Now This is True Art! S3 EP45 

Hi Kaleb, years ago we had a squirrel infestation in the walls and above the ceilings of our old house. We thought we had tracked down every place they were getting in. But before we closed the holes, we set a boom box in the rafters playing Nirvana full volume. It was hilarious watching squirrels shoot out of openings we hadn’t discovered. Good work with your beautiful house. I love your channel and hope to get to St. Louis one of these days!

Dear friend , just wanted you to know my wife and I live in Ozark , Arkansas and have been restoring our house built in cr.1900 . It has been very labor intensive but we have been watching you video's for some time now and when we got discouraged your video's helped us pick up and go on. Thank you so very much for your videos . We always look forward to seeing your videos for the next week. So informative in our own restoration .

Your dormer is gorgeous! But I have a teensy technical quibble: Lead white and zinc white are not just anti-fungal, they are opaquing agents. Without lead or zinc, when you add pigment to boiled linseed oil, you end up with a stain, not paint. Buildings - even old buildings - don't need to breathe, they need to dry (I'm teasing you a bit, there, 'cause everybody calls it breathing). People forget that humidity and condensing water vapor is more of a problem than bulk water from rain or melting snow. Antique buildings are designed to be vapor open. Modern buildings are designed to be Yeti coolers, with the outside of the wall drying to the outside, and the inside of the wall drying to the inside with the aid of mechanical ventilation. Older architecture is not designed that way. You get into trouble when you treat an old building like a modern one and use vapour-impermeable products inappropriately (your painted limestone is a classic example) or otherwise vapour-seal the building. You can never fully avoid the water, you can only give it a way out. If it can't dry - it's gonna die. You're on the right track, Caleb - keep up the good work!

"I'm not scared, i WILL fight a squirrel" ahahahahahah our man, hell yeah Kaleb!!! Eric is amazing. holy crap, does the sunburst look amazing

It makes my heart glad there are people in the world who care so much about their craft. Stunning workmanship.

Out, out, evil squirrel! Though a video of Kaleb vs squirrel would likely go viral... I was glad to get an interior look at the third story, had forgotten there was a room behind the small dormer. I was thinking it just opened onto the stairwell. I see there is an intact gas fixture by the cedar closet. The sunray piece is exquisite, but we knew it would be with a master creating it. And you are exactly right, Kaleb; tackle all this stuff while you're young! My husband and I are in our 60s and face repainting the house again after doing 23 years ago.

“I might have to fight a squirrel today” made me laugh out loud! Created a fantastic image in my head of a squirrel posing like one of those old-timey boxers with the handlebar mustache!!

Stunning!! I had a terrible time with squirrels on my patio garden, until I started to put Carolina reaper oil (reaper powder in vegetable oil that I let soak for two weeks) on my railings and haven't had an issue since. Squirrels will lick their feet and not want to repeat that mistake

I'm a firm believer of doing it right the first time as well. It will save you a lot of work later on :)

I didn't know about the moth balls but we got rid of squirrels with men's aftershave (we used Mennen). It worked for us but we did use it in the summer when the attic heat helped to make the aftershave "more aromatic" and the squirrels had other places they could go. Hope the mothballs work for you because I know what kind of damage tree rats can create in an old building.

"The Old Girl gets her Jewels Back..." HaHa!!!! That's GREAT Kaleb!!!! And that Piece, whatever it's called, is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!!

Caleb, I’m quite sure you will be the old man climbing up to fix something on the roof 😂 I am also that guy. I am 64 and my buddy is 66. Together we spent 3 1/2 months this past summer restoring all the original windows, dormers, cedar shakes, etc on his 135 yr old house. 40’ up on ladders and roof jacks most of the summer. Scraping, sanding, priming, painting. It was a huge job, but very gratifying. You will be doing the same when you reach our age

Peppermint oil works better than moth balls. Wet a rag, and toss it up there.

Thumbs up on the mathamatical nightmare making the parts. Beautifull detail. Beautiful choice on using Cypress wood. Cypress is very water & weather resistant. Glaze puddy the holes & cracks. Lindseed oil led paint is close to what I suggested to use. Learn something new every day. If you'er not learning something new every day, you'er not living life. I'm glad you still have a father to visit. Mine has been 6 feet under since 1999. Never goodbye! Keep restoring!

Eric has made a Magnificent Mansard Masterpiece ! In recreating that beautiful detail!

Mr LaVelle has done such a wonderful job!!! It truly is artwork. You are very lucky to have found him to help you :))) Its going to look beautiful!

Wow Caleb, such a stunning piece of architecture, your enthusiasm is rather contagious, how is Kim haven't seen her for ages, I hope she is well along with the furry friends, cheers!!🥰💕👌👍👍

The sunburst looks awesome. Can't wait to see it back where it belongs. And I find it hilarious that you now have a complete mummified squirrel 🐿️ family. Ready for next week.

Hi Caleb. If you want to make the Linseed Oil Putty that was in the house originally then the following is the recipe - Mix 50% Raw Linseed Oil with 50% Boiled Linseed Oil. Next you add the Linseed Oil 50/50 Mix with Chalk (Calcium Carbonate Powder/Chalk Whiting). The Mixing Ratio for the Linseed oil and Chalk Powder is at a rate of 4 x weight of Chalk to 1 time weight of Linseed Oil 50/50 mix. (You must mix by Weight - not by Volume). The above basic Mixture makes the same as Modern Store Bought Linseed Oil Putty, which will last for maybe c.15-20 years max. However it is not how it was traditionally made (several ingredients are left out by modern manufacturers) . You must add the following additional ingredients to create Traditional Linseed Oil Putty that will last 100 + years. Next you must add Zinc Oxide Powder. The mix ratio is exactly 2 Teaspoons of Zinc Oxide Powder per 1Kg of Putty Mixed (as above). The Zinc Oxide Powder is essential to inhibit Mould Growth. Finally the most important ingredient - Red Lead Powder. (Note you must use gloves when handling Red Lead Powder and mixing it in). The purpose of the Red Lead Powder is it stiffens the Putty, but also makes it way more durable and longer lasting. The Mix Ratio for adding Red Lead Powder is at a rate of 4 x Tablespoons per 1Kg Putty. This is how Linseed Oil Putty was made traditionally and this exact mixture ratio is what will give you a Linseed Oil Putty that will last generations. Ship Builders use Red Lead in their Putty mix as it allows the Putty to last for years in very wet exposed areas.

You are totally correct! When caulking you shouldn’t think about what water you are trying to keep out, but rather what water you may be trapping in!

Good morning Kaleb, glade you got it to look like the original, it is a work of art. Thanks for sharing this. Stay awesome. Hope Kim is doing well and her pets, it's been long time. I like to see her in her Crocs clogs 😂

I have battled squirrels and raccoons in my attic for several years. They tore louvers out of my gable vents, destroyed my insulation, and chewed wires. I was finally able to block them out. They are very destructive.

The woodwork is unbelievable; the color is GREAT! Your patience and stamina with this project is so commendable.

Was a fabulous work of art. I have no doubt that Mr Brown would be extremely proud to see that you are returning this house to its former glory

Good luck with the squirrels, they're wiley little devils! The pediment is absolutely gorgeous!!! Get yourself a pair of comfy boots and some good quality wool socks - we can't have you getting frost bitten toes!

Such beautifully detailed architectural artwork. This was so nice to see. Thank you for sharing and for rehabilitating history.

The dormer sunrays (for lack of a better word) look so beautiful waiting to be added to the exterior. May I suggest adding a list to Amazon of needed items to help you with your work? Many people have lists on RU-vid. This could included construction shoes. 😉

I look forward to the Disney version of 'Squirrel Wars!'

I am excited this is going to be my first premiere on this channel

Eric is a genius!

I’ve seen squirrels climb up pebble dash walls to get into my attic! Only last year actually, they’re tenacious in wales! The Dorma looks fantastic. She’s definitely coming to life now! Beautiful! ❤

Crazy old guy at 70? As today is my 71st birthday- I fully embrace crazy. 🤪

You are already a crazy young man, for taking on a project like this, so I am hoping that you will be that crazy old man! Much love and Holiday greetings to you, Kim and family.

My years ago, I purchased a squirrel trap cage from a hardware store in Kirkwood next railroad tracks. I would put peanuts in cage. After catching them, I would transport them across the Meramec river and release them. I would put the cage up in the ceiling where you think they are.

That closet for furs is amazing. I have never seen that. This home is a Beauty 😮🎉❤❤

Quite frankly Kaleb, I'm surprised you don't have bats! As infestations go, they are far worse and there is nothing like having a bat swoop over your head in the middle of the night!!!

Thats so nice to get that peice back where it can be admired 👍

So much fun to share this adventure. Each restored piece points to an exquisite finished product. Can’t wait to see it up and installed. 👏👏👏

Good work, nice progress. Im so excited for the third floor 'penthouse' to get momentum. Maybe sometime you can run us through your plans for it again?

Great Music!

Best way to stop squirrels from coming in in to button up the entry holes.

I'm sure you thought that far ahead, but just in case, squirrels can jump over 9' horizontally, and of course that can and will be dramatically extended if their jumping off point is higher than where they want to land.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, LIKE A JEWEL !!!!!!! THE COLOR IS PERFECT, ART.

Caleb, another excellent video! I love learning all these things you are doing. Love seeing the cedar closet and the trunk room. They are Things from bygone years. Can’t wait to see what you do next week!

I appreciate your segment on linseed oil paint, Sarco glaze, and Woodlife preservative. Thank you.

Are you still going to add one of the squirrel mumies to a cabinet of curiosities?

You and Eric have done such amazing work since I have been there a year ago this past Oct. So fun to see these videos!!

Can’t wait

WOW! Simply gorgeous angles! Can’t wait to see the moldings and facia boards soon! Yes! It got cold on us! I like the tip on NOT caulking!!!

Squirrel WWE 😂

Irish spring soap also will deter squirrels. Less of a chemical smell.

That sunburst is absolutely amazing. Beautiful!!

Hey your Mansion is slowly coming back to life but it's looking great, IMO I would wait till the spring to put the dormer back up, I would do all the inside work in the winter And all the outside in the spring or warmer months But that's just me

I can see it right now. The news media in St. Louis reporting "Local man restoring historic home last seen by viewers on his RU-vid channel being snatched by GIANT squirrel and dragged into home's attic and hasn't been seen since.".

Eric is a woodworking genius. Thank you for the education regarding linseed oil. I'm excited.

It is really coming a long nicely. Have a good week.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 🎁🕯🌟🕯🎁

You are approaching this challenge with bravery! Rebuilding your roof is a VERY big job! Onwards, Kaleb!

Cold feet. Can’t have that! Consider adding a heated floor in the baths as you renovate. It’s easy and cheap and so worthwhile

Love the woodwork of the sunburst. A suggestion to get above the ceiling of the cedar closet is to open the wall in the room you just took the ceiling down that is adjacent to the closet. You may be able to get into the empty space from there. Drywall is easy to replace.

We used a couple of strobe lights up in our former home’s (1920 bungalow) attic to dissuade the squirrels until we could close off their access points.

I sensed some trepidation at the thought of fighting a squirrel...love your humor! Thanks for the video!

A mechanic told us about using mothballs in a sock on the engine in my SUV after a squirrel chewed through some electrical lines twice. It worked, we just had to remember to take the sock out of the engine before driving the vehicle.

🎉everything is coming along great Eric has done great work recreating everything can’t wait to see more

That piece is an absolutly stunning MASTERPIECE 😍 no joke! Eric is a master craftsman!!! I can't wait to show this to my master woodcarver husband.

Getting excited go see more progress!

We have so many trees on our house. Working on getting help to take down also, and large branches over the house. I’ve opened walls to find stud cavities full of walnuts and a few dead bodies. They have chewed straight through the roof and the metal roof to get inside.

“Squirrel Combat! Fighting for History.” 😂

Wow

❤ this is so beautiful. Eric you win my friend. What incredible wood working ❤

That is stunningly beautiful! What an amazing job... can't wait to see the dormers all fixed up ... and that roof.

Looks fantastic! Get some alpaca wool socks. Warmest type I've ever worn!

Absolutely beautiful Kaleb. Love you two. Love from Indiana. 💕

*Kaleb, I am looking forward to seeing this going up...... and then the second one go up too.. You are doing a fabulous job on your home. Hi Kim 'waves' 🙂.*

Love. It much❤

Kaleb the dormer looks fantastic. A work of art. I can hardly wait to see them on the house. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you and your family. 🥰👍👍👍👍👍(🌹🐞🦂🌵)

The dormer is looking beautiful- love to you and Kim!

Blocking the ends of the rays with caulk would be a terrible job in my area. The water gets trapped and we end up with freeze and thaw cycles that also makes more room for more water. The ray is looking great 👍👍

It will be so beautiful!

try spraying some mint oil around the dormer and eaves,they hate the smell!

The new sunburst for your large dormer in so beautiful !!! LOVE IT as well as your colors....I cant wait to see it up on your house! You and Kim keep healthy and safe ! Good luck with thie squirrels too!

Before tearing out the hall ceiling on the top floor, you can use a ladder to check the cedar closet ceiling from the trunk room. If you see keyed plaster on lath, it would mean that the cedar ceiling was installed under a closed space. And you could see if any holes are in the lath. This would mean only removing the rockwool insulation above that portion of the original ceiling. While your desire to reinstall solid wood sheathing behind the sunburst, remember that wether it is T&G or shiplap, this wood will swell and contract thereby creating potential gaps into the dormer roof space. It is this regime that can cause the sunburst fasteners to fail, especially if the sheathing is installed horizontally. And permit weather damage to the sheathing even if painted . It is one of the reasons that plywood was invented. So instead of just the solid wood sheathing, or in addition to it, the use of marine trade plywood even of a 1/4” thickness secured on the perimeter and across the horizontal center can assist the solid sheathing, as it can be painted with your paints in the same or contrasting color. As you will cover the edges with casings and moldings, those fasteners would be covered as would the center fasteners with the sunburst.

Kaleb, after you fill in the nail holes with the glaze, do you paint over them with another layer of the paint? That piece is a work of art!

That fan is absolutely beautiful! I will look wonderful once it's installed!

Wow that sunburst work is something else, they did a great job on that. How do you plan to attach the rays to the board, nails only or will you also use an adhesive ?

Beautiful artwork for your home. I can't wait to see it on the house. As far as the squirrels? Aren't they afraid of owls? Can you get a plastic owl?

Is that an old gas lamp coming from the ceiling outside the cedar closet door? I dont remember that being discussed before.

Never thought watching paint dry could be so interesting!

I love the sunburst pattern. It has the look of a Masonic symbol of Gods all seeing eye. It’s on top of the USA dollar bill pyramid. Everything is looking really good.

The new woodwork is beautiful!

Caleb awesome video that really does explain a lot for all homeowners, not just the ones that are lucky and brave enough to have one like yours. Water always finds a way to get inside, so much appreciated and timely for me. Hope the holidays are good ones for all your viewers and your family. God Bless.

You might enjoy a definition of a squirrel I came across when looking for ways to evict squirrels from our attic who thought it was their personal walnut hockey field. A squirrel is a cosmetically enhanced rodent with a press agent.

I hear ya with the squirrel issues our “new” home (built in 1919) has a ton of pecan trees and squirrels! Let’s say it’s going to be a long battle. LoL Our first task this spring is to to pull down one of our many corbels and pull off the aluminum covering them & find out what’s underneath. Hoping it’s a nice art deco look. Thanks for the tip about moth balls, that will really help us!

That Dormer will be gorgeous! I hope to get to actually SEE this lovely home one day and I think you WILL be just like my Grandpa, always working on a project! You, Kim and all your family please have a Festive Holiday season. 🎄🔔⭐️

You’re very lucky in having a wonderful mentor and friend in Eric. I really enjoy seeing the progress each week, and seeing the dormers put together is exciting! Wonderful video as always. I appreciate the explainers on why you choose the materials you do as well as your dedication to doing things the best way for your house. Take care.

So enjoy your excellent work Kaleb, squirrel hunt too (giggle)

I hope the moth balls work. I tried them on skunks to no avail. Great work on everything. Thank God you got that limb down, safely!

Wow! I would have never guessed making that sunburst could be that difficult.

Put down some clear drop cloths from the Dollar Tree to catch all the debris that falls so you can just gather it up and toss it.

Sun burst is beautiful. Nice work.

Exquisite dormer piece! Can't wait to see what you are going to do with the slates.........and then the final wrought iron "crown" for the lady!