DIY Network

Floors and Basements From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-409F

Figure A

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

Covering Tile Floor with Cement

Problem: Do you have any tips for covering an old tile floor with cement?

Solution:

• Do not use a self-leveling substance because you will need a slope to bring water to the drain. Bedding cement or bedding mortar would work better.

• To get the correct slope, measure from the center of the drain (figure A) to the wall, rise would be 1/8" per foot.

• Remove the drain. You may have to use a rotary tool to loosen the grout around it.

• Apply the mortar.

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Figure B

Cutting Flooring for Round Corners

Problem: I need some advice on an easy way to cut round corners in my flooring?

Solution:

• Use a contour guide (figure B) to match the curve of the corner to the piece of wood you need to cut.

• A jigsaw with a high quality wood blade makes it easy to cut curves.

Figure C

Garage Flooring Options

Problem: I need some options for covering my garage floor?

Solution:

• Concrete and garage floor paint.

• Two-part epoxy covering.

• For tile make sure you get something you can drive your car on, like a PCV (premium composite vinyl) or rubber (figure C). An interlocking tile system made for garages is also available.

Damaged Laminate Flooring

Problem: I have water damage on my laminate floor. Do you have any advice on how I can repair it?

Solution:

• Could be an issue with the subfloor de-laminating.

• Remove the floor panels and look at the subfloor.

• Replace the subfloor if needed. Use mildew resistant to make sure you don't have any moisture.

• Before reinstalling the laminate, use a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the laminate.

Figure D

Uneven Floors

Problem: If you have uneven floors (figure D) is there anything you can do to correct the problem?

Solution:

• Many self-leveling products are available and can be applied directly to the subfloor.

• Be sure to clean the area well and you many have to use metal lathe depending on the manufacturer instructions.

Keeping Moisture Out of a Damp Basement

Problem: What can I do to help keep dampness out of my basement?

Solution:

• First, make sure your downspout and gutter system is carrying water away from house.

• Second, make sure the ground is sloped away from house.

• Get rid of soil around the edges and install a sump pump to get rid of any residual water that comes inside through the wall.

• Make sure all exterior water is draining away from house.

• Need a way to remove the damp air, add a return if you've got heating and air conditioning.

• Dehumidifier kits with calcium chloride pellets remove moisture in small areas.

• Larger dehumidifiers are available. If in a woodshop, try putting cheesecloth over the vent of the dehumidifier to filter out the sawdust. Check manufacturer information to make sure this will not effect the operation of the unit or void the warranty.

Tip: To determine where dampness in a basement is coming from, duct tape a piece of heavy clear plastic on an exterior wall. Check it in a couple of days and if water appears behind the plastic, the moisture is coming from the outside. Apply a sealant on the exterior of the home. If the water is on the front side of the plastic, use a dehumidifier in the basement.

Figure E

Sealing Stone Basement

Problem: Do you have advice for sealing a stone (figure E) basement from dampness?

Solution:

• Same waterproofing agent for concrete also works on stone.

• Powder could be dissolving the brick.

• You may need a structural expert to check it out.

Lowering Floor in Basement

Problem: I would love to lower the floor in my basement, but I'm not sure what this would involve?

Solution:

• Your floor is most likely a slab concrete, and you would have to knock down the floor with a jack hammer, which is not a do-it-yourself job and would be very expensive.

• Call in a contractor and structural engineer so you don't compromise the structure of your house.

Figure F

Repairing a Basement Wall Crack

Problem: How do you repair a crack in a basement wall?

Solution:

• If moisture is making the cracks, try using a mortar sealer (figure F) to seal the cracks. Seal the cinder blocks with a surface bond.

• If the structure is actually being pushed from pressure, a professional would have to add rebar through the center of the cinder blocks to add more strength into the wall. Core filling is a professional job.

Reglazing a Claw-Foot Tub

Problem: Do you have any advice for reglazing a claw-foot tub?

Solution:

• Putting another ceramic coating on the tub can be very expensive and is a professional job.

• Another option is a re-coating of epoxy, which is a lot more inexpensive but not quite as durable.

RESOURCES :

Insl-x Information
Insl-X
Stony Point, NY 10980
Phone: 845-786-5000
Fax: 845-796-5831
Website: www.insl-x.com

Gladiator Garageworks by Whirlpool
Website: www.gladiatorgw.com

Ryobi Tools
Ryobi Technologies, Inc.
Website: www.ryobitools.com

Quikrete Quickwall
Toll-free: 800-282-5828
Website: www.quikrete.com

Damp Check
PO Box 593545
Orlando, FL 32859-3545
Phone: 407-438-6007
Fax: 407-438-1661

Custom Ceramic Coatings
419 Nashville Rd.
PO Box 105
Lenzburg, IL 62255
Phone: 618-475-2710
Fax: 618-475-4657
Website: www.customceramic.com

GUESTS :

Lisa Richardson
L.R. Richards Construction
We apologize no contact information is available.