, the team examines the pieces to determine which ones can be reused and which ones need to be replaced.

To make sure the restored spring house is structurally sound, the team decides to use a combination of original and new materials. They source antique lumber and materials from local salvage yards and timber framers, and also use modern techniques and materials when necessary. This combination of old and new allows the team to give the spring house a new lease on life, while still maintaining its historic charm.

One of the biggest challenges the team faces during the restoration is recreating the original roof system. The spring house had a unique roof design that required a lot of intricate woodworking and joinery, and the team had to work hard to recreate it using salvaged and new materials. They also had to make sure the roof system was watertight, as the spring house is located in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding.

Throughout the restoration process, the team faces unexpected setbacks and challenges, but they persevere and ultimately succeed in bringing the spring house back to life. They finish the restoration with a traditional Appalachian lime wash, which gives the structure a beautiful, weathered look that is true to its historic roots. The owner is delighted with the results, and the teammates are proud to have saved another piece of American history.

Overall, "Spring House Revival" is an inspiring episode that showcases the skill and dedication of the Barnwood Builders team. It demonstrates the importance of preserving our country's historic structures, while also embracing modern techniques and materials to ensure their longevity. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, architecture, or woodworking.