Hour 1
Learn which way the paper facing on insulation should face in a crawl space, a trick to keep weed killer from spraying onto healthy plants, a solution for phantom flushing, and more.
Which Way Should Insulation Face in a Crawl Space?
A homeowner asks: “I want to install R-25 fiberglass insulation under my floor in a vented crawl space. Which way should the paper face? Going up to the flooring or going down to the crawl space?”
The universal rule is the paper should always face toward the heated or cooled space. The paper needs to go up so you don’t have a moisture trap that will destroy the insulating properties of the insulation.
In a vented crawlspace, moisture can be a significant problem, particularly during humid weather conditions. If the paper facing is installed facing down towards the crawl space, it can create a moisture trap, which can lead to mold growth, rot, and other damage to the insulation.
By installing the insulation with the paper facing toward the heated and cooled space, you are creating a barrier that prevents moisture from entering and causing damage. This helps to maintain the insulation’s R-value, ensuring that it provides the desired level of insulation.
To keep the insulation in place, use stay wires. These wires have points on the end that you press against the joists to keep the insulation in place.
We recommend using Rockwool Stone Wool Insulation for a crawl space because it has no paper facing, and it’s highly resistant to moisture, insects and fire.
Watch: Think Your Home is Insulated? Check the Crawl Space
How to Save Your Garden from Unintended Weed Killer
If you’re using weed killer in your garden or lawn, it’s crucial to be mindful of the surrounding plants. No one wants to unintentionally harm their beautiful blooms or crops, am I right? That’s where using a funnel on the end of your spray wand comes in handy.
First, grab a plastic funnel that fits snugly over the end of your spray wand. You can snag one of these at most hardware or gardening stores, or online. Once you’ve got it, slide it over the end of your spray wand and ensure that it’s securely in place.
Next, adjust the nozzle on your spray wand to a fine mist or stream. This will help you control the amount of weed killer that comes out and ensure that it’s applied only to the intended areas.
When you’re ready to apply the weed killer, hold the spray wand with the funnel attached over the area you want to treat. Use a slow, sweeping motion to apply the weed killer, starting at the back of the area and working your way forward. Keep in mind not to apply too much, as this can cause the weed killer to drip or run off onto nearby plants.
Once you’ve finished applying the weed killer, don’t forget to remove the funnel from the spray wand and rinse it thoroughly with water. This will help remove any residue and prevent it from clogging or corroding the funnel.
Watch: How to Make a Non-Toxic Weed Killer
Solution for a Phantom Flushing Toilet
A homeowner says: “I have a very weird thing happening with the toilet in my downstairs powder room. Every now and then the toilet flushes by itself.
“When you purposefully flush it, it works fine. I removed the lid and peeked into the tank and all the parts seem to be working as they should. Do we have a ghost in our house or what’s happening here?”
Don’t be alarmed – it’s known as phantom flushing, and it’s actually a pretty common problem.
The toilet is flushing itself because there’s a slow leak that you might not even notice. This leak gradually fills up the tank until it triggers the flushing mechanism, causing the toilet to flush.
So, how can you tell if you have a leak? It’s simple: just add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and watch the bowl. If there’s a leak, you’ll see the color drift into the bowl, confirming the presence of the leak.
To fix this, replace the flapper valve. Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to drain the water from the tank.
- Remove the old flapper by disconnecting the chain that connects it to the flush handle.
- Install the new flapper by attaching it to the chain and positioning it over the flush valve. Make sure it is properly seated and that the chain has the correct amount of slack.
- Once you have replaced the flapper valve, turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill up.
- Test the toilet to make sure it is no longer flushing by itself.
Watch: How to Fix a Running Toilet
Hour 2
Hear options for adding a backsplash without using grout, how to extend outlets on a tile backsplash so they’re flush with the tile and more.
Adding a Backsplash Without Using Grout
Marble can be used as a groutless backsplash, creating a seamless and elegant look in your kitchen. (EricVega via Canva.com)
A homeowner says: “I was wanting to add a backsplash to my kitchen, and I was wondering if there was a way to do that without using grout.”
Grout serves an important function in a tile backsplash. It helps to fill in the gaps between the tiles, creating a smooth, even surface and helping to hold the tiles in place. Without grout, the tiles can shift and move over time, leading to potential damage or even the need to replace tiles.
That being said, there are some alternatives to traditional grout that you might want to consider. One option is to use a peel-and-stick tile backsplash. These types of backsplashes come with an adhesive backing that allows you to easily stick the tiles to your wall without the need for grout. Keep in mind that these types of backsplashes may not be as durable as traditional tile backsplashes, and they may not hold up as well over time.
Another option is to use a groutless tile system. These systems use interlocking panels or sheets of tiles that fit together seamlessly, eliminating the need for grout. Some of these systems also come with built-in adhesive, making them easy to install yourself.
If you opt for traditional tile installation, grout is a must. However, you can achieve a great look by selecting tiles that allow for a minimum grout joint of around an eighth of an inch. This way, you’ll see more of the tile itself and less of the grout, resulting in a visually appealing finish.
Watch: Kitchen Backsplash Made Easy: Why You Need SimpleMat
How to Extend Outlets Flush to a Tile Backsplash
A homeowner is installing a tile kitchen backsplash and wants to know: “How do I bring those wall electrical outlets out so that they’re not recessed once the tile is on the wall?”
When you install new tile in your kitchen, you may find that your outlets or switch plates sit too far back in the wall, making it difficult to get the cover plates to sit flush against the tile surface.
To fix this issue, you can use a box extender to bring the outlet or switch box out from the wall. Box extenders are available at most home improvement stores and are designed to fit over your existing outlet or switch box, adding depth to the box to accommodate for the thickness of the tile.
To install a box extender, first, turn off the power to the outlet or switch. Then, remove the cover plate and screws from the outlet or switch box. Place the box extender over the existing box, making sure it’s centered and flush against the wall. Use longer screws to secure the box extender and the outlet or switch box to the wall. Finally, reattach the cover plate and turn the power back on.
This method will bring the outlet or switch box out from the wall to accommodate the thickness of the tile, allowing your cover plates to sit flush with the surface of the tile. It’s important to note that you should always follow electrical safety guidelines when working with outlets and switches, and if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process, it’s best to consult with a licensed electrician.
Watch: How to Shim Out Electrical Outlet or Switch When Installing a Backsplash
Best New Products
Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer
Nothing ruins the look of a freshly cleaned patio like weeds popping up through cracks or seams in the surface. Trying to pull them up individually is frustrating and takes forever, but Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer is formulated for spot treatment of weeds and grasses on patios, walkways, and driveways; around flowers, shrubs, and trees; and along fences and foundations.
It’s a nonselective weed and grass killer that kills all types of weeds and grasses down to the root. The formula is rainproof in 15 minutes and delivers visible results in as fast as three hours.
And the ready-to-use spray is easy to apply, just be sure to protect desirable plants and vegetation nearby with a piece of plastic or cardboard.
Listen to learn all about this Best New Product!
Find Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer at The Home Depot.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Simple Solutions
Laying cardboard over the grass is an easy way to transform grassy areas into flowerbeds or gardens. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Cardboard Grass Killer — Here’s how to kill grass in areas you’d like to transform into a flowerbed or garden.
- Lay overlapping sheets of cardboard on top of the grass, then cover the cardboard with at least 4 in. of mulch or compost.
- Water the area well twice a week.
After a month or two the grass will be dead and the soil will be ready for planting.
Watch: Ban Weeds from Your Garden with This Cardboard Barrier
For a tight and flat screen on a door, clamp the door to make it bow on the doorframe while you’re installing the new screen. (laymul via Canva.com)
Screen Test — When re-screening a wooden screen door, the most challenging part is getting the replacement screen to fit really tight and flat. Here’s a simple trick to ensure the screen fits tight:
- After removing the old screen and spline, lay down the door and slip a 1×2 under each end.
- Then, clamp down the middle of the door, creating a bow in the doorframe.
- Now, install the new screen and spline, and when you unclamp the door it’ll straighten out and stretch the screen tight.
Further Reading
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