#693: Hazards in Houses, Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
Release Date: 07/11/2025
#697: Sound Control, Insulating Shed Roofs, and Low-Yield Wells
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian and Randy help Patrick answer listener questions about building a quiet house and sound-control strategies for new and existing homes and then the Podcast revisits its roots discussing roof venting of low-slope shed roofs. Finally they talk about how to get more water from a low-yield well. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Residential sound control challenges and solutions How to insulate and ventilate shed roofs and What’s a low-yield well and strategies for increasing available water Have a question or topic you...
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#696: Fire Prevention, Heat Pumps and Extreme Temperatures, and Rain in Gable Vents
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Will ICF foundations burn? Do modern materials destroy old houses? Do heat pumps peter out in hot temperatures? Can you prevent rain from coming in gable vents? Grant and Mike help Patrick address FHB Podcast feedback and answer listener questions. Tune in to The FHB Podcast 696 to learn about these and other topics. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Preventing house fires through smart design Is there a drop in heat pump performance in very hot conditions Is there a way to prevent rain from coming in gable vents Have a question or...
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#695: Saving Bricks, Cut and Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian, Brian, and producer Cari Delahanty join Patrick in talking about Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What to do with the bricks from a demolished chimney Is it okay to cut and cobble rigid insulation in roof assemblies Foundation waterproofing and its effect on concrete Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: ➡️ Learn about the ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: ...
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#694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian and Randy join Patrick in talking about how a lack of makeup air limits ventilation effectiveness and why a builder might install seven minisplits in a typically-sized home. They talk about the challenges of add-a-level additions and how to keep the water out during construction. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Effective ventilation using bath fans The pros and cons of using minisplits for heating and cooling Off-site panels and modules for add-a-level additions Have a question or topic you want us to talk...
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#693: Hazards in Houses, Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Jerry says to look for hazardous materials when considering fixer-uppers. Ryan asks about building Larsen trusses. Daniel asks if there’s a place for AI in construction. Ian, Brian and Patrick help listeners with their building questions and talk about what’s new in the world of residential construction and Fine Homebuilding. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What are Larsen trusses and how to build them Hazardous materials that might be found in a fixer-upper Figuring out how AI can help build better buildings Have a question...
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#692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Brian, Grant and Patrick hear about a renewed interest in trade education and consider carbon accounting in the Canadian Building Code before discussing envelope improvements for an old houses. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Does green accounting belong in building codes What are the risks of insulating a roof with rigid insulation The right way to approach envelope improvements in an old house Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check Out the...
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#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...
info_outlineJerry says to look for hazardous materials when considering fixer-uppers. Ryan asks about building Larsen trusses. Daniel asks if there’s a place for AI in construction. Ian, Brian and Patrick help listeners with their building questions and talk about what’s new in the world of residential construction and Fine Homebuilding.
Tune in to Episode 693 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
- What are Larsen trusses and how to build them
- Hazardous materials that might be found in a fixer-upper
- Figuring out how AI can help build better buildings
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 693
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