DIY Network

Fixing the Saggy House Home inspector Rick Yerger helps a couple identify and fix a sagging floor, a mold problem and a fire hazard in their attic. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-211

Install New Support Beams for a Floor

Materials and Tools:

protective gear: overalls, safety glasses, gloves, and masks
4x4 boards cut to size
measuring tape
reciprocating saw
heavy-duty jacks
nails
hammer
joist hangers for 4x4s
level

Figure A

1. Before starting, be sure to wear protective gear when working in a crawlspace located underneath your house. Overalls, safety glasses, gloves, and masks are highly recommended.

2. Determine how many beams will be needed to support the sagging area. Then measure between the joists in the area to be supported. Cut the 4x4s to that length.

3. Place the jacks in position and jack up the floor. Check to see if it's level.4. Push the 4x4s between the joists, and nail them into place (figure A). Attach the hangers, and nail them in place. These hangers will act as supports for the beams.

5. Once the new support beams are installed, carefully remove the jack. Test your work with a level.

Replace Moldy Insulation

Materials and Tools:

protective gear: gloves, mask, safety glasses
fungicidal solution
encapsulated insulation
utility knife
staple gun

1. Be sure to wear protective gear while working. Gloves, mask, and safety glasses are a must when working with insulation and fungicidal solutions.

2. Remove the existing moldy insulation.

3. Treat the moldy area with a fungicidal solution. Mix and prepare the solution according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Once the fungicide dries, install the new insulation. Encapsulated insulation is more comfortable to use because it's covered on all four sides, preventing any fiberglass from getting all over you. Use a utility knife to cut the insulation to size when necessary. Make sure that the side that labeled "vapor retarder" faces the living space.

5. The insulation has flanges on the sides for stapling. Secure the insulation to the subfloor every 6 to 8 inches with a staple gun.

Create Clearance at Attic Flue

Materials and Tools:

safety glasses
rotary saw
wood chisel
hammer

1. Be sure to wear safety glasses for protection. Cut the roof sheathing around the flue with a rotary saw. Use the saw only if you have enough clearance. The plywood must be thicker than 1/4 inch to avoid cutting into the actual roofing material.

2. If using the saw is not an option because the sheathing is too thin, use a wood chisel instead. Use the hammer and chisel to create a 1-inch clearance around the flue.

Re-plane a Door

Materials and Tools:

safety glasses
planer

1. Determine which part of the door is sticking. That is the part that you will shave down.

2. Wearing safety glasses, use the planer to begin shaving down the door. Apply pressure to the front of the planer to keep the blade flat as you go across the surface. As you near the end of the area, lift the planer in an upward motion to ensure a smooth edge.

3. Finally, test your work. Make adjustments as needed until the door opens without resistance.