DIY Network

Jay Baker Interview: Insulation Installation, Spray-Paint Tip and more From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-213

We receive e-mail questions from all across the country, but today we're spending time in the great Midwest. Home-improvement expert Jay Baker has taken a look at your questions, and he's come prepared with the answers.

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Q (from Joanne in Trenton, Michigan): "I replaced the toilet and it's smaller than old one. It left a nasty stain(figure A). How do I get stain off vinyl floor?"

Jay: This could be tough and I notice some left over caulk as well. Gently pull off as much of the caulk as you can. Get a stiff nylon bristle brush, warm water and Ivory dish soap. Don't be shy with the soap. Let the soapy water soak for 15 minutes and scrub the floor. Rinse, then have at it again. You can try a light abrasive like baking soda and water or a stronger cleaner from a flooring company (figure B). If all else fails, a toilet floor-mat is perhaps the easiest solution.

Figure A

Figure B

	Figure C
	Figure D

Q (from Glenn in Davenport, Iowa): "The insulation under my first floor is exposed in the basement. Do I need to cover this up? If so, how?"

Jay: A couple things to think about. First, make certain that the insulation is installed with the paper side facing toward the living quarters. From the picture (figure C), it looks like this insulation was installed incorrectly. The viewer might want to think about removing it and installing new insulation correctly. Also, it looks like you might be able to install more insulation between the joists. I think the more insulation you can add to a house, the better, even in the basement. Do you heat the basement? If so, cover it with a sheet of 6-mil polyethylene film (figure D) stapled into the joists. That will create a good vapor barrier.

Janette: What if they don't use the basement except for storage?

Jay: If it isn't used or heated, then you don't need to cover the insulation. But if the basement is not heated the insulation was installed incorrectly. When insulating the floor above an unheated basement, the paper needs to be facing the people. If the paper facing is not against the floor there's a chance that moisture will accumulate and damage the wood. They may want to remove the old insulation and install new insulation correctly.

Q (from Tommy in Cape Girardeau, Missouri): "I want to paint some molding but the previous owner must have used non-paintable caulk. What is the best way to remove this or is there some way to make it accept paint?"

Jay: When a manufacturer makes non-paintable silicone caulk, they really mean it. I've hear about people trying all kinds a things, adding glue or new caulk on top of the old caulk or trying to sand it. To remove it, use a sharp durable blade to get under the caulk. Be careful not to damage the molding. Once finished sand the areas and apply a paintable caulk.

Janette: Why would anyone make or use a non-paintable caulk?

Jay: There are still lots of situations where applying caulks once and forgetting about it is all you need. What's important is to decide which type of caulk you want to use. Silicone caulk stays flexible and is ideal for gaps with a lot of movement, but most types cannot easily be painted. Always read the side of the tube.

Figure E

Jay's Time-Saver Tip

If you're going to use a can of aerosol paint, set the can in warm water first. Increasing the temperature makes the paint flow out of the nozzle more easily. The added warmth also causes the propellant to expand, increasing the pressure. Don't use hot or boiling water, just warm for 3 minutes or so. Here's another great tip. To clean out the nozzle turn the can upside down and spray until only air comes out (figure E).

RESOURCES :

HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV