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Vermont Farmhouse > Episode 9: Stone Wall Construction and Covered Bridges

Splitting Granite for the Retaining Wall

Project: Vermont Farmhouse, Episode 9, Part 4

Exterior work continues with construction of a new stone wall, and Bob speaks with Hector Santos, a local mason, about the techniques involved. Inside the farmhouse, a new staircase is being built. And Bob continues his look at the heritage of Vermont, by exploring some of the covered bridges in the area-- some of the oldest surviving examples of Yankee craftsmanship.

Part 1: Retaining Wall Construction
Part 2: Touring Covered Bridges in New England
Part 3: Building the Foyer Staircase
Part 4: Splitting Granite for the Retaining Wall: The mason on-site installing a retaining wall, Hector, shows Bob how to split a piece of granite that is too large and heavy to use as is. Using a hammer drill, he drills a series of 4 holes about 2 1/2 to 3 inches deep in the stone, all lined up in the direction he wants the split to occur. And he puts small metal rods called "feathers and wedges" into each of the holes. Then, using a striking hammer, Bob delivers a series of blows, hitting each hole an equal number of times until the stones begin to audibly crack and pop. Once it's split Hector can pick it up with his little tractor and set it into place.

The wooded New England setting, with quaint towns and covered bridges, provides the perfect backdrop for building a traditional Vermont-style farmhouse.

Bob works with the Quechee Lakes Development Company to build a residence that hearkens back to the past yet satisfies the needs of a family in the new millennium.

Also from Vermont Farmhouse

Episode 4 - Framing and Wiring for the Future
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Description:
Framing work progresses, as Dan Enright and crew work on the home's hip roof, as well as the truss system over the garage. In the basement, Bob talks to Tim Woods (from Internet Home Alliance) about the special wiring that is being installed to make this farmhouse a "connected" home.
Episode 5 - Exterior Update
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Description:
Bob tours the exterior of the farmhouse project in Quechee, VT, where windows have been installed, Weyerhaeuser siding has gone up, and the roof framing has been finished. Also, there is a new bulkhead door.<br> <br> Installation of the home's standing seam metal roof is also underway. Pat Cloutier (from Cloutier Construction) is on-site putting down some Georgia-Pacific redwood decking. And Bob Ryley is on board to help Pat trim out some columns on the back porch with WindsorONE engineered lumber.<br> <br> Bob takes a trip to the Cobb Hill Co-Housing Community to learn about some of the farming techniques being practiced.
Episode 6 - Flooring and Interior Trim
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Description:
Bob tours the interior, looking at the finished drywall and insulation. In the living room, a new Shaw pre-finished hardwood floor is being put down. David LaFosse (from LaFosse & Co.) is on hand to talk to Bob about the process. In the kitchen Ryley and Pat Cloutier are busy putting up trim around the windows.
Episode 7 - Exterior Painting and Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Episode 8 - Finish Trim and Cabinet Installation
Episode 10 - Connected Home Update and Garage Doors
Episode 11 - Kitchen Update and Bathroom Tile Installation
Episode 12 - Home Entertainment and Carpet Installation
Episode 13 - Project Completion

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