Ask This Old House

Kevin

Today on "Ask This Old House"... we're headed to Texas to lend a hand after Hurricane Harvey.

Audrey

When we actually opened the door and stepped out, the water was up to our chests.

Kevin

Well, that must have been terrifying.

Audrey

It was.

Richard

We'll show you what it takes to clean up things like mud and mold after a storm. All right, so, where do we get started?

Mickey

It doesn't really matter. We've got to get all the furniture out, all the flooring out, all the drywall and insulation out.

Everything goes. Richard

We just got to start.

Mickey

You got to get started.

Tom

We'll see what happens to houses that can't be saved.

Roger

And we'll spotlight the good work volunteer groups are doing to bring their neighbors home.

Kevin

Right now on "Ask This Old House." In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas and devastated the area around Houston. It dumped 51 inches of rain over several days and flooded much of the city. And you see this waterway right here behind us? Well, that's Buffalo Bayou, and it actually winds its way through the city and eventually dumps into the Gulf of Mexico, but there are dozens of little rivers and streams just like that. And during the storm, they all turned into raging rivers. And see that pile of silt back there? Well, it's been 2 1/2 months since the hurricane, and they are still cleaning up.

Roger

Hurricane Harvey was rough. It damaged or destroyed a quarter of a million houses -- 100,000 of those houses right here in Houston.

Richard

You know, we've seen our share of disasters through the years, haven't we?

Kevin

Oh, yeah.

Richard

We got down to New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy, down to New Orleans after Katrina, even as far back as Hurricane Andrew in Florida. But in all those cases, we waited a while, let the cleanup happen, and then we came in and helped them rebuild.

Tom

But, today, we're here to answer the question that so many people in this part of Texas are struggling with -- Now what? How do you clean your house now that the water has receded? How do you know what to save and what needs to go?

Chuckles

Tom

And what needs to be done before you can rebuild and even come home? So, Brandon, I understand that you were part

of the first responders. Brandon

I was. I came down with Team Rubicon when Hurricane Harvey struck, and we brought a small team down, some boats, and started pulling people out of the water in Houston and worked our way east.

Tom

Must have been pretty awful. Can you explain to me about Team Rubicon?

Brandon

Yeah. Team Rubicon's a veterans-based disaster response organization. We travel around the world and help people right after disaster strikes.

Tom

Wow. Are you a veteran?

Brandon

I am. I did eight years in the Marine Corps.

Tom

Well, thank you for your service. Well, it seems like the veterans are unique for that type of situation. A disaster is happening, you need large -- You got to solve a lot of problems and -- and help people quickly.

Brandon

The skill set's very unique. You have a group of people who thrive in chaos, who make decisive decisions, they can work in a team no matter who it is, and they're used to the most austere environments in the world. It makes a perfect person to respond to disasters.

Tom

Well, we're lucky to have you. So, now that the floodwaters have receded, what are you guys doing now? We're doing a lot of the rebuild and relief work. We're helping homeowners get ready for the next step so they can rebuild and try to get back to some semblance of normalcy. And we've actually got a job going on right down the street if you want to take a look at it. I absolutely do. Lead the way.

Brandon

Yeah, let's go check it out.

Tom

Okay.

Brandon

So, this neighborhood here was actually under 10 to 20 feet of water.

Tom

Wow!

That's a lot of water. Brandon

That's a lot. You can actually still see the line up on the house here.

Tom

Yeah, went right up through those windows there.

Brandon

All the way up to the second floor here.

Tom

Geez. Right.

Brandon

Now the big problem is for these homeowners -- Their house is a total loss, they're ready to rebuild. They still have to tear the house down. And that's a $10,000 to $20,000 cost.

Tom

Oh,

easy. Brandon

Right. And we do it for free.

Tom

For free?

Brandon

For free.

Tom

That's -- Wow, that's amazing.

Brandon

Yeah, they don't believe us, either.

Tom

Yeah. Well, listen. I'd love to meet the homeowner. Is she around?

Brandon

Absolutely. She's inside taking a last look if you want to meet her.

I do. Thanks. Brandon

All right.

Tom

Hello?

Terri

Hi, Tom.

Tom

Hi. How are you?

Terri

Fine. I'm Terri. Nice to meet you.

Tom

Nice to meet you. Sad about the circumstances.

Terri

Yes, sir. 30 years of raising a family here.

Tom

You raised your family in this home.

Terri

I did.

Tom

You must have a lot of memories.

A lot of good memories. Tom

Yeah.

Terri

And, well, this is my kitchen, and you're standing in the living room.

Wow. Terri

And right out front here, it would continue. This was a porch covering, and this was our entrance.

Tom

Oh, so that was a room outside there?

Terri

It's a room. The tile continued out. And this was a sliding glass door here. And then over here was our dining room,

and it had a patio door. Tom

Wow.

Terri

The porch collapsed on all of that.

Wow. Terri

And then, of course, we had the upstairs.

Tom

The big loft up there.

Terri

Big loft. We had it closed in for a bedroom. And two bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs.

Wow. Terri

But -- Yeah, we raised the family and all their friends. We had a lot of good memories here.

Tom

Well, it definitely is in trouble right now.

Terri

It is in big trouble. Harvey did its damage.

Tom

Yeah, and I can see why they have to take it down.

Terri

Yes. We're gonna press forward.

The good time's ahead. Tom

It sure is. Well, I think they want to get started.

Terri

Okay.

Tom

So we should get out of here.

Terri

Let's do it.

Tom

Well, there you go, guys. The house is down. What are you thinking?

Terri

The end of an era.

The end of an era. Terri

Very sad.

Tom

Yeah, but you know what? This is the beginning now.

Terri

That's right. A new beginning.

Tom

Gonna start fresh.

That's right. Tom

Yeah. Well, they did a great job.

Terri

They certainly did.

Tom

And, Brandon, you guys are fantastic. I can't thank you enough for what you and your team of volunteers are doing for a lot of people like Terri and their family.

Brandon

Just here to help. I'm glad we could help.

Tom

You're doing a great job, and thank you for your service.

Terri

Thank you.

Richard

Not every house has to be torn down. In fact, the majority of the houses have to be dried out, cleaned up, and then rebuilt, and that is the purview of Mickey Caison and his group. Mickey, you're no stranger to this, are you?

Mickey

No, sir. I've been doing this since 1989. We've seen all the major disasters -- Hugo, Andrew, Midwest floods, Northridge earthquake, 9/11, Oklahoma City.

Richard

No shortage of disasters.

Mickey

No, they're all the time.

Richard

And you guys are always there?

Mickey

Yes,

sir. Richard

All right. It looks like you've built a city here.

Mickey

We have. We have a relationship with the church here. They allow us to house in it. We've taken over their parking lot. We've put up shower trailers, laundry trailers. We set up a mess tent where we can feed up to 200, 250 people at a time.

Richard

It's an amazing endeavor that you guys are doing here. So, imagine the waters have just receded in my house after a storm. How do I get started? How do I get home?

Mickey

Let me show you. First step, Richard, is that we clean out the house. We call it "mud-out."

Richard

It looks like it's already begun here.

Mickey

Yes. The homeowner's been doing some work, but it's an overwhelming job.

Richard

You know, the house itself doesn't look all that bad.

Mickey

The outside's deceiving. Let's look inside.

Richard

All right. Man, oh, man. Look at this place. Whoo! Crazy.

Mickey

It's actually not that bad.

Richard

Really?

Mickey

Yeah. I've seen them where you have 15 inches of mud in that you have to clean out in the process before you can start taking the other things out.

Richard

Certainly looks bad enough to me. Oh, look at this. You know, every time I go to one of these disaster areas, this always gets me -- seeing the pictures of somebody's life that they'll never appreciate again.

Mickey

Yeah, the damage is one thing, but the stories behind it break my heart.

Richard

That's the real loss. All right, so, this house has been sitting here for, what? For two months completely sealed up. It's covered in mold. How come?

Mickey

It takes time. One house at a time. And we do them with volunteers. As they come, we can use them.

Richard

All right, well, your crew is here, and I'm able-bodied. Can I give you a hand today?

Mickey

Let's get started.

Richard

All right, great. All right, so, where do we get started?

Mickey

It doesn't really matter. We got to get all the furniture out, all the flooring out, all the drywall and insulation out. Everything goes.

We just got to start. Mickey

You got to get started.

Richard

So, who are we working with today?

Mickey

These are volunteers that have -- Most of them are retired, live all over the country. They've come in from different states, and they're giving us three or four weeks of work here.

Richard

This is an unbelievable story. You guys are just so amazing. So, why are we taping the fridge?

Mickey

The fridge has stuff that has been there 2 1/2

months. Richard

Oh, yeah.

Mickey

It's been locked up, and we don't want it open. The smell and the...

Richard

Like a science experiment.

Mickey

Yes,

exactly. Richard

Oh, boy. This drywall is still soaking wet. It's like mush. Don't breathe deep, boys and girls. Nice. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Mickey

So, Richard, we cleaned this house out last week.

Richard

Look at this mound of stuff. Looks like they have kids,

too. Mickey

Yes, seven of them.

Richard

Seven? So, where do the kids go? Where are they now?

Mickey

They're scattered among family members in the area.

Richard

Oh, man, that is heartbreaking.

Mickey

Yeah, and we want to get them back into home as soon as we can, but we got to make it safe first.

Richard

For sure.

We need to put these on. Richard

Good idea.

Mickey

We had about 7 feet of water in this home.

Wow. Mickey

It came in, settled down to a little over 4 feet, and it stayed here for days.

Richard

I can see the stain right here. I also can see the stain of all the mold on the 2-bys here,

all the studs. Mickey

Yep.

Richard

Look at this, too. Talk about mold.

Mickey

Yeah, so, the environment in the Houston area, Southeast Texas -- With the heat and humidity, it will make mold grow quickly.

Perfect conditions. Mickey

Yes. While it will happen in any flood, it's just really quick here.

Richard

So, what do you do now?

Mickey

The next step is, we will come back with a mold mitigation agent that will help kill the mold.

Richard

Gonna spray it all down.

Mickey

Yes.

Richard

So, this looks like a paint sprayer we've seen before.

Mickey

Yes. It's an airless paint sprayer. We use it. There are many ways of applying it, but that's one of the ways that we choose to use.

Richard

And what are they using -- bleach?

Mickey

No. Bleach can work, but it's very detrimental to the skin and lungs and stuff for the person making the application.

Richard

So, what is it?

Mickey

So, we're using a mold mitigation agent. It is a disinfectant approved the EPA.

Richard

How effective will that be?

Mickey

It'll take a day or so before it's completely eradicated, but it will happen quickly. In some cases where it's really bad, we may have to come back and do a second application.

Richard

Yeah, yeah. That's true. So, she's not only spraying the wood studs, but also the concrete.

Mickey

Yes. Mold will grow on the concrete and anywhere else that it is, so we spray everything.

Richard

Right. So, Mickey, now that you got mold under control, how soon before they can start rebuilding in there?

Mickey

It'll be a while. We have to move into the regular construction process, which we'd need permits and inspections and those kinds of things.

Richard

Yeah, I saw some structural issues. You got to get the electrical right, too.

Mickey

Yes. We don't get a free pass because it's a disaster. We got to get back in the normal construction process.

Richard

So they got plenty of work still left to do.

Yes. Richard

Well, they would not have gotten to right here without all the great work that you guys have done here.

Mickey

Thank you. The volunteers from all over the country make it possible.

Richard

It's all about the people, isn't it?

It is. Richard

Good work.

Roger

We've seen a lot of volunteers coming down to Texas to help rebuild. Now, if there's one thing those volunteers need, it's tools, and I found a group who can help us out with that. Hi,

Erika. Erika

Hi, Roger. Thanks so much for coming.

Roger

Boy, this place is really big.

Erika

It is. This is the Houston Community ToolBank. So, we're a local charity that supports volunteer work in Houston. We lend out tools to anybody doing charitable good.

Roger

That's amazing.

Erika

We've got over 260 kinds of tools, more than 15,000 tools that we can get in the hands of volunteers.

Roger

Now, I noticed you have some employees running around, pulling orders.

Erika

That's what we do. People become member agencies with the ToolBank, place an order online. Then we go around and pick the tools. They come and pick them up. That easy.

Roger

You know, at a rental house at home, I'd pay, you know, a lot of money for some of these tools.

Erika

Well, because we're a charity, we offer a significant discount. We have a 3% tool-lending fee. So, what that looks like is, somebody pays 3% of the retail cost to borrow the tool for a full week.

Roger

Wow.

Erika

So, a $300 pressure washer, you take for $10

for the week. Roger

That's pretty good.

Erika

Our rule of thumb is, you're gonna spend more on water for your volunteers than you are on tools.

Roger

Got to keep them hydrated.

Erika

Exactly. But when it comes to disaster relief, it's completely free of charge. All of our member agencies can come here, pick up the tools they need to get out in the community and help rebuild Houston.

Roger

Well, that's great. Can I help you pick an order?

Erika

I'd love that. Let's do it.

Roger

All right, what's first?

Erika

Circular saw, so follow me.

Roger

All right, I got the saw.

Erika

One circular saw. Perfect. And now come back this way, and we're gonna go get the extension cords. Perfect! Next two 2-to-4-pound demolition hammers. Right around here, and they're just on the bottom.

Roger

One...

Erika

Yep, and two of those.

Roger

Okay. Got those.

Erika

Awesome. We just need one water hose. All right, so, we can drop this off in the staging area, and then we can start getting some of the bigger items. Ladders. 15 tables. Pop-up tents.

Roger

All right, what's next?

Erika

Do you want to grab the rakes while I grab the garden hose?

Roger

Okay.

Erika

Next up, 30 round-head spades. All right.

Roger

How do you see where you're going?

Laughs

Erika

You just -- You just hope.

Roger

I'm a-coming.

Erika

Well, it looks like we got it all.

Roger

We're all set?

Erika

We are all good.

Roger

That is a lot of work.

Erika

It is, but it's for a good cause. I mean, I think we've all been there when there's 20 volunteers standing around, waiting for their turn on two shovels. This means that -- I mean, there's gonna be at least 50 volunteers here who are gonna be working all day.

Roger

It's great, because there's nothing worse than volunteering to really work and get there and there's nothing for you to do.

Erika

Exactly.

Roger

Well, your organization is doing great things, and thank you for all your time you spent with us today.

Erika

Well, thank you for the help pulling this order, Roger.

Roger

And when are they coming to pick this up?

They're on their way now. Roger

I'll go now.

Laughs

They're on their way now. Roger

Thank you!

Erika

Thank you, Roger.

Kevin

This entire neighborhood was underwater during Hurricane Harvey, so every single one of these houses has to be rebuilt. Now, many of the homes were originally built by Habitat for Humanity, and they've actually returned to help with the rebuilding process. And, Audrey, it's nice to meet you.

Audrey

Nice to meet you.

Kevin

You have been here for a long time, haven't you?

About 10 years. Kevin

And who do you live with?

Audrey

It's my daughter, two grandsons, and myself.

Kevin

Okay. And so, tell me about that night when the storm hit.

Audrey

Well, during the storm, it rained like it normally does, but I was in my bed watching TV. My daughter came and said, "Hey, we need to go," and I was like, "No," until I stepped out the bed and my feet touched the floor and there was water. Then I panicked and said, "Okay, let's go."

Kevin

Why did you think you could stay through a storm this size?

Audrey

Because we've never had that much water in the neighborhood before. It normally rains, it's in the street, and it drains off, and I've never seen that much water. So until she actually opened the door, and I seen it, that's when I realized we really need to go.

Kevin

So, you're gonna go. The whole family's coming with you.

Audrey

Yes,

sir. Kevin

Okay. And how much water are we talking?

Up to our chests. Kevin

Wow! That much, huh?

Audrey

Yes.

Kevin

So, not a lot of water when you stepped out of bed, but a lot outside?

Audrey

Yes, sir.

Kevin

Well, that must have been terrifying.

Audrey

It was, especially for my daughter, 'cause my grandson at the time was 4 years old -- 4 months old -- and she had to kind of, like, literally have him above her head while we actually went through the water to get to safety.

Kevin

So, the whole family's going.

Audrey

Yes,

sir. Kevin

And you guys are now wading through this neighborhood in chest-high water?

Audrey

Yes, sir, and the Army Reserve came and took us in trucks to our shelter.

Kevin

And how long were you at the shelter?

Audrey

The first shelter, we were there for three, maybe four days. Then we got moved to a second shelter, and we was there for another three days.

Kevin

Mm. So, two shelters, and where are you now?

Audrey

We're in at a hotel we're staying in till our home get fixed.

Temporary housing. Audrey

Yes, sir.

Kevin

How long after you evacuated did it take you to come back to see the house?

Audrey

Two weeks.

Kevin

And when you came back, what did you find?

Audrey

A disaster/ Water still on the floor, a lot of the things turned over, mold had been setting up on some of the furniture and stuff.

Kevin

What is that like, when everything's got to go?

Audrey

Um, you just take a deep breath, and you're grateful that you're okay, because that's materialistic things and we can replace that. But you're grateful that you made it out

and everybody is safe. Kevin

Mm. So, what is the process for getting back in, the rebuild? What do you know about that?

Audrey

I think they're doing the drywall, and they're gonna help me to replace my appliances. And then the furniture is doing one room at a time so we can come back home.

Kevin

But you are coming home? Oh, yes, we're coming home. And that brings a big smile to your face.

Audrey

Yes. We're coming home.

Kevin

All right, well, I know there are a whole bunch of volunteers inside. You want to go join them?

Audrey

Yes.

Kevin

Let's go. The crew is already at work, and -- Hey! Look at these volunteers. Hey, boys.

Richard

This house is on its way. Originally, it had 2 to 2 1/2 feet of water. Came right about here, but they were really smart when they took out that original drywall. They took it out just up to this matching line here for the piece above. It'll be a lot easier to seam that in. Then they scrubbed all the studs, and they disinfected it, so no more mold.

Kevin

Nice.

Tom

They also took out all the old fiberglass insulation that was in the wall, but they left it up on the top section. They first put this spun material on here, this fabric that's breathable, and they cut a hole in it. They put the hose that they're gonna blow the insulation into it, and this fabric allows the air to rush in there, and the fiberglass insulation can be draw in, and it can fill the bay nice and even.

Kevin

All right, so, we are all cleaned up and re-insulated, ready to go. Next time on "Ask This Old House"...

Katie

All right, Tom. Here's the tile that needs repairing.

Tom

Oh, not good. I'll show you how to replace this cracked tile without damaging any of the ones around it.

Richard

When looking at prospective homes, many buyers overlook the mechanical systems that heat or cool them, but energy cost is often the second largest expense for most homeowners behind their mortgage.

Mark

And I'll show you how to install this metal railing the right way.