Ep 2. Factory Made

This Old House season 43 episode 2 is titled "Factory Made" and showcases the process of creating pre-fabricated construction materials for the renovation of an old house. Hosts Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, and Richard Trethewey are joined by a team of designers and engineers as they attempt to transform a 1939 ranch-style house into a modern and energy-efficient home.

The episode begins with the team visiting a factory that specializes in manufacturing pre-fabricated wall panels made from structural insulated panels (SIPs). The panels are made from a layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB) and are designed to be strong, lightweight, and easy to assemble. The team is impressed by the precision and quality of the factory-made panels, which are custom-designed to fit the exact dimensions of the house.

Back on the job site, the team begins the process of installing the pre-fabricated wall panels. The panels are delivered to the site on a flatbed truck and are lifted into place using a crane. The crew then secures the panels to the foundation and to each other using screws and fasteners. The process is quick and efficient, with the walls of the house taking shape in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.

The team then moves on to the roof of the house, which is also being constructed from pre-fabricated materials. This time, the team is working with structural insulated roof panels (SIRPs), which are similar to the wall panels but are designed to be used for roofing. The SIRPs are delivered to the site already assembled, with the roofing material and insulation already attached. The team simply lifts the panels into place and secures them to the walls and the ridge beam using screws and fasteners.

With the walls and roof of the house in place, the team begins to focus on the mechanical systems that will make the house comfortable and energy-efficient. Richard Trethewey takes on the challenge of designing an efficient heating and cooling system for the house. He chooses to go with a combination of a geothermal heat pump and a radiant floor heating system, which he believes will be the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option.

Kevin O'Connor also takes a tour of a nearby factory that specializes in making windows for energy-efficient homes. He learns about the different types of windows available, including double-pane and triple-pane windows, as well as windows with special coatings that can reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency. He also sees how the windows are tested to ensure that they meet the highest standards of air tightness and energy efficiency.

The episode ends with the team putting the finishing touches on the house, including installing door and window trim, finishing the floors, and applying paint and wallpaper. The team reflects on the benefits of using pre-fabricated materials for the renovation, including speed, efficiency, and quality. They are excited about the prospect of creating a beautiful and energy-efficient home that will stand the test of time.

Overall, This Old House season 43 episode 2 is an informative and engaging look at the process of using factory-made construction materials for a home renovation project. The hosts and crew are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the factory tours and on-site demonstrations are fascinating and informative. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or simply enjoy watching home renovation shows, this episode is sure to inspire and educate you.