DIY Network

Remodeling and Tools From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-435F

In this installment of Talk2DIY: Home Improvement hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday answer viewers' questions on remodeling and tools.

Lynda and Brad get right into the questions --

Connecting Roof in Hurricane Area

Problem: We live in a hurricane heavy area and want to connect a roof to our porch. What suggestions can you offer, and do you know anything about polycarbonate roofing material?

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Figure A

Solution:

• As you probably know, Florida housing has gone through some tough times with weather damage and their building codes have been upgraded for new and remodeled houses and are now some of the toughest in the country.

• For your porch addition that means all structures should be attached by metal plates or straps (figure A) anchoring the structure to the building and to the ground. Toe nailing an exterior structure is now unacceptable and column bases must be able to resist uplift forces.

• For your porch, hurricane straps or other hardware connecting the ridge board to the walls must be installed with the proper hurricane anchors and types of nails per manufacturer's specifications.

• So, before you do anything find out all the specific requirements. Call your local building department and check with them on the exact fastening method.

• We haven't used the polycarbonate roofing material you refer to, but it appears to be similar to corrugated fiberglass sheeting. Definitely refer to the specs for polycarbonate to attach it to the rafters, and make sure that process is approved by your building department codes. It's probably similar to the fiberglass panels which, from what we heard from friends who experienced the last hurricane season, was blowing in the wind down there and actually caused a lot of the damage to property down wind.

Figure B

Creating a Closet

Problem: We are creating a closet and wondered if you could offer any advice.

Solution:

• Sunlight and fluorescent lights will fade your clothing, so try to avoid them in your closet.

• There are many options available for closet storage (figure B).

• Plan for at least three feet on either side of the clothing bar to allow easy passage through the rows.

Turning Two Garage Doors into One

Problem: How can we convert two garage doors into one?

Solution:

• Even though your new door is in the gable end of the garage, the header still must support considerable weight and most building departments require a permit to make structural changes like this one. You may even be required to have a structural engineer review the plan, but that's probably overkill and the building inspector will just be interested in seeing a plan for the header and supporting structure.

• Each town has its own requirements so you should check with your building department. For an opening like yours, the national code says the header should be made from two 2 x 12 Douglas fir boards, so that's probably acceptable. You can also use a laminated beam.

• To make the header nail the two 2 x 12 boards together with 1/2" plywood between them. The 2 x 12s are actually about 1/12" thick so the plywood will make the finished beam 3-1/2" thick to rest on the wall studs.

• Another consideration is the width of the supporting walls on each side of the new door. Most building codes require that any wall next to a door be at least three feet wide or you need a continuous header that goes all the way across the front of the garage.

• Just remember your local building inspector has the last word on the framing layout so be sure to talk to them.

Figure C

Remodeling Project to Add Value

Problem: We are going to sell our home, and would like to know what remodeling projects we can do to add value to the home?

Solution:

• Put new plantings in the front of your home (figure C) and refresh the paint on your front door. Add mulch to the garden beds and cut the lawn. Curb appeal is important.

• Clean up clutter inside the house and have the carpets cleaned, or rent a steam cleaner ad clean them yourself.

• Remove all personal items like pictures, memo boards, etc. Make the house look like a furniture show room.

• Paint the rooms a neutral color.

• Make your home smell nice. Make cookies, light candles, etc.

Figure D

Miter Saw

Problem: Can you share some tips for using a miter saw?

Solution:

• Some miter saws (figure D) are equipped with a laser guide to let you know exactly where your cut will be.

• Remember to always leave the guard in place.

• Use lockable measurement guide to make your precise cuts.

Lathe Features

Problem: What are the features of a lathe?

Solution:

• When you are looking for a tool, always consider two things: quality and ease of use.

• You will want a nice heavy lathe, so make sure it is made of cast iron. The heavy weight will help keep it from vibrating when in use.

• There are mini and full size lathes; both are used the same way -- with a head stock and a tail stock. The project will dictate the size of lathe you will need to use.

• Look for quality bearings in head and tail stock. Make sure they can spin easily and are easy to adjust.

• Finally, a good set of knives is also important.

Figure E

Linoleum Cutting Tools

Problem: Can you tell me what tools can cut linoleum?

Solution:

• Hand tools such as a scorer are available.

• Power tools, like a jig saw, are helpful too.

• Another tool is a linoleum cutter that looks similar to a paper cutter (figure E).

Tool to Cut Plexi-Glass

Problem: What tool do you need to cut plexi-glass?

Solution:

• Use a plexi-glass blade on a table saw. A push stick is a good safety tool.

• Leave the protectant covering on the plexi-glass until you are finished cutting it.

Metal Cutting Tools

Problem: What tool cuts metal?

Solution:

• For flashing, you will need snips. Aviation snips come in sets and are used according to the direction you are cutting in -- straight, left or right.

• To cut gutters, use a jig saw and good blades.

• Use a reciprocating saw with metal blades.

• Miter or circular saws are also good choices, as long as you are using them with a metal blade.

• Remember to wear a face mask and leather or suede gloves.

Extra DIY Tips:

• When wainscoting a wall, never divide the wall in half, or it will appear to be cut in two pieces. It should be 30" to 48" high or two-thirds the way up the wall.

• Remodeling projects are an opportunity to cultivate life long relationships with carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Happy workers are more willing to return in the future when you need repairs.

• Remodeling projects often require some mathematical calculations. Use a project calculator to help figure the square footage of a room to a more complicated figure -- like the board feet in a piece of lumber.

• To prevent damage to a wood tool handle, use some duct tape to attach a 6" piece of sliced garden hose on the under side of the handle. This will triple the life of the tool and take the sting out of misses.

• To store power cords, put a piece of hook and loop tape on the side of the tool. Wrap the cord up and tie it with another piece of tape and secure it to the tool.

• To get rust off tools, use a soap filled steel wool pad dipped in kerosene or turpentine. Rub the wool briskly over the surface of your tools. Wipe clean, repeating as necessary.

RESOURCES :

Black and Decker Table Saw
Website: www.blackanddecker.com

Hitachi Miter Saw
Website: www.hitachipowertools.com

Southeast Plastics & Displays, Inc.
1201 N. Central St.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-522-4022

Craftsman Reciprocal Saw and Lighted Glasses and Gloves
Website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Power Tools
Porter Cable Power Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Speedrocker
Website: www.chhanson.com

GUESTS :

Gene and Katie Hamilton
Authors of Fix It and Flip It
PO Box 520
St. Michaels, MD 21663
Website: www.diyornot.com