The invisible art of blending new construction with historic bones

This Old House | Masonry Lessons (S43 E7) FULL EPISODE · 23:43 · Video: This Old House · Watch at the source

In short: Watch how master craftsmen navigate the delicate transition between old and new. This episode reveals the precise techniques required to integrate modern masonry and structural shimming into a historic home without compromising its integrity.

The episode highlights the meticulous labor involved in preserving a home's character while updating its infrastructure. Mark McCullough demonstrates masonry techniques by constructing a block wall at a new footing and cutting a reglet in a chimney to install copper flashing, a critical step for water prevention.

Structural harmony is achieved through 'shimming,' where Tom and Charlie Silva adjust old joists to create a discreet ramp between old and new house sections. The footage also follows the spatial planning of a kitchen layout in a newly opened area, showcasing the balance between preservation and modern utility.

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