DIY Network

Silencing a Noisy House Finders Fixers' Tim Hockenberry locates and cures some mysterious noises coming from inside and outside a family home.

Secure Loose Roof Flashing and Gutters

Materials and Tools:

air gun
caulking gun
hidden gutter fasteners
hammer

1. First, determine where the problem areas are. Use an air gun to look for any gaps or loose metal flashing.

2. Next, loosen the gutter nails to further expose the problem areas. With the gutters loosened, add a bead of caulk in any existing gaps. Apply between the upper and lower flashings to ensure an air tight seal.

Figure A

3. Install hidden hanger fasteners to further secure the gutters. Then use the hidden hanger fasteners to secure the gutters. Position the gutter fasteners several inches apart and nail in place (figure A).

4. Apply caulk to any remaining loose flashing around the roof area. Allow the caulk to dry and test your work with the air gun.

Replace a Broken Tensioner to Silence a Squeaky Window

Materials and Tools:

new window tensioner
utility knife
screwdriver
caulking gun
soap

1. Use a utility knife to cut a seam in the plastic runner or sash guide. Unscrew any screws that are holding it in place. Remove the sash guide from place carefully; age can make them brittle.

Figure B

2. Remove the window panel from the frame. Remove and replace the broken tensioner, which is located in the head jam of the window. Fasten the new tensioner in place with screws (figure B).

3. Pull the tension cord until you have enough slack and insert the end into the window frame. Do the same for the other side of the window frame. An extra set of hands is helpful.

4. Place the window frame back in place. Be sure to line up the window track. To further seal and adhere the runner to the frame, apply a bead of caulk between the runner and the window frame.

5. To reduce noisy friction, rub the inside of the sash guide with a bar of soap. Silicone or baby powder will work as a lubricant, as well.

Silence a Noisy Pipe

Materials and Tools:

drywall saw
mirror
roofing felt
polyurethane Expanding foam
screwdriver
drywall sheet, tape, and mudd
sandpaper
paint

1. Determine the area where the sound is coming from. Next, use a drywall saw to cut a hole in the wall and expose the area. Use a mirror to get a better look at the problem causing pipes and assess the situation.

2. To prevent friction between pipes in close quarters, install insulation around the pipes, using roofing felt as a buffer under the PVC pipe.

3. With the felt in place, squirt polyurethane expanding foam into the gap between the pipe and the subfloor. This will isolate the noisy pipe.

4. Close up the hole with a new piece of drywall, and screw it in place. Apply drywall mud and tape to seal the hole. Allow this first coat to dry. Sand down the area and apply a second coat of drywall mud.

5. Once the second layer is dry, sand down and paint to finish.