Ep 5. Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Lines in the Sand

This Old House season 35 episode 5 titled "Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Lines in the Sand" follows the rebuilding efforts of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Mantoloking, New Jersey. The episode focuses on the challenges faced by the owners and builders as they attempt to restore the property and make it more resilient against future natural disasters. The show features the work of host Kevin O'Connor and a team of experts as they tackle the various aspects of the renovation.

The episode begins with a look at the devastation left behind by Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed or damaged many homes in the New Jersey area. The focus then shifts to the homeowners, a couple with three young children, who are determined to rebuild their home and make it stronger than ever before. They discuss their plans with the This Old House team, and the crew begins work on the renovation.

The first step in the rebuild is to secure the foundation of the house, which was severely damaged by the storm. The team excavates around the perimeter of the house and installs a new foundation, reinforced with steel and concrete. They also install helical piles to help anchor the house to the underlying soil and prevent it from being washed away in future storms.

Next, the team turns their attention to the framing of the house, which was also damaged in the storm. They use engineered lumber and steel brackets to create a strong, solid structure that can withstand high winds and water pressure. They also install hurricane straps to anchor the roof to the walls and prevent it from being lifted off in a storm.

The episode also features a segment on the installation of a new HVAC system, which is designed to be energy-efficient and capable of operating even during power outages. The team installs a geothermal heating and cooling system, which uses the constant temperature of the earth to provide warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer. They also install a backup generator to ensure that the system can continue to operate during power outages.

Throughout the episode, the homeowners discuss their concerns about future storms and their desire to create a home that can withstand whatever the elements may bring. They express gratitude for the expertise and dedication of the This Old House team, who work tirelessly to create a home that is not only beautiful and functional but also resilient against future disasters.

In conclusion, This Old House season 35 episode 5 "Jersey Shore Rebuilds 2013; Lines in the Sand" is an inspiring look at the rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The episode showcases the expertise and dedication of the This Old House team and highlights the importance of creating homes that are resilient against future natural disasters. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in home renovation or disaster preparedness.