This Old House Radio Hour

<p>As tornado season ramps up, we separate myth from fact about storm protection and explain what actually makes a shelter tornado-rated. Then bestselling author Tracy Sierra takes us inside her 300-year-old New England colonial, where squeaky floorboards, carved windowpanes, and a real bump in the night helped spark her latest novel. Finally, structural engineer Dr. Nehemiah Mabry lays out the clear line between cosmetic updates and risky renovations, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call in a licensed pro.<br><br>On this episode you’ll learn: <br>* Whether insulating between an 1806 home’s basement and original first-floor wood floors is worth it, and how to do it without trapping moisture. <br>* Why certain rooms and interior walls can feel unusually hot in winter and cold in summer with a ducted heat-pump system, and how to diagnose air leakage or airflow patterns. <br>* What to do when a single slate shower tile starts turning to powder, including whether it’s a bad tile, a moisture issue, and how sealing and maintenance can help. <br>* Options for updating a large vaulted popcorn ceiling in a 1992 home.<br><br>All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.</p>

<p>We discuss the truth about “house burping,” when opening your windows helps, when it doesn’t, and what actually keeps your indoor air healthy. Nick Offerman returns to the Illinois farmhouse that shaped his love of building. Plus, we break down how to make sure your contractor pulls the right permits, before a small oversight turns into a big problem.<br><br>In This Episode You’ll Learn:<br>* How to fix a leaky glass shower door: where the water is really escaping and what stops it. (8:17)<br>* How to switch a wood fireplace to gas or electric and which one is right for you. (14:28)<br>* Which anchors to trust in drywall, how to pick the right strength, and how to secure things without wrecking your walls. (19:44)<br>* The best lighting options for an unfinished basement, when to call an electrician, and why more outlets can save you headaches later. (26:52)<br></p><br/><p>All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.<br></p>

<p>Building Tomorrow is a special collaboration between Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour that asks a simple but urgent question: how do we build homes that can last the next hundred years? From wildfire rebuilds to factory-built housing, this hour explores how new materials, new methods, and new ideas about community are reshaping the future of housing in America. Hosted by Jenn Largesse and Marketplace’s David Brancaccio, the episode blends reporting, lived experience, and hard science to show what’s possible right now.<br><br>In this episode you’ll learn about:<br> <br>* A massive prefab factory where homes are built like cars on an assembly line.<br>* A disaster research campus where engineers crash-test houses against hurricanes, hail, and wildfire.<br>* A cutting-edge microfactory using software and small factories to build homes faster, locally, and at scale.<br>* Touring a pioneering cross-laminated timber home built as a living case study in low-carbon construction.<br>* How a 100-year-old house is transformed into a net-zero, future-ready home.<br>* A tiny-house community redefining retirement, aging, and what “home” really means.<br><br>Note: In the segment featuring Aloe Blacc's pre fabricated home, the exterior is made of cement fiber but the interior is not. The home's fire resilience comes from a combination of steel framing, fiber cement siding, and triple paned windows. </p>

<p>Learn how to get rid of stubborn smoke odor in a home. Restoration expert Darren Hudema breaks down how to ID the type of smoke you’re dealing with, what you can safely tackle yourself, and when it’s time to call a certified pro We visit comedian Lewis Black’s childhood bungalow, where basement ping-pong rivalries, radio as a lifeline, and his family’s creative streak shaped the person he became. Then Cheap Old Houses returns with two sub-$30K listings, breaking down what’s charming, what’s alarming, and what’s realistically fixable. Finally, Zach shares a deceptively simple favorite tool: a toothbrush, for cleaning glue squeeze-out from detailed trim before it hardens.<br><br>In this episode you will learn: <br>* How to safely start using gas fireplaces you have not turned on in years. (9:02)<br>* How often key home systems should be inspected and where to find a seasonal home maintenance checklist. (12:08)<br>* What to do when window and shutter work leaves new drywall cracks, damaged corner bead, and rust bleed-through. (14:16)<br>* How to replace a stuck drain on a pedestal sink and when removing the sink (or replacing it) is the most practical path forward. (19:38)<br>* Which air-conditioning options work best for older, historically detailed homes without existing ductwork, plus the pros and cons of different options. (25:35)<br><br>All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.</p>

<p>With even colder days ahead, Jody Gardner from Climate Control Kansas City shares how you can protect your pipes from bursting, and the technology you can use to make sure a burst pipe does not flood your home. Chef Roy Choi walks us through the first house his immigrant family owned in Orange County and how a bustling, fermentation-heavy kitchen shaped his senses, his privacy, and ultimately his path as a chef. Finally, sleep expert Dr. Michael Bruce shares simple bedroom upgrades that improve rest by working with your body’s five senses.<br><br>In this episode you’ll learn:<br><br>*Whether running your central HVAC fan can really replace a bathroom exhaust fan, and why moisture control still matters for mold prevention. (8:31)<br>*Why a poorly sloped shower floor can’t be fixed from the surface, plus smarter options for dealing with staining and discolored grout. (14:13)<br>*What it means when an outlet still shows power after the breaker is off, and how to safely verify electrical work with the right testing tools. (20:28)<br>*How to insulate a drafty sunroom to make it more comfortable year-round. (26:20)<br><br>All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.</p>