DIY Network

Doors and Roofing From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-412F

In this installment of Talk2DIY: Home Improvement hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday find the answers to your door and roofing home improvement needs.

Brad and Lynda get right into the questions --

Exterior Door

Problem: I need some advice on putting up an exterior door on my home?

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Figure A

Solution:

• Make sure there's no electrical or plumbing in that area of the wall.

• Tools Needed: Use an approved saw to cut through hardiboard and be sure you have correct breathing apparatus.

Handicap-Accessible Doors

Problem: Do you have any tips for putting up a handicap-accessible door?

Solution:

• The American Door Association recommends you have a 32" clear opening for the door.

• Instead of trying to center the door, an easier option is to adjust the framing (figure A) on one side.

• You can find special hinges to offset the door to widen the opening as well.

Painting Exterior Door

Problem: My front door is a mess and needs to be repainted. Do you have any information that will make the job easier?

Solution:

• Get down to the base coat and start from the beginning.

• To remove the paint, try a chemical stripper or heat gun.

• Clean the surface well with TSP, and give it a light sanding.

• Add a good primer sealer and use an exterior paint.

Door Won't Stay Closed

Problem: I have a door that just won't stay closed. What can I do to fix this problem?

Solution:

• Determine what's binding the door to keep it from closing.

• If it's the door, use a hand plane to even out the door.

• If it's stopping at the top, you may have to pack the hinges. By removing the hinges and adding something behind, like a sliver of cardboard, and then reinstall the hinges.

• Make small adjustments until the door fits, and remember that a little goes a long way on doors.

Sliding Door Track

Problem: The track for one of my sliding doors seems to be messed up. Do you have a remedy?

Solution:

• A few things may be causing this problem. Make sure the sliding door frame is secure.

• Try cleaning the track of rust and dirt.

• Lubricate the bottom of the track and inspect the wheels of the screen.

• Adjust the wheels of the screen door if necessary.

Painting Terra Cotta Shingles

Problem: A man off the street asked about how to paint terra cotta shingles?

Solution:

• If the shingle has been glazed, it's already sealed and will not take paint or stain.

• Keep in mind that this is on top of your roof that gets baked by sun, so if you paint it would easily peel and you'll end up making more work for yourself.

Adding a Deck to the Roof

Problem: What do I need to know before adding a deck to my roof?

Solution:

• The roof needs to be sufficient to hold the weight of the roof.

• Contact a structural engineer or architect and local building codes to see if it's allowed.

Figure B

Leaky Tin Roof

Problem: My tin roof leaks and I need some advice before I tackle this problem?

Solution:

• The roof could be leaking if there are holes in the tin.

• Another problem area would be the seams (figure B). Use clear silicone to cover up the cracks.

• The screws attaching the roof would also be a problem area. Cover the gasket with silicone to protect from leaks.

• One more problem area could be the corners, make sure the flashing is secure with tar.

Cleaning Roof Shingles

Problem: Do you have any advice or tips for cleaning roof shingles?

Solution:

• Algae will make dark spots on the shingles.

• Several products are available to clean the algae off.

• Install zinc strips to the shingles to keep the algae from recurring.

Figure C

Replacing Vent Boots

Problem: We need to replace the vent boots (figure C) on our roof. Is there a trick to this do-it-yourself project?

Solution:

• Remove the layering around it. Start from the top and work your way down.

  
  

• Remove the nails holding the flashing that's connected to the boot.

  
  

• Spray the vent pipe with lubricating oil and make a few cuts in the boot to remove it.

  
  

• When installing it, cover the nails with silicone sealant. Reverse the layering from when you removed it.

  
  

• Inexpensive project, but be careful up there!

Figure D

Halving Billiard Balls

Problem: I need to halve some billiard balls (figure D) to make a trim for my billiard-room wall. Can you get me started here, please?

Solution:

• The safest way would be to build a jig, and it's important to keep the ball and blade away from your fingers!

• Use a band saw and feed the ball slowly through the blade.

RESOURCES :

Hitachi Drill
Website: www.hitachipowertools.com

Star 10 Paint Stripper
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

Ryobi Heat Gun
Ryobi Technologies, Inc.
Website: www.ryobitools.com

Single Shield Roof Cleaner and Zinc Strips
Chicago Metallic Corp.
Toll-free: 800-323-7164
Website: www.chicagometallic.com

GUESTS :

Wayne Anglim
Parallel Construction Services, LLC
441 Westwood Drive
Maryville TN 37803
Phone: 865-681-2602
E-mail: note2builder@bellsouth.net