DIY Network

Fixing a Leak and Repairing Water Damage From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-110

The newly replaced hardwood floor

When it rains it pours, and sometimes it rains inside John and Yelinne Megally's house. Dripping water from a chandelier, ceiling stains and a floor that goes snap, crackle and pop were all things driving these newlyweds out of their first home.

In this Finders Fixers project, host and home inspector Tim Hockenberry shows how to track down the source of the leak and how to fix it. Repairs include removing and replacing a bathtub overflow gasket, proper caulking in the bathroom, and removing and installing a new wood floor. The basic steps are outlined below.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Fix #1: Install New Wood Flooring

Materials:

3-inch flooring
tape measure
pry bar
hammer
rosin paper
scissors
pencil
staple gun and/or nail gun
chalk line
work gloves
broom and dustpan

Steps:

• First, remove all the existing floorboards. Be sure to use gloves for safety (figure A). Shoe molds hold the floorboards in place wherever its meets the wall. Use a pry bar and hammer to pop it off and work your way down (figure B).

• Once you've pulled out all the floor and molding, remove the old padding and baseboards (figure C). Sweep the area clean making sure to clear away any debris that was left behind.

• Next, measure and cut the rosin paper to size. Lay down the rosin paper over the existing vinyl floor (figure D). Start at the far wall and staple into place.

  Finders Fixers Tip: Rosin paper is perfect in a floor above finished living space. If the floor was above an unfinished area like a crawl space, you would use 15-pound tar paper for moisture control under the hardwood floor.
  
  
  

  Page  1 | 2 | 3

  
  
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: Case of the Reoccurring Mold: Replacing the Exhaust Fan Case of the Reoccurring Mold: Installing Timer on Exhaust Fan Case of the Reoccurring Mold: Adding Insulation to the Roof Ceiling Patch and Hardwood Floor Repair Refurbishing Hardwood Floors Repairing Damaged Hardwood Floor

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Fixing a Leak and Repairing Water Damage