Ep 3. 1802 Farmhouse Exterior

Stone House Revival season 3 episode 3 entitled "1802 Farmhouse Exterior" is a home renovation show that follows the restoration of a historic farmhouse in Pennsylvania. Steve and his team tackle the exterior of this 214-year-old home, taking on issues like deteriorated plaster, rotting wood, and uneven stone work.

The episode begins with Steve discussing the challenges of restoring an old stone home. He explains that these homes were built with a technique called dry-laid masonry, which means that the stones were stacked without any mortar holding them together. Over time, the stones can shift and settle, causing cracks and gaps to form. In addition, the mortar that was used may have deteriorated, which can also result in loose stones and uneven surfaces.

Steve and his crew focus on the front facade of the house, which has a beautiful stone arch over the front door. The arch is in good condition, but the stone work around it is uneven and needs to be repaired. The team starts by removing the deteriorated plaster to expose the stone. They then use chisels and hammers to carefully remove any loose stones and level out the surface.

Next, they mix a special formula of mortar that matches the original mortar used in the house. This mortar is made from a combination of sand, lime, and water, and is used to fill in the gaps between the stones. The team uses a trowel to carefully apply the mortar, making sure that it is flush with the surrounding stones.

Another issue that the team tackles is the woodwork on the house. The front porch has several rotting columns that need to be replaced. Steve and his crew remove the old columns and replace them with new pressure-treated lumber. They also install new wooden brackets and trim pieces to match the original design of the porch.

The team also works on the windows of the house. The original windows were not energy efficient and had single-pane glass. Steve and his crew replace them with new, custom-made double-pane windows that are more energy efficient and provide better insulation.

Finally, the team works on the landscaping around the house. They remove overgrown bushes and trees, and plant new shrubs and flowers to give the house some curb appeal.

Throughout the episode, Steve also shares some interesting facts about the history of the house. He explains that it was built in 1802 by a wealthy farmer named John Rutter. The house was originally a log cabin, but was later expanded with stone and brick additions. Steve also shows off some of the original architectural details of the house, such as the hand-carved wooden mantel in the living room.

Overall, Stone House Revival season 3 episode 3 is a fascinating look at the restoration of a historic farmhouse. Steve and his team do an excellent job of preserving the original character of the house while also making it more functional and energy efficient. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in restoration and renovation.