#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets
Release Date: 05/30/2025
#691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ryan describes living with a ground-source heat pump. Zack says there are better options than bronze for weatherstripping. David asks about replacing his vinyl siding and fixing a slab that slopes the wrong way. Jeff wonders why house have pitched roof and commercial building have flat roofs. Ian, Brian and Patrick discuss what’s new in Fine Homebuilding and Podcast feedback before answering listener questions. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Ground source heat pumps and their operation What’s a good-looking and durable...
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#690: Sharpening Chisels, Running Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Dack says build a fireplace and enjoy it. Chip asks about the best ways to sharpen chisels. Kit wonders if there’s a way to easily change and upgrade wiring using existing baseboard. The crew talks about the pluses and drawbacks of cedar shingle panels Mike and Grant help Patrick answer listener questions and talk about the challenges to building and remodeling houses. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Sharpening methods for planes and chisels Planning for future line- and low-voltage wiring Cedar shingles...
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#689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Greg describes radon control system for a stone foundation. Ground water and radon expert Guy describes a typical radon-control system. Matt asks how to improve the airtightness of his basement garage. Alec asks about spot ERVs. The crew talks about recent changes to paint stripper formulas. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Controlling radon in new and old houses Effective air-sealing and insulation for tuck-under garages Are safer paint strippers as effective as methylene chloride Have a question or topic you...
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#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Steve describes the problems and fixes for masonry chimneys. Alex thinks his ridge vent is mistakenly blocked. Jordan and Katherine ask about buying fixer-uppers. Kerry wonders if he should flash a deck ledger with a drainage space. Brain and Ian help Patrick answer listener questions about vapor retarders under ridge vents, potential profits and pitfalls from fixer-uppers, and best practice for flashing ledgers spaced from the wall for drainage. Tune in to Episode 688 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Should there be a vapor- or...
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#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Connor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen’s row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray foam. Patrick asks about building your own cabinets. Grant, Ian and Patrick talk about the challenges of roof work in a busy city, choosing the right insulation for new builds and the challenges and payoff of building your own kitchen cabinets and built-ins. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The materials and methods for...
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#686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
John reminds the Podcast that not too long ago FHB magazine commonly had fireplace ads. Michael thinks bionic arms can help with drywall sanding. Austin asks for advice on building brick steps. Alex wonders if a ground-source heat pump is right for his new house. George asks about a foundation for a greenhouse. Tune in to Episode 686 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Will forgoing a fireplace sacrifice marital bliss Where you can learn more about brick steps in FHB The pros and cons of ground-source heat pumps Shallow foundations for outbuildings ...
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#685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotting Walls
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Pel says shares a NY Times story describing the challenges of being a legit contractor. Eric asks how to fix the drywall above his shower unit. Chris wonders if there’s an easy way to add an air barrier above his tongue-and-groove ceiling. Mike is trying to fix a wall rotted by a patio poured against it. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to patch drywall subject to wetting Stopping air movement through a paneled ceiling Hot to fix a wall that with concrete poured against it Have a question or topic you want us to talk...
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#684: Masonry Heaters Whole-House Ventilation, Porch Flooring
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Home ventilation systems and respect for old houses is the focus of conversation in this information-packed episode. The team talks about masonry heaters, ductwork for an ERV, and the absence of the perfect porch flooring. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What is a masonry heater and why you'd want one Whole-house ventilation and the risk of poor indoor air-quality The right material for porch flooring Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check...
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#683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Adam says scouting is introducing young people to trade work. Ian, Grant, and Patrick talk about cooling and preventing radon in a barndominum. Spenser asks if he needs an ERV. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making a big building comfortable and radon-free The challenges of hydronic cooling When do you need an ERV and HVAC planning Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: ➡️ Sign up for ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social...
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#682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Steve has photos of tree roots that broke up a concrete slab. Ian, Grant and Patrick talk about Nate’s basement flooring and vapor control. Zachary shows the architectural treasures he found at salvage shops. Nick asks if a well-sealed crawlspace can distribute conditioned air. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Sensible options for basement flooring Treasures found at architectural salvage shops Effective HVAC distribution and efficient heating and cooling Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the...
info_outlineConnor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen’s row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray foam. Patrick asks about building your own cabinets.
Grant, Ian and Patrick talk about the challenges of roof work in a busy city, choosing the right insulation for new builds and the challenges and payoff of building your own kitchen cabinets and built-ins.
Tune in to Episode 687 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
- The materials and methods for replacing a flat roof in an urban setting
- The merits and pitfalls of spray foam insulation
- Building your own frameless and face-frame cabinets
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 687
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