This Old House Hour Season 8 Episode 14 Roxbury Project, Part 2 of 10

In This Old House Hour season 8 episode 14, viewers will continue to follow the Roxbury Project, a 300-year-old farmhouse that is being renovated and restored to its former glory. This episode marks part two of a ten-part series that focuses on the various aspects of the project.

In the second installment, the focus is on the exterior of the house. Hosts Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey, and Roger Cook work together to address issues with the foundation and the rotted and damaged wood framing on the exterior of the house. They also explore the various options for a new roof and siding that will both protect and enhance the historic aesthetic of the home.

The episode begins with a brief recap of the previous installment, highlighting the challenges that the team faced with the home's layout and the need to reconfigure outdated and poorly designed living spaces. From there, the focus shifts to the exterior, where Kevin and Tom discuss the extent of the damage that has been done to the house over the years.

As they begin to remove the rotted wood from the framing, viewers are shown a glimpse into the structural challenges that come with renovating a home as old as the Roxbury Project. Richard also joins the team, offering his expertise on how to address the foundation issues that have caused the wooden framing to rot and decay. Together, they determine that a new foundation will need to be poured in order to ensure the integrity of the house for years to come.

Next, the focus turns to the roof. Kevin and Tom explore the various options for a new roof, weighing the pros and cons of asphalt shingles versus more traditional wood shingles. They also discuss the benefits of adding insulation to the roof and how it can help to reduce energy costs and improve the overall comfort of the living spaces.

Finally, the team considers different siding options for the house. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of vinyl siding, wood shingles, and other options, taking into consideration the historic aesthetic of the home and the need for durable and long-lasting materials.

Throughout the episode, the team emphasizes the importance of preserving the historic integrity of the Roxbury Project while also making necessary upgrades and improvements to ensure the safety and comfort of the homeowners. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what challenges the team will tackle next in their quest to restore this historic farmhouse.

Overall, This Old House Hour season 8 episode 14 offers a fascinating and informative look into the complexities of restoring an old home. From the structural challenges to the design considerations, viewers will gain a greater appreciation for the passion and dedication that goes into preserving historic homes for future generations.