You need to build a frame around the trap door opening to support the door, and this is easiest to do if opposite edges of the opening are framed by existing floor joists. If thejoists are spacedby 24 inches, you're in luck because a 24-inch door provides plenty of space for an adu...
The weight you choose may vary based on gender and how fit you are, but a good rule of thumb for those in good shape is 20-40 lbs. for females and 40-60 lbs. for males (if you get a vest that allows you to add/subtract weight, even better). Wearing a weighted vest makes body...
To make my paint booth in the basement, I used a 3M hand masker—a tool that rolls out masking film and masking tape at the same time. I applied the film and tape to floor joists, pipes, air-conditioning ducts, and the house’s foundation wall. The film is folded and partially hangs...
When hidden leaks go undetected, these problems often add to the final cost. Damaged drywall tear-out and replacement Structural repairs to load-bearing framing, joists and beams Buckled ceiling stabilization and reconstruction Warped or buckled wood floor and subflooring repairs Ruined carpet or vinyl...
Holding the board snugly in place, drive screws in at an upward angle through the block and into the joist. When your subfloor is the culprit, there is another way to reinforce joists. Cut a 2 x 8 block, measured to fit snugly between two joists. Be sure to apply adhesive to the ...
Another method is to pre-drill pieces of 2 by 2, 18 inches long, at convenient angles for driving 2-inch or 2 1/2-inch screws into the subfloor and joists. Partially drive the screws into the pre-drilled holes. Coat the screws with carpenter’s glue and power-drive them into place....
But you can also reinforce the door you already have. The Tech: Secure Door offers a vertical bracing system made of aircraft-grade aluminum that serves as a rigid backbone for the garage door. It anchors into the wall above the door, into the floor and into each hi...
If you have a floor drain in the basement, pipe the water there. If you need to lift the water higher, you dump it into a condensate pump, and have the output go to a nearby plumbing drain. Thermostat wiring: You are down to the really easy stuff now! You can follow the ...
Victor’s crew filled the top two courses with mortar to reinforce them. Step 13: Insert J-Bolts At the same time, they placed J-bolts approximately every 4′ for anchoring the sill plate. Step 14: Tool Joints It’s important to tool over all the joints with a striking tool to press...
braces and into 2x4 backers on the inside. Though we connected the top plate sections with short 2x6 scabs, we still had some bulging at the top edge during the pour, which we fixed with screw jacks. But in the future, I'll use a continuous second 2x6 plate to reinforce the top ...