DIY Network

Masonry and Insulation From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-434F

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

Repairing Cement Sidewalk

Problem: I need to repair a crack in our sidewalk and want to know how much concrete will be needed.

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Solution:

• Quikrete.com has a calculator which measures how much cement is needed for a project. You can use this to determine how much concrete is needed to pour a new sidewalk.

Figure A

Uneven Porch

Problem: How can I repair an uneven porch?

Solution:

• First, check to see if the concrete porch has been sealed or not by spraying it with water (figure A). If the water soaks in, it has not been sealed and you will have to etch it.

• Next, clean off the concrete well and apply an acrylic bonding agent to the concrete porch.

• After the bonding agent has dried, mix a self-leveling product and pour on the concrete. Let the product sit for about eight days.

• For the last step, seal the porch.

Figure B

Repairing Adobe Walls

Problem: What is the best way to repair adobe walls?

Solution:

• Try to get original abode material first to preserve the historic value of the home.

• For immediate restoration, use a type end mortar across the adobe wall to stabilize it (figure B).

Figure C

Repairing Interior Brick Wall

Problem: How do you repair an interior brick wall?

Solution:

• First, chisel the loose mortar out before making any repairs (figure C).

• Take a hose and make sure the brick wall is completely damp.

• To point the joint, place the mortar in and scrape off any excess, and take the mortar joint and smooth mortar out.

Repairing Concrete Steps

Problem: What is the best way to repair concrete steps?

Solution:

• Spray the concrete steps to see if it's been sealed. If not, then etch.

• Clean the concrete steps well with concrete cleaner.

• Before resurfacing the steps, remove all caulk and fillers.

• Finally, resurface steps with a vinyl concrete patcher and then coat with concrete resurface.

Cool Air Getting in the House

Problem: How can you prevent cool air from coming through storm windows?

Solution:

• If you remove your storm windows in the spring and summer months, you can use a caulk product called Seal and Peel.

• Place the product around the inside and outside of the storm window. In the spring and summer months, just remove the peel caulk product.

• If you do not have removable storm windows, purchase a window insulation kit which comes with double stick tape, and plastic.

• Place tape around the window, apply plastic over the window, and finally, use a high heat blow dryer to smooth out any crinkles in the plastic over the window.

Conventional vs. Rigid Insulation

Problem: What is the difference between conventional and rigid insulation?

Solution:

• A fiberglass conventional insulation will cut down on the amount of heat loss between two objects.

• Rigid foam insulation will have an air and heat gap between the foam at the joist causing air to seep through.

Insulation Modification

Problem: Is it okay to modify insulation by cutting slits in it?

Solution:

• If two insulations touch, their R-Value will double.

• You cannot destroy vapor barrier as long as you do not slice through the entire insulation.

• Be sure to protect yourself when installing insulation to protect yourself from the fibers.

Draft Coming Through Recessed Lighting

Problem: How can we prevent a draft from coming through recessed lighting?

Solution:

• Be sure to read the directions first when adding recess lighting.

• There are two types of recess lighting -- one with insulation contact ability, the other with non-insulation contact ability.

• Non-insulation contact recessed lighting should be kept three inches away from insulation.

• Do not cover up the top of the recess lighting. Make sure the gasket is touching the drywall on the ceiling, blocking most gaps which create drafts.

Cost-Effective Insulation

Problem: We own a four apartments and want to know what is the most cost effective insulation for the building?

Solution:

• First, look in the attic to see if it has adequate insulation.

• You can purchase window air conditioned units for each apartment.

• The final option, which is very cost-effective, is installing insulation to each of the four apartments.

Figure D

Building an Arbor on a Bank

Problem: How do you build an arbor on a bank?

Solution:

• The best option would be to build a couple of landings, like a terrace.

• Get landscape timbers and rebar to start the project (figure D). Drill timbers and set rebar inside and lock timbers in place.

• Place gravel, concrete or mulch for walkways in between the terraces.

RESOURCES :

Dap, Inc.
2400 Boston St.
Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21224
Toll-free: 800-543-3840
Website: www.dap.com

GUESTS :

Keith Moyer
Owens Corning
We apologize no contact information is available.

Sam Prater
Quikrete
One Securities Centre
3490 Piedmont Road NE
Suite 1300
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-634-9100
E-mail: sprater@quikrete.com
Website: www.quikrete.com