#721: Window Heat Pumps, Collecting Tools, and the Right Roof Insulation
Release Date: 01/23/2026
#736: Tool Theft, Durable Clear Finishes, and Cracked Foundations
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Brian and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Brian talks about interesting things happening at FHB and Ian describes what he’ll be covering at his class during the fine Homebuilding Summit. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Tool theft in the US, UK, and Canada and its effect on trade workers The pros and cons to clear finishes Cracks in a concrete foundation and who fixes them Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ➡️ Check Out the Full Show...
info_outline
#735: FHB Summit, Slab Foundation Insulation, and Flipper Fixer-Upper
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Brian, Ian and Patrick talk about plans for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit. James shares his advice for insulating and air-sealing attic knee walls. Chris wonders if window manufacturers should be teaching installers how to flash windows. Heather asks how to detail a slab on grade foundation with interior stem wall insulation. Ian seeks advice on addressing a previous owners questionable upgrades. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Barrier versus drainage methods of flashing windows Insulating a slab on grade foundation Sizing up and undoing a previous...
info_outline
#734: Extension Jambs, Ventilation for Multifamily Buildings, and Fitting Doors
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian and Grant help Patrick Adress listener feedback and answer their questions about ventilation for a small apartment building and the best way to fit doors when the floor slopes around them. David discusses bath tub drains in Japan and Taiwan. Will shares tips for airtight windows with tight fitting extension jambs. Greg asks about ventilation for his four-unit apartment building. Jim wonders if he should scribe door bottoms to match sloping floors. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Adjusting windows so extension jambs are tight-fitting and uniform...
info_outline
#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Grant and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Grant gives an update on current editorial assignments and travel. Randy shares what’s going on at Green Building Advisor and current building investigations. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Theoretical and real seasonal moisture accumulation in double-stud walls Starting a second career in residential construction The best way to install hardwood flooring on concrete slabs Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ...
info_outline
#732: Indoor Humidity, Spreading Kneewalls, and Interior Air Barriers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Vince and Chris share thoughts on maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. Benoît considers strengthening his outbuilding with spreading kneewalls. Anna wonders what interior air barrier is right when drywall is off the table. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Humidifying interior spaces without creating condensation Fixing a 1 1/2 story building with a sagging ridge and spreading walls Creating an interior air barrier behind wood paneling without drywall Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at . ...
info_outline
#731: Risks of CO, Proper Painting Sequence, and Detailing Felt WRBs
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Marc describes the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Jim thinks that complex heating and cooling systems require coordination between trades. Corey asks about the right order to paint new walls and trim. Mike and Andrew ask for more discussion of asphalt felt water resistive barriers. Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: · The real risks of malfunctioning combustion appliances ...
info_outline
#730: Septic Fix, Insulating a Cape, and Ducts in Plenum Trusses
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Paul shares an update on his septic system saga. Mike Guertin asks Ian about impact drivers. John asks about insulating the knee walls and roof of his Cincinnati-area Cape. Jim is building a ranch-style house and asks about using plenum trusses to hide heating and air conditioning ducts. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. The crew shares updates on current projects. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: A simple upgrade to make septic system maintenance easier The pros and cons of spray-foaming a 50’s...
info_outline
#729: Robots, Construction Second Career, and Building on Piers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Matt doesn’t think robots and AI will make us live like the Jetsons. Mike updates us on his owner/builder house and making a career change to construction. Miranda is looking for advice on air-sealing and insulating the floor of a house partially built on piers. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer the construction building science questions. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Technology and its effect on the construction industry Making a career change to residential construction Warm and dry...
info_outline
#728: Too Much Stuff, ERV Ductwork, and Spray Foam Under Paneling
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback about storing tools and stuff. Brett is designing a whole house ventilation system and asks about the right way to duct his system. A Fine Homebuilding web member inquires about closed-cell foam insulation installed behind walls covered with nickel-gap paneling. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How much storage and stuff is enough The options for fully ducted balanced ventilation systems The best insulation and vapor control for wood-paneled wall Have a question or topic you...
info_outline
#727: Dehumidification, Freestanding Tubs, and Crawlspace Vapor Barriers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Scott shares his thoughts on whole-house dehumidification. Ian asks about light fixtures and tile waterproofing for a Euro-style bathroom. Sean wonders if a crawlspace vapor barrier will make his mudsills wet. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Using an ERV to help distribute dehumidified air Waterproofing Euro-style bathrooms Crawlspace vapor barriers and water management 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 ...
info_outlineChris shares a news story about recently-introduced window-mounted heat pumps. Mason describes the joy that comes from using top shelf tools, even if it’s once or twice a year. Alex asks about installing spray foam under roof sheathing and exterior roof insulation.
Tune in to Episode 721 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
- Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and apartments
- Finding space and spending money for good tools
- The right way to combine interior and exterior roof insulation
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 721
➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.