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DIY home repairs done like a pro!

5 expert secrets to DIY home repairs

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Stop ignoring those pesky drips and squeaks. This guide shares expert tips on how to complete DIY repairs using the right adhesives for lasting results.

Adhesive: every DIYer's secret weapon

Every DIYer and professional can agree that adhesives are an essential part of most home repair projects. Whether you are looking to repair a beloved family heirloom, broken fixture, or reinstall a loose tile, you will need the right skills and a reliable adhesive. 

Using the best DIY tools for home repairs is essential for the success of your project. To ensure that you achieve lasting results, continue reading for expert tips on using adhesive in your DIY projects

Expert tips for common DIY home repairs

Neglecting common household issues can result in expensive repairs later. Fortunately, with a few expert tips and the right supplies, you can tackle these problems quickly.

Here’s a list of easy DIY home repairs along with expert tips and tricks to fix them.

Damaged furniture

Neglecting common household issues can result in expensive repairs later. Fortunately, with a few expert tips and the right supplies, you can tackle these problems quickly.

Here’s a list of easy DIY home repairs along with expert tips and tricks to fix them.

Damaged furniture items.

Peeling veneer and wobbly joints are some of the common types of damage to furniture that you can fix at home. 

When ignored, a small area of peeling veneer can worsen if something gets caught in it and pulls or breaks it. You can repair this type of damage by applying a strong adhesive, like Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control, deep into the crevice created by the separating veneer. Apply the adhesive into the crevice without pulling the veneer outward. Alternatively, you can use a tongue compressor or paint stick to apply the adhesive deep into the crevice. Press the surfaces together for 15-30 seconds and leave undisturbed for at least five minutes. The full cure and strongest bond will happen in 24 hours.

To fix a wobbly joint, use a glue injector to force the adhesive into the joint. Be sure to wobble the joint a bit to distribute the adhesive evenly. Press the joint and wait for the final cure. If you must take the joint apart, you will need to sand away any old adhesive before applying a new layer of glue. 

Leaky pipes

Accidental damage, corrosion, loose fittings, and high pressure can all cause leaking pipes. Ignoring leaky pipes can result in structural damage to your home, leading to expensive repairs later on. Fortunately, you can fix leaky pipes without replacing them using a reliable adhesive.

Use silicone-based or epoxy resin sealants to repair minor cracks and leaks in pipes quickly. Silicone sealants, such as Loctite Clear Silicone, are elastic, making them great for applications associated with regular pressure variations, while epoxy variants, like Loctite Epoxy Quick Set, are known for their quick drying and highly durable nature. 

A leaky water pipe

Loose tiles

Loose or broken tiles are a common occurrence in many homes. Tiles break or become loose due to many reasons. A loose or broken tile can present a serious trip hazard. Worse, it can come off completely and present a danger, especially to kids.

You can use an epoxy product, like Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 1min, to fix minor cracks in tile flooring. However, you might need to completely replace a broken tile to avoid splintering and create a clean look. To install a new tile or reattach a loose one, you must carefully remove it first. Clean the area (removing any old adhesive) and apply a specially designed tile adhesive, such as Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile, before reinstalling the loose tile or replacing the broken one with a new one. Place a heavy object on the tile until the adhesive dries completely. 

A loose or broken tile

If you are moving into a new construction or just had your home renovated, you can ensure you always have a tile that matches the existing pattern by asking your builder to leave any leftover tiles behind after finishing their project. 

Squeaky floorboards

Wooden floors

Squeaky floors are caused mainly by shifting floorboards that rub against each other. To eliminate the noise, you must walk around your house and identify the specific culprits. 

Repair creaking floor boards from above with simple adhesive injection. To do this, drill a tiny hole at the squeaky spot and use the straw applicator to inject flooring adhesive, like Loctite PL Subfloor Foam Construction Adhesive, into the gap. Wipe off excess adhesive immediately before it dries, then place a heavy object over the board until the adhesive dries to create a strong bond. 

Fixing a squeaking floor from below can be as simple as wedging a small wooden shim under the problematic floor board. Apply adhesive to both sides of the wedge and gently tap it into the gap between the joists and subfloor. Do not force the wedge into the gap, as this might lift the board, creating a bump in the floor. 

Drafty windows

Gaps and cracks around windows.

Gaps around your windows can increase your home’s energy consumption and the resulting utility bills. The air leaking in and out of these gaps can cause drafts and significant temperature fluctuations around your home. If you identify any of these signs around your home, consider inspecting all windows and applying a new airtight seal.

Use a top-rated insulating spray foam, like Loctite TITE FOAM Windows & Door, to seal any existing gaps. The foam expands to fill the gaps and create an airtight seal. It also has a high R-value that provides better insulation than many traditional options. 

Clean the gaps around the windows using a utility knife to clear away loose material or old sealant, and apply the foam deep inside the crevice to create a strong and reliable seal. Afterward, allow the foam to dry completely and then trim away the excess.  

Products used

  • packshot front us loctite 079340689299 Loctite Clear Silicone Card_ update 2020
    Loctite Clear Silicone

    Sealing sinks, tubs, plumbing, windows and aquariums. Water and weatherproof.

  • Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 1min

    Direct application with no measuring or mixing via self-mixing nozzles (included). Fast 1-min. set.

  • loctite quick set epoxy 25ml card
    Loctite Epoxy Quick Set

    Multi-purpose bonding of common materials such as wood, metal, ceramics, glass and tile.

  • 8014090420-Loctite-Subfloor-Foam-Adhesive-598g-eCom-cards-FOP
    Loctite PL Subfloor Foam Construction Adhesive

    LOCTITE PL Subfloor Foam Construction Adhesive is a fast-applying, heavy-duty polyurethane adhesive that reduces floor squeaks and fills gaps. The expanding foam delivers superior bond strength, high surface coverage, and can be applied to damp or cold surfaces.

  • loctite polyseamseal tub tile white 10oz cartridge
    Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile

    Provides a durable bond and seal for kitchen & bath projects.

  • loctite super glue ultra gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

    Super-tough, durable bonds that resist weather, impact, shock and vibration.

  • loctite tite foam window door 12oz can
    Loctite Tite Foam Window & Door

    Specialized formula will not bow windows or doors

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