UnBuild It | Episode 143: Steep Cathedral /Vaulted Roofs & 6-sided Containment of Air-Permeable Insulation

A great discussion of a slew of choices for cathedral roof systems: solid-sawn rafters vs scissor truss, smart vapor retarder vs poly, optimal roof pitch(es), venting topside vs underneath vs unvented. And then the last 10 minutes cover a pesky building science phenomenon: what the heck is 6-sided containment of air-permeable insulation, and how does that connect to attic insulation R-values?

UnBuild It | Episode 144: Tips for Young Builders with Tim Hill - Risinger Build

Jake, Steve, and Tim Hill offer valuable tips for young builders: focus on capital, budget talk, customer service, accuracy, marketing, selectivity, professionalism, saying no, finding your niche, and maintaining work-life balance.

UnBuild It Podcast - Live Recording!

Tune in to the UnBuild It Podcast at Build Show LIVE for lively discussions on building science, business management, and industry events.

UnBuild It | Episode 147: Dehumidification in Dry Climates and Vented Crawlspaces? Seriously?

It is not recommended to rely solely on an ERV for dehumidification, as it is not its primary function. Using a dehumidifier in a vented crawlspace can be effective.

UnBuild It | Episode 146: A Deep Dive--Windows

Important considerations for window and glass selection include dual vs triple pane IGUs, i89 coating, center-of-glass vs NFRC performance numbers, and their impact on thermal performance.

UnBuild It | Episode 145: High-Performance HVAC Ducting and Appliance Exhaust

Properly designing HVAC ducts and registers is crucial for thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency, while coordinating with building design.

UnBuild It | Episode 148: Dumb Ideas? Vented Crawls & Window Frame "Over-Insulation"

Crawlspaces have a varied history in the US, and proper insulation is key. Over-insulating window frames is a low priority in most climate zones.

UnBuild It | Episode 141: BUILDING SCIENCE NAIVETE? You heard it here first!

All of us in the industry have projects--likely early in our careers--that we just either cringe about or wonder how the heck we got away with that one? The boys wax nostalgic about stories of their naivety over the years, turning them into valuable lessons learned. Actual building topics include spray foam, sill sealer, combining blower door & IR imaging, slab-on-grade insulation, and rainscreens.

UnBuild It | Episode 142: Sage Advice for Young Architects

Seriously? These 3 clowns are sages? The discussion includes how to select the "right” school? How much should a school include building science compared to learning it on the job? And what about even just the 4 control layers? And all three of us stand squarely with Steve: if you want to design buildings, get out on the job site first, second, and last over the course of your prep and your years on the job. And then take what you learn at the site to improve the information transfer you accomplish with your drawings! Pete's Resources see the links below.

UnBuild It | Episode 140: Window Installation: Can We Do Better?

Installing windows is getting more, not less, complicated. Pete lobbies for a different, more durable, and simpler gasket installation of windows. Steve and Jake weigh in with their insights and challenges to what Pete is up to. And a bonus: with Steve and Jake's help, Pete creates a new word: "Poninions" (Pete crashed the words opinions and positions, and his "friends" just could not let it slide).

UnBuild It | Episode 138: Finding a High-Performance Builder

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If you can't find an experienced high-performance builder, then find an experienced builder who is willing to listen and learn! And add in time and money in the budget for that listening and learning. The same can go for your architect. But as Steve says: "SOMEONE has to drive the bus. Put on your big boy pants and move your business to the next level."

UnBuild It | Episode 137: Another Two-Fer: Thermally Broken Basement Slab-to-Superior Wall Panel Connection and Exterior Sump Pumps

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All 3 UBIP podcasters are fond of the Superior Wall System, but connecting the extended "foot" of the foundation wall panel to the basement slab is a bit tricky. But not for Steve, but of course. And while sump pumps OUTSIDE are a mystery to Pete, Jake & Steve walk Pete through it. And a bonus: using gravel to spread the structural load and better manage the water load. All that and a "joke" by Steve to-just-die-for...