UnBuild It Podcast

Plenty of reasons for the question mark: Pete wondered what this term really meant; Jake points out that for most of his career, he was not involved in this process as a builder; Steve gets pretty heated when this process does not include budget (at least a realistic budget...). Gem here from Steve: "70% of a home's budget is hardwired into the number of square feet."PETE'S RESOURCES: - Build Show Podcast Episode 91 - Pre-construction Service Agreements

Two great questions on which the boys pontificate in fineform. Yes, ZIP-R is "backwards" (rigid insulation interior tostructural sheathing) but that does not mean that it doesn't work; itdoes, just differently. So why don't we typically rain screen roofcladdings? The short answer is it always costs more, regardless of thetype of roof cladding. But you know the saying: vent until youcan't...NOTE: - An Apology: Pete keeps saying "vinyl siding" when he means"vinyl wallpaper" in terms of what many older homes see as newly addedcovering over failed/failing plaster... Oh, and we can endlesslyapologize for Steve's parting "jokes"...PETE'S RESOURCES:- "Calculating minimum thickness of rigid foam sheathing"NOTE: Martin Holladay has more than one seminal GBA blog on the topicof adding continuous exterior rigid insulation to meet code--and evenbetter--for greater energy efficiency and maintained moisturemanagement.- "Avoiding Wet Roofs:"https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/insulation/avoiding-wet-roofs_o &https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/insulation/avoiding-wet-roofs-part-ii_o

What could be more fun than yammering on about scary job site stories and just how confusing a space your garage can be? You listeners ask the damndest questions, so we just keep on cranking... Per usual, Steve closes us out with humor worthy of these two questions...PETE'S RESOURCES:- "Does Safety Affect Productivity in Construction?"- From our buddy, Randy Williams: "Construction Design: Humidity Control in a Garage"

The advice starts with "don't ever do this" and then dives into the details for doing it right: slope, overhangs, pedestal systems, step-down from house to deck, and truck liners. Wait, what? Jake describes a long-past project involving a spray-on truck bed liner protective coating (and there actually ARE spray-on residential roof systems for decks—who knew?).RESOURCES:- Linex residential protective coating- "The Importance of Cover Boards in Roofing Assemblies:"- BSI-051: "Decks--Roofs You Can Walk On:" - (Somewhat related) BSI-093 "All Decked Out:" 

Different water sources lead to different water quality issues. Eric walks us through: sources of tap water; testing water; appropriate water treatment systems responding to the testing results; and a new water frontier: PFAS in our tap water (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances). Yikes!PETE'S RESOURCES:- Eric Aune Mechanical Hub- Water testing- CDC Home Water Treatment Systems- USGS PFAS in Tap Water

Eric Aune would make the perfect Marvel Superhero Plumber. With tank versus Tankless water heaters, multiple small tanks, and on-demand recirc systems, Eric brings real-world insight to all sorts of plumbing technologies and techniques. And of course, Steve closes the episode with a special look to his future.Pete's Resources:Eric AuneGary Klein - Saving Hot WaterDemand Hot Water Recirculation SystemUS EPA Water Sense

Eric provides Steve and Jake with a plumber's perspective on almost every residential, domestic hot water system available in the US. Stick around for terms like "cold water sandwich," "air-to-water," "CO2 refrigerant," and "recirc." It's absolutely gripping!Pete's Resources:Eric Aune - Mechanical HubEnergy Star Heat Pump Water HeaterDemand Hot Water Recirculation System

Jake spends time at Virginia Tech with Christine Williamson, a leading building professional who integrates building science and architecture. In her first year as an Assistant Professor of Architecture, Christine applies building science to architecture courses such as Environment and Building Systems I and II. In her own words about her new position,  Christine says, "Architecture education is, I think, a lot closer to more of a fine art program than maybe a lot of people realize. That is something I would like to change." Jake springs a pair of UnBuild It questions on Christine: how does ZIP-R work in terms of moisture control and the best way to configure a crawlspace. PETE'S RESOURCES- Virginia Tech School of Architecture- Christine Williamson - https://www.christine-williamson.com & https://www.buildingsciencefightclub.com- "14 Things About ZIP-R Sheathing You Need to Know:" - BSC Condition Crawlspace Construction & Conditioned Crawlspace Detail 

You say Post-Frame, I say Pole Barn or Barndominium...Yikes. The boys beat up on this topic when we move utility-grade agricultural weather-sheltering buildings (pole barns) to fully-conditioned homes. Aesthetic questions aside, there is solid building science to consider here. And speaking of building science, how do we insulate and air seal rim joists in a way that keeps them dry and durable? This topic takes us from spray foam and capillary breaks to ZIP-R and six-sided containment of interior air-permeable cavity insulation. Oh my. And once again, Steve manages to make us giggle with his closing wordplay.Pete's Resources:1. Wikipedia: Barndominium (Who knew?)  2. "When a Barndominium Won't Do, Try a Shouse:" 3. EERE "Insulate Rim Joist:" 4. BSI-128: Designing for Floods 5. BSC Information Sheet 408

From metal worker to Director of Architecture Risinger Build to home remodeler, Chelsea is all about working on buildings. Instead of a working-man's Architect like our buddy Steve, Chelsea is the quintessential working-woman's Architect. And get this: Steve & Chelsea are about to team-up on a Risinger Build project!Pete's Resources:- GBA Retrofit Case Study: "How to Get the Eichler Look Without the Energy Price Tag" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-get-the-eichler-look-without-the-energy-pricetag- Chelsea's IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelsea_scharbach/- GBA Cold Climate TimberFrame "Monopoly" House:     - Part 1 - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-timber-frame-house-for-a-cold-climate-part-1     - Part 2 - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-timber-frame-house-for-a-cold-climate-part-2- READY-FRAME (Precision Packages by  Builder's First Source): https://www.bldr.com/ready-frame- John Straube's "Building Science for Building Enclosures:" - https://go.okstate.edu/undergraduate-academics/majors/architectural-engineering.html- Representative Architectural Engineering programs:     - University of Waterloo - https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/architectural-engineering     - Penn State - https://www.ae.psu.edu     - OK State - https://go.okstate.edu/undergraduate-academics/majors/architectural-engineering.html

Since the internet makes us all so cozy from LA to Louisiana, it comes as a surprise to even hard-core building pros that many materials and systems simply don't translate from region to region. Local context simply interferes: price, local expertise, local building codes, availability of materials, even just "no one has done it that way here..." BUT, the internet and social media are shaking things up, in some cool but also disruptive ways.Pete's Resource: - "A Study of the Characteristics of Regional Building Construction Process:" - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372447144_A_Study_of_the_Characteristics_of_Regional_Building_Construction_Process/link/64b77ec4b9ed6874a52d94d6/download- "The Impact of Digital Distribution on Building Materials:" - https://hubspoke.nafcd.org/Full-Article/the-impact-of-digital-distribution-on-building-materials- "Top 10 Online Sources for Building Materials in the US:" - https://constructestimates.com/online-sources-for-building-materials-in-the-us/

When Steve doesn't show up on time for the podcast, Jake and Pete jump all over the idea of roasting him. But the podcast is mainly about why we love working with the "jamoke." It is about a half-hour of stories about the consummate job-site architect, Steve Baczek, the guy we "can't live with; can't live without him."NOTE: Pete incorrectly calls out Steve's height as 6 - 8; he is actually 6 - 6... But a great opportunity for us to bring him down a notch...Pete's Resources:1. GreenBuildingAdvisor Detail Library: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/detail-library2. GBA Green Basics Integrated Design: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/integrated-design (scroll down to Steve's framing/duct layout details)3. Ton of Steve's Details in this BuildingGreen's High-Performance Building Assemblies In-Depth course: https://www.buildinggreen.com/continuing-education/hpba4. Steve's "How I Do It:" - https://stevenbaczekarchitect.com/info/the-approach/

Jake & Pete get schooled again on dehumidification by Nikki. - Nikki introduces the acronym HVACD to make dehumidification in equal standing with heating, air conditioning and ventilation.- Great discussion of the differences between portable ("big box") and whole house dehumidifiers.- Importance of the change in measurement standards for DEHUs from "80/60" (80 degrees F & 60% RH) to "65/60" for portable units & "73/60" for whole house units (more real conditions).- Jake closes out by "dibbing" "Dehumidifier Graveyard" as a rock band name...Pete's Resources:1. "WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould:" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143947/2. Santa-Fe Performance Data over different test conditions: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.santa-fe-products.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TS-2076-Ultra-Series-RNC-Trifold-A2L-1.pdf 3. Santa-Fe Dehumidifier Calculator App - https://www.santa-fe-products.com/resources/calc-app/4. Munters PsychroApp - https://www.munters.com/en-us/knowledge-bank/apps-and-calculators/psychroapp-psychrometric-calculations-tool/

Jake and Pete host good friend Matt Risinger (pretty sure he is “part” of the Build Show...). It starts simple with pre-drywall checklists (you know, like blocking for toilet paper holders...). But boy, it quickly blossoms into a wonderful, wandering discussion of everything from sequencing to quality control to a scopes of work program. Terrific list of resources comes out of this podcast! Pete's Resources:Build Show Jake Bruton – “The Importance of a Pre-Drywall Checklist:” https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/importance_of_pre_drywall_checklistPete's Design/Spec outline Build Show Zach Dettmore Kreg Foreman for Pocket Holes - https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/kreg_foreman_reviewLindsay Haas Davenport “Scopes of Work Program:” - https://www.amazon.com/Scopes-Work-Program-Procedures-Standards/dp/0867185147Pete Yost GreenBuildingAdvisor “High Performance Scopes of Work:” https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/high-performance-scopes-of-work

Many of us in the building industry turn to Nikki for all questions dehumidification (certainly including this weeks hosts, Jake & Pete). Nikki goes toe to toe with HVAC techs with a degree in communications and that is because she understands that you have to go tech if you are representing technical products such as dehumidifiers. She connects indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and moisture management. Cool discussion of adding the "D" to HVAC: HVACD or HVAC+D. And apologies to all those expecting (forbearing?) Steve's closing humor...PETE'S RESOURCES:- "High Performance Dehumidification: Upgrading our basement dehumidifier" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/high-performance-dehumidification- "Humidity, Health, and the Sterling Chart" - https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/humidity-health-and-sterling-chart/- "Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Improved Dehumidification" (FSEC) - https://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FSEC-PF-473-18.pdf

After the boys were done taking jabs at each other, they each take this question and apply it to their fields: building (Jake), designing (Steve), and enclosure review (Pete). Much of the discussion centers on the cost and expectations that both building professionals and clients have or should set with each other. Another central theme is that pulling in expertise early in the design process may seem as though it is more costly. Still, in the long run, it is better to spend a bit upfront and get key input during design rather than costly changes deeper into the build process. Interestingly, the conversation went from cost to trust as a key element of Pre-Construction.Pete's Resources:1. Building-Wright Design-Spec Review (attached - to post on UBIP website)2. The Graph for "Cost of Changes versus Influence on Performance" - https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Construction-Total-Project-Management-Planning-Yates-Eskander/a80823cef0f3eb925e516cfb3b96253434cdb0a83. Build Show Wade Paquin "Pre-construction Service: What Is It? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyPmO6AjC0M 

Daniel Glauser is the Executive Project Manager for Risinger Build in Austin, TX. And he really puts his money where his mouth is. This episode focuses on his deep energy retrofit of a 1977 home in Austin, TX, which will be certified per the Phius Core Revive program. And get this: this soup-to-nuts retrofit is being done while he, his wife, 3 kids, 2 dogs, and several cats are living there full-time. This should be a reality TV show, folks. But on the serious side, Daniel shares all kinds of details integrating the original structure, expansion in 3 of 4 directions, continuous control layers, structural integrity, and fully configured and compliant ACCA Manual J/S/D mechanical systems. The only thing missing from the episode: Steve does NOT close out with one of his "jokes...."Pete's Resources:- Phius CORE REVIVE: https://www.phius.org/phius-core-revive-2021- Vermont "Almost" Passive House: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-passivhaus-almost-passive-house-faceoff- Project Architect: Trey Farmer, Forge Craft Architecture & Design - https://forgexcraft.com - Project Interior Design: https://designtrait.com 

This week's podcast is a discussion about slab-less slabs AND some new projects in which Steve & Jake use alternative or innovative foundation materials or systems. The three boys get off on substantial tangents regarding the environmental profile of foundation materials and construction waste management but hold on: there are great resources below for a host of great topics included in this episode.Resources:- The BuildingGreen Guide to Thermal Insulation - https://www.buildinggreen.com/continuing-education/buildinggreen-guide-thermal-insulation- Design for Disassembly - EPA Fact Sheets on Designing for the Disassembly and Deconstruction of Buildings - https://www.epa.gov/smm/fact-sheets-designing-disassembly-and-deconstruction-buildings- Packer 750 low-speed grinder for residential construction waste - https://www.packer2000.com/residential.htm (Some old dear friends of Pete--Cynthia Poselenzny & Ken Patterson) are the folks who developed this machine back in the day when construction waste management was Pete's "day job")- "Stress grading of recycled lumber and timber" (1999 Forest Products Laboratory publication by Robert Falk & David Green) - https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/5725- Build Show "ICF Prepped for Concrete" - https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/ICF-prepped-for-concrete-steve-baczek

Steve and his "jamokes" (Jake & Pete) share moments that changed their careers. Especially interesting is that the term jamoke that Steve uses is most often associated with CarTalk host Ray Magliozzi in this quote: "If my brother and I proved one thing, it's that just about any jamoke can host a radio show." Wow, does that nail the three of us and our podcast!PETE'S RESOURCE(S):- "Just a Couple of Jamokes - A Tribute to Car Talk's Rollicking 40-Year Run" - https://newengland.com/yankee/magazine/just-a-couple-of-jamokes-car-talk/. If you are not familiar with Car Talk (and even if you are), you need to know that these guys are the gold standard for funny and informative recorded conversations on air. Jake, Steve, and I can only hope that we rise to their "jamoke" level of funny-and-informative...- Car Talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=car+talk. More than 1500 episodes of Car Talk! Enjoy...

 Pete, confused? Pete takes the lead on garages and tries hard not to confuse Steve and Jake (not very successfully...). It's all about how garages are "conditioned" (heated, cooled, dehumidified, ventilated, and filtered) and just what uses the garage is designed for in comparison to the expectations homeowners have in terms of their use(s).Pete's Resource(s):- BSC Information Sheet 802: buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/migrate/pdf/BSCInfo_802_Wrong_Unsealed_Cavity_Between_Garage.pdf- GBA Details for a “High-Performance Garage:" greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/details-for-a-high-performance-garageSTAY TUNED on Pete's Resources: Pete promises a brand new resource in one podcast on this topic (a resource he has not written but will!).

Listeners picked up on two places where perhaps Steve and Jake do not agree (can you imagine....?): Face-seal vs. Drained-rough-opening window/door installations and details at sill plates. After considerable "silliness" (that would be Steve's not Pete's pun...), Jake & Steve reconcile these apparent disagreements with lots of UnBuild It love for each other (WHAT???).Pete's Resource(s): - John Straube's drained rough opening sill detail: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John-Straube/publication/281442777/figure/fig23/AS:487352062746624@1493205194072/6-Drained-air-sealed-and-thermally-continuous-window-installation-for-a-loadbearing.png - Jake BUILD Show flanged window installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fED4foylHXY- Steve & Matt BUILD Show flangeless window installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAnJq3UH0ro&t=701s- Steve BUILD Show mudsill to foundation install - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up5oAh819y0- Steve BUILD Show SIGA Fentrim mudsill install: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/air_barrier_tape_siga_fentrim

Great questions from our listeners! How do you determine the best insulation levels by climate (with the best being the greatest value)?Does adding screws (at some point during construction) make sense when using Advantech floor sheathing, adhesive, and ring shank nails?Pete's Resource(s): BSI-081: "Zeroing In" - https://www.buildinggreen.com/blog/capture-green-value-over-time-not-short-term-payback-analysisPete BuildingGreen blog: "Capture Green Value Over Time, Not with Short-Term Payback Analysis" - https://www.buildinggreen.com/blog/capture-green-value-over-time-not-short-term-payback-analysis Huber Advantech Installation Manual - https://www.huberwood.com/uploads/documents/technical/Installation-Manual-AdvanTech-Subflooring.pdfNIST - "Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels" - https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/06/13/ps2-04.pdfNOTE: This is about as dry a resource as we would ever recommend, but it has great technical info on all manner of structural floor sheathing installation, including bond and mechanical fastener performance.

Client involvement is critical in any building project, but this can be a double-edged sword. We need our clients engaged and to manage their expectations, particularly given how much information/stuff is available online. The boys each give their perspective on the importance and the corralling required for client involvement. Pete's Resource(s):- Custom Builder May 2006 - "Guiding Customer Expectations" - https://www.custombuilderonline.com/guiding-customer-expectations

How do you transform below-grade full foundations (also variously called pits, cellars, or basements and historically meant to be or tolerated as damp and cool and dark) into true living-conditioned spaces? We say add four continuous control layers, access to daylight and egress, thermal comfort, and good acoustics—make it a place to thrive as well as live (and even escape).Pete's Resource(s):1. Steven Baczek YouTube: "Dirty Basement" vs Clean Basement....How to Plan for it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB2nD-0eUZs2. NDSU Extension Service "Foundation Insulation Effectiveness:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwn0Vjw_ji03. BSD-103: Understanding Basements - https://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-103-understanding-basements4. Hammer & Hand basement details: https://hammerandhand.com/residential/remodeling/basements/5. Negative Side Waterproofing (GBA blogs): https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/author/peterbilt

It's funny that Steve, a very nuts-n-bolts guy, hosts this largely philosophical episode. But all three of us agree:Separate symptoms from causes—It's easy to get distracted or engrossed in symptoms, but the causes lead to solutions.Solutions come much easier if you first identify the problem(s).Step back to move forward. It's always tempting to jump on the "obvious" solution, but it pays to understand completely before offering solutions.This episode's strength is how each of us—architect, builder, building investigator—uses the approach above to improve our jobs.Pete's Resource(s):Building Science Insights: https://buildingscience.com/bsc-document-type/building-science-insightsEnergy Vanguard blog Building Science 101 (but in the context of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance) - https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/building-science-101/Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built (Brand is one of a rare few building philosophers...and his book also is expressed in a 6-part video series - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Buildings_Learn#Book& https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Buildings_Learn#TV_series

Who would have thought that our buddy Steve would be more than OK with both off-site building and the homeowner acting as their own General Contractor? But combining Superior Walls for the foundation with Harvest Homes for all of the framing means the GC homeowner is dealing with far fewer trade contractors. Steve, Jake, and Pete walk through the advantages and challenges of offsite building.Pete's Resource(s):1. Offsite framing company Harvest Homes: https://www.harvesthomes.com2. BUILD Show episode on Pre-fab & Panelized Construction: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/how-building-professionals-can-incorporate-offsite-prefab-and-panelization-into-their-projects3. Modular Construction & Affordable Housing: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/increasing-affordable-housing-stock-through-modular-building/

1. What about whole-house ventilation systems (balanced, exhaust only, supply only) and their impact on pressure balance in homes? And do ERVs/HRVs accommodate pressure imbalances created by things like exhaust fans, stack effect, etc.?2. Per Steve: to butyl or not to butyl...For areas such as door sills, use butyl sealant or maybe acoustical sealant? We know how fond Steve is of Tremco acoustical sealant (a single-component, non-skinning non-hardening synthetic rubber sealant) so this topic gets the big guy on his horse...Pete's Resource(s):1. great info on residential ventilation and pressure balancing: https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-components/ventilation & https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-components/pressure-balancing2. Pete's BuildingGreen blog series called "Sticky Business" (including a couple or so blogs on liquid sealants): https://www.buildinggreen.com/stickybusiness

Tim Hill of Risinger build--Austin homebuilder for over 40 years--teamed up with Matt some 10+ years ago. Tim details his company's approach to architects, customers, and trades, including featuring building science in ALL aspects of their building company. The conversation aptly starts with the job site trailer carrying a Goodman mobile dehumidification unit parked just outside the build studio to the way in which Risinger build embraces remodeling in no small part because it provides such valuable feedback on how their homes perform over time.Pete's Resource(s):1. Building Science 101 with Matt Risinger & Steve Baczek - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QthBdsyxAN82. John Abrams' The Company We Keep - https://www.southmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SoMoCo_Feature_hr.pdf3. Job Site Dehumidifiers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ladLLd_z1wo

One of the most interesting ways to accomplish a high-performance below-grade wall is with Precast Concrete panels. Both Steve and Pete have worked on projects using Superior Walls, the leading US manufacturer of these panels. Certainly, it is not the least expensive way to do a foundation, but this system has a ton of advantages: it is completely engineered by the manufacturer, no cast footing is needed, and it can be completed in a day (REGARDLESS of the weather…).Pete's Resource(s):1. Superior Walls - superiorwalls.comNOTE: Jake/Steve/Pete are not aware of any other US companies that manufacture precast foundation wall panels.2. BUILD SHOW Superior Walls - buildshownetwork.com/contents/in-depth-look-superior-walls?page=18

1. Actually 3 questions--can you/how do you/should you vent a pyramidal roof with dormers? (PS - I just had to look up the pronunciation of "pyramidal"--I found both pronunciations...). 2. How do I configure for adequate air supply and noise control for a heat pump water heater (HPWH) in a 1400 square foot, tight home in Montana?And then, I would like to apologize for Steve and his: "A polar bear walks into a bar..."Resource(s):1. Venting hip roofs - https://inspectapedia.com/ventilation/Hard_to_Vent_Roofs.php2. HPWH ducting strategies (CZ 2 - 4) - https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy16osti/64860.pdf3. Northwest testing of CO2 HPWH - https://www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/Sanden%20HPWH_FINAL_rev%2011-24-15.pdf4. BUILD SHOW Aarow Building (Jake) Fujitsu water heater - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQA-obhpKo

The boys INTEND to tackle TWO submitted questions but only manage one: Are open-joint claddings better moisture-managed better than traditional lap claddings? This episode is quite the mix of banter, building science, and building history. And note that the last resource in the list below is a great short video with Joe Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation on open-joint claddings.Pete's Resource(s):1. wikipedia definition of cladding - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cladding_(construction)2. wikipedia definition of lapstrake - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinker_(boat_building)3. Open joint/rainscreen cladding history - https://www.climate-shield.com/european-climate-shield-history (Note 1st reference: "Rainscreen Cladding: A Guide to Design Principles and Practice."4. "Cup of Joe - Open-joint cladding systems" - https://buildingscience.com/conversation/cup-joe-open-joint-cladding-systems

Listener Bill B poses this question and the boys run with it for the whole podcast: "Can you share the details and the reasons for installing flangeless windows in different planes of deep wall assemblies?" Lots to consider here in terms of ALL of the control layers and their continuity.Pete's Resource(s):- BSC Window Installation Sequence: https://buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0407-installing-a-window-with-building-paper-on-osb-over-wood-frame-wall/view- Steve Baczek BUILD SHOW Build: Boston Ep. 8 - "Window installation Pt. 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcoMihs6hHQ- Steve Baczek BUILD SHOW Build: Boston Ep. 8 - "Window installation Pt. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzktfcFNVEA- Pete's YouTube series "WIngnut Water Testing Windows" - https://www.youtube.com/@peteryost7876/playlists

You know the boys get weepy over water pretty easily, but Steve's focus on starting with the site drives this podcast. The site is the context for the building, and broadening to site water management can really take the load off of building assembly water management. This podcast is all about digging deeper into building (sorry, just could not resist...). Pete's Resource(s): 1. Pete has a series of YouTube video clips on building assessment, with the first 3 dealing with water: groundwater, site surface water, and building load. Take a look...https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2pL2KVsx9SCcqQBdEjbiYfI3AouC1CoL 2. Superior Walls foundation system: https://www.superiorwalls.com 3. Great Read: Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_Repose 4. This resource is more about land development at the community level, but cool site water management techniques, regardless: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/low-impact-development-technologies

We have a big announcement this week as we return to our first time having Matt Risinger on the podcast.

Jake and his builder team--Luke Mann, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--work through all sorts of cool, key approaches to consider with your trades:·      Paying subs in 21 days·      Scheduling a site visit for a new potential sub·      Pulling subs into the bidding process ·      Using suppliers to evaluate potential new subs ·      Trade team kickoff meeting to get everyone on the same page/schedule ·      Setting up debriefs to keep things going well ·      Reducing risk with a stronger trade team

Jake takes his builder team--Luke Man, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--through this final topic with questions like:- Do you want your company to grow? (These guys vary in size from 2 to 16...)- How do you decide when to hire and who to hire? - Are you working in the business or on the business?- Do you have a company culture that suits your team and clients?- How do you delegate/empower/"let go" as your company changes or grows?

Luke Mann (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design) work through this topic with host Jake Bruton. Key concepts include carefully distinguishing punch list vs. additional scope of work; covering closeout in project-starting customer expectations document; an extended comparison of builder closeout process to a new car purchase; dealing with "closeout-creep."

This is Q&A with Adult Supervision: Kohta Ueno. Kohta is so efficient we nailed SIX building enclosure questions: Listener Gagan - reconfiguring existing walls with new control layers; Listener Bill: the need for dedicated vent space with vertical metal siding on ICF walls; Listener Michael - rainscreens for roofs instead of walls; Listener Sean - best detail for using mineral wool (exterior continuous rigid insulation) on a roof; Listener Miles - hip roof in Arkansas best practice: vented roof, vented attic, what type of insulation; Pete asks Kohta's cut on ORNL's new BuildingScienceAdvisor.Pete's Resource(s):1. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 1 - Air) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/?s=how+to+look+at+a+house+like+a+building+scientist2. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 2 - Heat) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-2-heat3. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 3 -Temperature, Humidity & HVAC) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-3-temperature-humidity-and-hvac-systems4. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 4 - Water) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-4-water5. Building Science Advisor: https://bsa.ornl.gov

Jake hooks up with the same custom builder team Luke Mann - Rangeline Homes https://www.rangelinehomes.comJackson Andrews - Building & Design https://jacksonandrewsbuilding.comShane Durkin, Patriot High-Performance Homes https://www.buildpatriot.comFor a roundtable discussion on the ideal client. Key topics include vetting clients by matching company strengths to client expectations and budget; the two-way street of trust and respect; the importance of references or background checks (they go both ways);  pre-construction services to move the project forward; and finally, red flags...as both warnings AND opportunities.

Guest Reuben Rudisill is Huber's Research, Development, & Innovation engineer, joining Jake & Pete from the Building Science Corporation Summer Symposium in Westford, MA. Jake & Pete know just enough to get in trouble when it comes to structural details of ZIP, ZIP-R, and Advantech Huber OSB panels, so Reuben quite gently sets these guys straight on how high-performance OSB is manufactured and tested, how fasteners are as important as the panels, and what you can and cannot do with each of Huber's panels. The podcast does close out nicely with how important friendships are in the building business world (we could get this "touchy-and-feely" because Steve was "missing" for this podcast...).Pete's Resource(s):1. Huber Technical Support: https://www.huberwood.com/technical-support2. Solid Panel System - https://bbe.umn.edu/research/perfect-wall-building-and-delivery-system

Join Jake and Steve as they chat with Ross Trethewey, of TE2 Engineering and This Old House, at Building Science Summer Camp 2023.Check out TE2 Engineering

Steve calls SketchUp his electronic clay model which he can use with his builder, his enclosure consultant, and his clients. Pete gives up the dirt on WebSoilSurvey, the 1st tool he uses on every project design/spec review. Jake heads home for his favorite tool - his new Aarow Building office. Last but not least: Steve returns with his 2nd favorite tool--the field. Getting out to job sites and seeing his design work play out as a process--no substitute and this tool is key to Pete and Jake as well.NOTE: You have to listen to the entire podcast to understand the Good Fellows reference...but it is worth the wait. Has Pete seen it yet? He is still not sure...Pete's Resource(s):1. Sketch-Up: 3-D rendering of 2-D plan set - https://www.sketchup.com2. WebSoilSurvey: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/app/3. Aarow Building Office: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/how-our-office-has-improved-our-business4. THE "FIELD:" https://buildshownetwork.com/go/stevebaczek5. What might be the Frank Lloyd Wright quote Steve is seeking: "An architect's most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking bar at the site."6. Good Fellows - the movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodfellas 

What should we monitor, and what do we do about elevated levels of indoor pollutants? Air temperature, relative humidity, parts per million CO2, PM 2.5Pete's Resource(s): - "Measuring (and Understanding) Humidity" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/measuring-and-understanding-humidity- "Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health" - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health- World Health Organization "Radiation - Electromagnetic Fields" - https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-electromagnetic-fields- IQAir Visual Pro - https://www.iqair.com/ca/air-quality-monitors

The top leading edge of a PSA tape running horizontally is not weather-lapped or mechanically attached, depending solely on the adhesion of that top edge to the substrate to keep water out of the WRB/PSA tape system. Are ALL PSA tapes in WRB systems self-terminating? Is there a way to quantify the top-edge adhesion that makes the tape self-terminating? The boys go at it over this one!Pete's Resource(s):1. Pete's blogs on Wingnut PSA Tape Testing - Pete wrote over a half dozen blogs on his tape testing. Go to www.buildinggreen.com and search using the term "wingnut tape."2. GBA Blog: Housewrap Tape Problems (Jeff Hoch) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/housewrap-tape-problems3. GBA blog: Combining Sheathing with a WRB and Air Barrier  - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/combining-sheathing-with-a-wrb-and-air-barrier4. Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) Test Methods - https://pstc.org/test-methods/

Our homes use way more water than you think they need to. The boys dive deep into water efficiency and performance, from toilets to showerheads to hot water recirc systems.Pete's Resource(s):1. EPA Water Sense: https://www.epa.gov/watersense2.  2016 AWWA Residential End Uses of Water - https://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/ETS/Resources/WaterConservationResidential_End_Uses_of_Water.pdf3. Gary Klein Efficient Hot Water Systems - https://coloradowaterwise.org/Resources/Documents/Green%20Plumbers/Gary_Klein_Protocol_for_Evaluating_a_HWDS.pdf4. BuildingGreen Water Efficiency: https://www.buildinggreen.com/water-efficiency

Despite how consistently and relentlessly the boys have dissed ICFs, this episode takes ICFs seriously and fairly (or as best as Jake, Steve, and Pete are capable of...).Pete's Resource(s)1. "Costs & Benefits of Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Construction" (https://www.huduser.gov/publications/pdf/icfbenefit.pdf): A bit dated but still useful given that the PATH program (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) is a decent backdrop for a fair analysis of this building technology.2. "Air Leakage of Insulated Concrete Form Houses" (https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/72627): Interesting that this energy modeling research reports less than significant air leakage advantage of ICFs compared to wood frame single-family houses.

Four Cool Questions: 1 - Airtight Drywall Approach from Aussie Sean; 2 - Continuous Insulation (moving from below-grade to above-grade walls) from UBIP buddy Ian;3 - Frost Protected Shallow Foundations (anonymous) ; 4 - Roof penetrations from Jake's IG buddy JeffPete's Resource(s):1. Myron Ferguson ADA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhv9iFE3AY42. "A Slick Transition from Foundation Insulation to Wall Sheathing" - https://www.protradecraft.com/detail/slick-transition-foundation-insulation-wall-sheathing3. "Revised Builder's Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations" - https://www.homeinnovation.com/~/media/Files/Reports/Revised-Builders-Guide-to-Frost-Protected-Shallow-Foundations.pdf4. "Which Penetrations Cause Roof Damage?" - https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/which-roof-penetrations-cause-water-damage/NOTE/CORRECTION: Pete got one of his units of measure wrong when stating the standard for an airtight building material. He stated "per meter.." (linear) when the correct metric is "per meter SQUARED..." (area) (See https://www.wrmeadows.com/air-barriers/technical-bulletin-standards-explained-astm-e-2178-standard-test-method-air-permeance-building-materials/)

This week the UBIP takes on the topic of control. Jake tries to convince Peter and Steve that the hierarchy we address the four control layers is wrong. Can Jake turn Peter or Steve to his dark side of ideas? Probably not, but the conversation is still valid. Where do you land?

Lots to consider from frame to finish in terms of materials and connection to main structure. The boys agreed that--for bulk water management--attaching the deck ledger to the main structure should be done either for lateral stability only or with the ledger spaced out from the main structure.Pete's Resource(s):1. FPL Deck Guide: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/pdf1997/falk97d.pdf (dated, yes, but seminal and it's written by an FPL great: BoB Falk)2. AWC Residential Wood Deck Design - https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/StructureMag-DCA62012-StructuralSpecifications-1704.pdf3. BSC Information Sheet 304 - Integrating Deck Ledger Board with Drainage Plane - https://buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/integrating-deck-ledger-board-with-drainage-plane

Space conditioning loads can be managed by building professionals through building enclosure and mechanical system efficiency--easy-peasy. But what about the loads determined by occupants and their behavior: domestic hot water, appliance, lighting and plug loads? The boys load up to tackle all kinds of issues and loads connecting energy efficiency and thermal comfort; connecting generation and distribution; connecting human behavior and energy efficiency.Pete's Resource(s):1. Thermal Comfort Research in Autos and Buildings: Center for the Built Environment - https://cbe.berkeley.edu/research-category/indoor-environmental-quality/personal-comfort-systems/2. Texas hill country research and innovation, including water collection: Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems - https://www.cmpbs.org3. Residential Program Guide - https://rpsc.energy.gov/energy-data-facts4. GBA "Tackling the Plug Load Problem" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/tackling-the-plug-load-problem

From environmental footprint and slump tests to value-engineered footings and post-tension slabs, the boys do some solid coverage of concrete in buildings. While Pete suggested this topic, Steve goes from skeptical to the leader on all things concrete.Pete's Resource(s):1. Concrete carbon footprint: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/reducing-concretes-hefty-carbon-footprint 2. BS & Beer Tackles Concrete: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-bs-beer-show-the-science-of-concrete3. BSC moisture-resistant foundations: https://buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0206-foundations-moisture-resistant-construction4. Hoover Dam Construction: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/history/essays/concrete.html5. Post-tension concrete slab foundations: https://www.concretenetwork.com/post-tension/basics.html