DIY Network

Construction and Cleaning From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-403F

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the construction and cleaning questions --

Tying into an Existing Roof

Problem: What is the best way to tie into an existing roof?

Solution:

• The ridge beam (figure A) should be cut on a 63-degree angle, but finding that angle is the hard part.

• Framing books can help.

• Or you could use a framing square (figure B) or other tools to figure the rise and run measurements.

Figure A

Figure B

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Figure C

Bolting a Wall When Framing

Problem: When should I use a strap and when should I use a threaded bolt when bolting a wall during the framing process?

Solution:

• If you're going into a concrete foundation, you should use threaded bolts (figure C -- on right).

• As you move up from the foundation (away from the concrete), use the hurricane straps.

Figure D

Anchoring Framing to Cinder Block

Problem: Can you give me advice for anchoring (figure D) my framing to cinder block?

Solution:

• Don't bust up the slab.

• Do a moisture test by taping plastic wrap on the floor and leaving it for a couple days. If there's moisture inside the plastic, you need to seal the concrete slab before flooring it.

• A floating floor is a good choice, be sure to use a moisture barrier.

• A wood flooring material is a little different because the floor will need to be leveled with a frame over the slab. Cover the framing with pressure-treated sub flooring.

• If you have a top cap on your block, you can use adhesive and then drive in a concrete screw or cut nail.

• If you have open block, core-fill it with cement with threaded anchors and attach the frame to the anchors.

Figure E

Framing Around Exhaust Gas

Problem: When framing around a gas exhaust, what is the best type of wood to use?

Solution:

When surrounding heat, use a masonry product to protect against heat instead of wood.
• A moisture gauge (figure E) can tell you how much moisture is in a piece of wood.

• You want something dry so moisture cannot seep through the barrier and come into your home.

Construction Tips:

• Dress up your saw horses by giving them a pocket. Get a pocket protector and attach it to the leg of the saw horse. Fill the protector with pencils for quick measurement marking.

• Hardwood lumber has eight grades of quality, from the very best -- FAS, which stands for firsts and seconds -- to No. 3B Common, the lowest grade. Most FAS-grade lumber is exported due to its value.

• The lumber industry has specific names for different sizes of lumber. Here are a couple:
  1. Boards are pieces of lumber that are 2" thick and 2" or more wide.

  2. Timbers are 5" or more in their smallest dimension.

Figure F

Cleaning Pavers and Mortar

Problem: I need to know how to make brick-paver floors shine.

Solution:

• If they 're not sealed, use TSP or specialty cleaners (figure F) and scrub with a brush.

• A steel wire brush will help clean the grout or mortar.

• Once it's clean, let it dry thoroughly and vacuum the surface.

• Next, apply a sealer to seal up the pores to protect it from getting dirty again.

Smoke Stained Walls

Problem: How do I clean walls that have smoke stains?

Solution:

• For glossy or wood paneling, use 409, TSP or clear ammonia and water.

• For flat paint, it 's easier to paint than try to clean.

Cleaning Bronze

Problem: I have a bronze plaque that's turning green. What's the best way to clean it?

Solution:

• Greening is patina -- you can clean it off, but you have to seal it after it 's clean so it won 't come off.

• One option -- WD-40 and a brush. Clean the dirt off.

• Vinegar and salt also will clean it.

• Wash and rinse with soap and water after removing the patina.

Figure G

Removing Linseed Oil

Problem: What's the best way to remove linseed oil?

Solution:

• Find a non-caustic cleaning agent -- spritz on hardened oil (figure G).

• Use a putty knife to scrape the oil off.

• Or you could use 150-grit sandpaper to clean. Regardless, it's good to follow up cleaning with sanding.

• Finish the sanding with a steel-wool pad.

• Apply a formula of exterior spar urethane and mineral spirits (50/50 mix) to add a nice protective finish after it's clean.

Cleaning Tips:

• To clean or get stains off of brick, take a brick that is the same color as the one to clean, and saturate it with water. Rub it vigorously over the soiled brick. Make sure the matching brick stays wet. A little elbow grease and it will blend right in.

• To make an all-purpose cleaner, mix together 1/4-cup rubbing alcohol, 1/4-cup of non-sudsing ammonia and a few drops of liquid dishwasher detergent. Add water and mix. This cleaner leaves mirrors and windows sparkling and it disinfects.

• There are alternative cleaning methods other than chlorine or bromine for your hot tub. One is a product that introduces a copper ion in the water that neutralizes the bacteria and algae, which means no more chemical odors or irritation.

Figure H

Wildcard Question: Hanging a Heavy Mirror

Problem: I need help hanging a heavy mirror. Do you have any suggestions?

Solution:

• If it's heavy and needs to be hung, it will need to have a frame.

  
  

• If it already has a frame, there are different types of hangers (figure H) to attach to the back of the frame.

  
  

• The weight of the object you're hanging dictates the kind of hanger you will need.
  
  
• Use a stud finder to locate the stud in the wall.

RESOURCES :

TileLab from Custom Building Products
13001 Seal Beach Blvd.
Seal Beach, CA 90740-2753
Phone: 562-598-8808
Website: www.tilelab.com

Stone Care International
Toll-free: 800-839-1654
Fax: 800-724-6646
Website: www.stonecare.com

Star-10, Inc.
575 W. Hume
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Phone: 231-830-8070
Toll-free: 800-726-4319
E-mail: sales@starten.com
Website: www.starten.com

GUESTS :

Fuad Reveiz
Reveiz Custom Homes
208 Bank St.
Lenoir City, TN 37771
Phone: 865-988-8031
Fax: 865-988-8021
Website: www.reveiz.com

Jeff Campbell
The Clean Team
206 N. Main St.
Jackson, CA 95642
Toll-free: 800-717-2532
Fax: 209-223-7994
Website: www.thecleanteam.com