DIY Network

Jay Baker Interview: Grasscloth Wallpaper Removal, Squeaky Floors and More! From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-203

Do-it-yourselfers from Texas to Massachusetts get answers to questions on wallpaper removal, roofing installation and squeaky floor remedies.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Q: (Dana, Columbia, South Carolina) Is there any practical way to remove glasscloth wallpaper that's been painted?

Jay Baker, Home Improvement Expert:
This isn't the most difficult thing to do, but hard work and patience is required. You'll need a "paper tiger" (figure A) - a perforating tool, wallpaper removal solvent, scraping tool and drop cloth. Score the wallpaper, apply solvent as directed (waiting 3-5 minutes), then scrape away grasscloth. Try to avoid nicking the wall. Keep applying solvent and scraping until all the wallpaper is gone. Important tip: Keep the liquid hot when applying. If it cools halfway through the job, heat in microwave.

Q: (Bob, Midland, Texas) When installing roof insulation, which side goes toward the roof?

Jay: This sounds like "faced" insulation (figure B). As you can see, it has paper on one side that helps create a vapor barrier. You should put the bare insulation next to the wood of the roof, with the paper facing toward the inside of the attic.

Q: (Chris, Sandwich, Massachusetts) I have a carpeted floor that squeaks -- but we can't get to the squeak from underneath. How do I stop the squeaks?

Jay: Locate the squeak, then use a stud sensor to find the nearest joist. Use a utility knife to cut a small hole in the carpet webbing above the joist just big enough for the head of the screw. Wrap transparent tape around the 1-1/2" screw to prevent from catching on carpet strands. Drive through floor and subfloor and into the joist. Put a little glue on the head of the screw and position carpet over. If you have a few squeaks, you might consider a kit designed for fixing squeaks (figure C) under carpet. These come with special breakaway screws, a bit and special depth-control device.