#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
Release Date: 06/06/2025
#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...
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#681: Rotting Trim, Leaky Concrete Roof, and DIY Radiant Floor
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Rob tells new builders not to fall for tool marketing from retailers. Charles describes rebuilding after wildfire. Matt asks about fixing rot and oddly-placed WRBs. Kurt’s garage roof is leaking. Scott is replacing his basement slab and adding in-floor heat. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Fixing a house with a missing water-resistive barrier (WRB) Domed concrete roofs and how to make them waterproof Replacing a concrete floor in an existing basement Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show?...
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#680: Knob and Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Derek shares thoughts on waterproofing shower panels. Kerry has favorite corded and cordless tools. Matt asks if knob and tube wiring is safe. Neils is wrapping his head around air leaks and vapor diffusion. Dale asks why Grant hates gutter covers. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making custom shower panels watertight What to do when you find knob and tube wiring Do gutter covers cause more problems than they solve Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check...
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679: Steamy Storm Doors, New Fireplaces, and Basement Insulation
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Matthew says Vermont is like the Wild West. Jerry has photos of the greediest dormer ever. Kevin shares a story about schools bringing back shop class. Russell asks about his wet storm doors. Alex and Jeff ponder fireplaces in their new builds. Jason wonders if he should remove the insulation in his basement ceiling. Tune in to Episode 679 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Why condensation occurs on door and window glass Why fireplaces are a bad idea for heating The right place to put basement insulation Have a question or topic you want...
info_outlineSteve 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 air-control material under ridge vents
- Buying a new home far from your current home
- Do you need flashing when deck ledgers have drainage spaces
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 688
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