Ask This Old House S24E18 · Nola Shutters, Hardwired Alarms

Overview

Nathan Gilbert upgrades shutters in a historic New Orleans neighborhood, matching the original style and material. Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam explain how to read fertilizer labels and choose between organic and synthetic options. Heath Eastman upgrades battery-operated smoke detectors to a hardwired combo alarm system. Heath asks a local fire chief for installation safety tips beforehand.

Torrents

Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. NOLA Lantern; Rusty Patio Set2025-09-25 · 25mNOLA copper lantern fixtures; why toilets overflow; restoring rusty outdoor furniture.
2. 2 2. Seashell Driveway; Radon System2025-10-02 · 25mSwapping a coastal home's gravel driveway for seashells; installing a radon mitigation system.
3. 3 3. Houseplant Soil, Spot Point Brick2025-10-09 · 25mTom shares a few methods to remove ring stains from a wood table; Jenn breaks down the types of soil and fertilizer needed for common indoor plants; Mark repairs a brick floor's cr
4. 4 4. Washer Dryer Relocation2025-10-16 · 25mKevin meets with an audiologist to discuss the importance of hearing protection; Richard, Nathan and Heath team up to help a couple age in place by relocating their washer and drye
5. 5 5. Planting Arborvitaes, Storage Rack2025-10-23 · 25mLee helps a homeowner plant a row of arborvitae trees for a privacy Lee helps a homeowner plant a row of arborvitae trees for a privacy border; Mark breaks down the various tools t
6. 6 6. Sustainable Grass, Driveway Lights2025-10-30 · 25mJenn visits a Rhode Island sod farm to see what sustainable grass alternatives they've been experimenting with; Tom and Kevin discuss the most common types of nailhead and shank de
7. 7 7. Seabees; Paint Galvanized Railing2025-11-06 · 25mNathan Gilbert travels to a Mississippi Navy Seabees base, where he learned carpentry as part of his naval training, to see how they are continuing to train the next generation of
8. 8 8. Regrade Lawn; Solid Core Doors2025-11-13 · 25mLee helps a couple regrade their backyard to improve the lawn's health; Jenn shares houseplants that thrive at any light level, proving there's a perfect plant for every space; Nat
9. 9 9. Garage Storage; Anode Rod2026-01-01 · 25mNathan helps a homeowner install an overhead garage storage rack for easier living; Heath demonstrates how to upgrade to a 3-way smart switch; Richard shows how to extend the life
10. 10 10. Idaho Backyard Makeover2026-01-08 · 25mJenn Nawada travels to Idaho to revamp a backyard of a homeowner who hosts weekly potluck dinner parties. His Monday Night Dinners now draw up to 100- 200 guests, overwhelming a sp
11. 11 11. Speakeasy Hidden Door2026-01-15 · 25mRichard shows a clever toilet flange repair kit. Then, Lee and Kevin share essential upkeep to keep a gas mower running like new. Nathan helps a homeowner turn a bar closet into a
12. 12 12. Paint Ceiling; Squeaky Floor2026-01-22 · 25mMauro shows how to repaint a damaged ceiling. Heath, Ross, and Kevin discuss utility energy meters. Nathan and Kevin compare vinyl, wood, and fiber-cement siding. Tom demonstrates
13. 13 13. Split Water Heater; Attic Ladder2026-01-29 · 25mRoss upgrades a home to a solar-assisted split heat pump water heater, ideal for cold climates. Kevin and Jenn discuss three common houseplant pests and Jenn shares some simple tri
14. 14 14. 3-Way Switch, Split Rail Fence2026-02-05 · 25mMauro and Kevin show how to test for lead paint. Heath breaks down how-way switches work and common wiring mistakes. Nathan and Lee install a classic wooden split rail fence to pre
15. 15 15. Toys and Color, Air Switch2026-02-12 · 25mTom discusses common types of caulks and sealants. Richard installs a garbage disposal with an air switch controller. Kevin is joined by Wendy and Kaden, hosts of the popular chann
16. 16 16. Grass Seed Facility, Porch Swing2026-02-19 · 25mLee heads to Washington state to uncover why the Pacific Northwest is the heart of Kentucky bluegrass seed production. Mark breaks down popular paver types and walkway patterns. Na
17. 17 17. Lead Testing, Hillside Steps2026-03-26 · 25mRichard explains why sink clogs happen, how to prevent them, and offers safer maintenance alternatives. Mauro demonstrates how to test for lead-based paint. Then, Mark installs gra
18. 18 18. Nola Shutters, Hardwired Alarms2026-04-02 · 25mNathan Gilbert upgrades shutters in a historic New Orleans neighborhood, matching the original style and material. Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam explain how to read fertilizer labels
19. 19 19. Arch Accent, Pea Stone Patio2026-04-09 · 25mMauro helps a mom-to-be refresh a nursery with hand-drawn arches using simple tools. Jenn explains the truth behind common plant misconceptions. Then, Mark helps a couple install a
20. 20 20. Hang Shades, Steep Landscaping2026-04-16 · 25mNathan installs shades to block the outside view for a tiny guard dog. Richard and Kevin discuss the anatomy of toilet tanks, common failures, and how to fix a running toilet. Jenn
21. 21 21. Running Power to a Shed2026-04-23 · 25mMauro explains the basic tools and supplies needed to paint a room. Kevin hosts a kitchen quiz on what food scraps belong in the garbage disposal versus the compost. Heath shows a
22. 22 22. Flower Vase, Smart Garage Opener2026-04-30 · 25mTom teaches Zack how to turn a flower vase on the lathe. Jenn explains how to start seeds indoors for spring. Mark breaks down common mortar cracks in fireplace hearths and surroun
23. 23 23. Paver Walkway, Mowing A Lawn 1012026-05-07 · 25mLee and Kevin cover lawn mowing basics. The team shares expert tips on how to vet and hire a trustworthy contractor to avoid costly mistakes. Mark heads to Washington state to repl
24. 24 24. Tile Soap Holders; Swirl Ceiling2026-05-14 · 25mNathan upgrades a bathroom by replacing vintage wall-mounted ceramic toothbrush and soap holders. The team plays "What Is It?" to guess the purpose of a metal bar. Mauro repairs a
25. 25 25. Picnic Table; Insurance Policies2026-05-21 · 25mRoss shares the perfect tech setup for an outdoor movie night. Kevin talks with an insurance expert to break down the basics of a homeowner's insurance policy. Then, Tom and Kevin
26. 26 26. Outdoor TV; Granite Firepit2026-05-28 · 25mHeath installs a weatherproof outdoor TV enclosure. Kevin, Tom and Zack discuss essential preparation steps a homeowner should take before a renovation. Then, Mark replaces a crumb