The Loctite 2nd Chance Crew spent the day making significant progress on the 2nd Chance House, bringing it closer to completion. Every task, from painting and drywall installation to trim work and fireplace framing, moved the project forward. Volunteers tackled challenging work with precision and teamwork, ensuring that each step contributed to the home’s transformation. As the renovation nears its final stages, the team remains committed to giving this house a Second Chance — and a family a new home.
Sydney focused her day on two key tasks — staining lath and preparing the girls' room for completion. Knowing she still had the girls' room ahead, she worked efficiently, ensuring that each step set up the next for success. One of the most important details was the ceiling — she painted it dark brown to prevent the old white paint from showing through the lath. This extra step guarantees a uniform, finished look once the installation is complete.
While waiting for the ceiling paint to dry, the team moved on to the boys' room, where they began installing board and batten trim. Trim work requires precision, and to speed up the process, they used Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty. With its zero-second instant grab, it functions almost like an extra set of hands, securing the boards in place immediately. Sydney’s approach combined careful planning and practical solutions to get the job done efficiently. By balancing multiple tasks — painting, staining, and trim installation — she kept the momentum going throughout the day. Her finished work will play a crucial role in the home’s transformation.
DIY tip: When installing board and batten trim, use a construction adhesive alongside nails for a secure, long-lasting hold. Apply adhesive to the back of each board before fastening it to the wall to minimize movement over time. This method both speeds up installation and reduces the number of visible nail holes, leaving a cleaner, more professional finish.
Clayton spent the day preparing the attic for drywall installation, making sure each step was completed in the right order. He had already installed the insulation, a crucial step in regulating temperature and improving energy efficiency. The ceiling insulation will be blown in after the drywall is up, but for now, the focus is on securing the 50 sheets of drywall needed for the attic. To make the job easier, the team brought up a drywall lift, allowing Clayton to position and install each sheet more efficiently.
As the work progressed, some of the drywall sheets on the ceiling began to bow under their own weight. To prevent sagging and ensure a stable installation, the team added 2x4 bracing for extra support. This simple but effective reinforcement helped distribute the weight evenly, preventing future structural issues. The attic’s layout required careful planning, as working overhead with large drywall sheets was both physically demanding and logistically challenging.
Despite the difficulties, Clayton and the team kept the project moving forward. The drywall installation marked a major step in transforming the attic into a livable space. By the end of the day, the structure was stronger, and the attic was well on its way to completion.
DIY tip: When installing drywall on a ceiling, always use 5/8-inch drywall instead of 1/2-inch, as it is less prone to sagging. If you're working in a space with wider joist spacing, consider adding furring strips or extra bracing to reinforce the ceiling and ensure long-term durability.
Jessie approached the fireplace project with a clear vision, aiming to create an ornamental structure to last another hundred years. To ensure stability, she used Loctite PL Premium MAX to attach the framing securely. The adhesive provides a strong, reliable bond, making the installation process more efficient and reducing the need for excessive mechanical fasteners.
Beyond the framing, Jessie focused on reinforcing the fireplace to support the weight of the stone she planned to install. She applied Loctite PL Premium MAX to the backer boards, ensuring a secure attachment that would handle both the weight and potential heat exposure over time. This method gave her confidence that the structure would remain solid a century from now.
With every step, Jessie worked meticulously, knowing that proper preparation now would prevent future failures. The materials and methods she chose aren’t just about making the job easier — they provide lasting durability.
DIY tip: When framing a fireplace, always use high-strength adhesive in addition to screws or nails. This helps distribute weight more evenly, prevents shifting over time, and adds an extra layer of security against movement and heat expansion.
As the day ended, the Loctite 2nd Chance Crew took a step back to appreciate their progress. Sydney prepped and painted, Clayton reinforced the attic for drywall, and Jessie secured the fireplace frame for the next century. Every effort brought the house closer to completion.
Though the work was physically demanding, the team remained committed to their goal. The transformation of the 2nd Chance House isn’t just a construction project — it will be a great, new home for a family in need. With each completed task, the house became stronger, more livable, and closer to its final form. The finish line is in sight, and the team is ready for the next challenge.