Bruzer79
join:2005-02-02
Aurora, IL
| Creaky floors under carpet, and bad drafts from outlets..
Hello all,
I just stumbled across this forum and realized that there are some helpful and knowledgeable people here, so I figured I would ask a few questions about my biggest gripes about my townhouse.
One of the first things my wife and I noticed upon seeing the place for the first time was that EVERYTHING CREAKS. Each set of stairs, every stair, several spots in the bedroom floor. At first it was something we could live with, and that really hasnt changed. I wouldnt mind fixing it tho.
Secondly, my townhouse is split level. The lowest level has HORRIBLE drafts. If I hold a match or a lighter up in front of any of the power\phone\cable outlets, it will get blown out. If I take one of the cover plates off, I can feel the breeze. I also dont see much in the way of insulation.
How can I slow down those air leaks before it gets any colder. When we get blowing drifting snow, I end up with some snow INSIDE near my sliding glass doors! |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX | All those cover plates can be fixed for just a few bucks and almost no work. Just go to any HD or Lowes and get the switch plate/receptacle foam covers. |
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s bassaw
join:2006-06-11
New Rochelle, NY
 ·Optimum Voice
| reply to Bruzer79
When I bought my house, there were lots of creaks throughout. I'm not sure about your exact situation, but the contractor doing the remodel told us that he could fix it.
Since it was just ply board beneath the carpet, he told us that he could:
1.) Rip up the carpet and drive screws into the board every few inches in order to keep it from rubbing up against the joinst beneath it.
2.) Rip up the carpet and replace the ply beneath it and secure it properly this time around..
I went with option 1 and it made a huge difference! Your best bet is to use lots of nails or screws in order to keep it tight and secure. Also, get a good carpet installer to put the carpet back and stretch it out. |
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bent
not broken
Premium
join:2004-10-04
Loveland, CO
clubs:
 ·Comcast Formerly ..
| reply to Bruzer79
If your walls are that bad it would probably be worth your while to have some insulation blown into them. They basically make smallish holes in the wall at the top and use that to fill the cavities with insulation, and then patch the hole. Works with drywall walls, IDK about plaster.
You should also see if you can find where all the air is coming from on the outside walls and caulk any cracks or openings you find.
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Greedy Old Pigs |
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Bruzer79
join:2005-02-02
Aurora, IL
| said by bent  :If your walls are that bad it would probably be worth your while to have some insulation blown into them. They basically make smallish holes in the wall at the top and use that to fill the cavities with insulation, and then patch the hole. Works with drywall walls, IDK about plaster. You should also see if you can find where all the air is coming from on the outside walls and caulk any cracks or openings you find. bent - are there any concerns as far as electrical boxes or anything if I choose to go that direction? On the outside wall Im thinking of, my switch box is located, as well as normal power outlets. I definitely intend to try to caulk some from the outside. I think some of it comes in where the AC is. I'll try to get some pics tonight...
MityFowl - I just saw those on TV last night I think, good timing. Definitely on my todo list.
S-Bassaw - Good news there. I just need to find a carpet installer to relay the carpet afterwards. That plus get it all done before my wife goes into labor. That's the tricky part. |
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bent
not broken
Premium
join:2004-10-04
Loveland, CO
clubs:
·Comcast Formerly ..
| »www.energysavers.gov/your_home/i···ic=11650
Here's a ton more info on that technique. I don't think there's any issue with existing wiring or anything.
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Greedy Old Pigs |
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stevek1949
We're not in Kansas anymore
join:2002-11-13
Virginia Beach, VA | reply to Bruzer79
Look at this tool. If you can find a joist, you can screw the underlayment down to the joist through the carpet without leaving screw heads to kill your feet.
»www.squeaknomore.com |
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morbo
Complete Your Transaction
join:2002-01-22
00000
clubs:
·Charter Pipeline
 ·AT&T Southwest
| reply to Bruzer79
there are places that sell outlet insulation inserts to help stop the drafts. it won't solve the core problem (wall insluation and air-sealing needed), but it will make a difference in the amount of air blowing into your place. they are cheap and easy to install. |
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DannyZ
Gentoo Fanboy
Premium
join:2003-01-29
Erie, PA | reply to stevek1949
That was featured on an episode of Ask This Old House before. It looked like a very easy, fast and effective way to stop squeaks. |
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Bruzer79
join:2005-02-02
Aurora, IL | reply to Bruzer79
Ordering sqeeknomore  |
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stevek1949
We're not in Kansas anymore
join:2002-11-13
Virginia Beach, VA | You may be able to find it locally at a big box store. |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs: | reply to mityfowl
Also just do the outlet that are on exterior walls. No real need to use it on inside partition walls. |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX
1 edit | said by Warzau :Also just do the outlet that are on exterior walls. No real need to use it on inside partition walls. I personally think it makes a small but measurable difference on the interior walls.
And it's really cheap. |
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nunya
SEE ROCK CITY 475 MILES
Premium,MVM
join:2000-12-23
O Fallon, MO
clubs:
·AT&T CallVantage
| reply to Bruzer79
The reason the outlet boxes leak is that when the insulators installed the insulation, they would simply "cut around" the box; if they even bother to do that. Much of the time they just shove the insulation in the stud cavity next to the box.
The quality installers would tear down a thin layer of glass and slide it behind the box with a yardstick or screwdriver.
These days, we squirt minimally expansive foam behind the box, or slide a thin piece of foam insulation behind the box. I've learned the insulators are not going to change their ways just for me.
The foam "inserts" that go behind wall plates are minimally effective and cause your plates to sit funky. They often require you to change your faceplate to "mid-sized" or "jumbo". They may have a small effect.
Squirting foam, even MEF, next to, behind, or in an existing outlet is probably a really bad idea.
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Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.
Nancy Pelosi - House Minority Leader 2010
Harry Reid - Senate Minority Leader 2010 |
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