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Unbuild It | Episode 161: Back to Basics Part 1 - The Water Control Layer
This is the first of a 4-part series focusing on the essential elements of water management. As Steve says, water is the number one killer of buildings. No sense in working on the other 3 layers--air, vapor, and thermal--without fully handling liquid water. The boys start with the roof — since this part of the building gets the most water. And no surprise that managing water gets a lot easier starting with design to move water off the building. Patterns of wetting on buildings--both new and historic--reveal the basics of water movement that leads to management. And let’s not forget that water moves up nearly as well as it moves down: capillarity.
PETE'S RESOURCES:
Joe Lstiburek's "Moisture Control for Buildings:"
"Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction, and Maintenance:"
"Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold:"
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Episodes
Unbuild It | Episode 164: Thermal Control Layers Explained
Episode 164
In the final episode of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down the thermal control layer, from insulation and R-values to thermal bridging and continuity. Learn why effective thermal performance depends on all four building control layers—water, air, vapor, and thermal—working together.
Unbuild It | Episode 162: Back to Basics: Air Control Layers Explained
Episode 162
The boys break down key building science principles for creating effective control layers, with a special focus on airtightness. From maintaining continuity and simplifying installation to blower door testing and understanding what drives air leaks, this episode offers practical guidance for building tighter, better-performing homes.
Unbuild It | Episode 159: 3Qs: Climate Zone 7 T&G Ceiling, Aging in Place Design, and Alternative PreFab Foundations
Episode 159
This Q&A episode tackles listener questions on ZIP sheathing vs. Smart Vapor Retarder for cold-climate ceilings, zero-threshold exterior doors and Universal Design, and innovative wood-based alternatives to concrete foundations. The discussion wraps up with a look at below-grade SIP foundation systems and plenty of valuable resources for deeper exploration.
Unbuild It | Episode 158: The Doctor is In - Retired building scientist and pulmonary physician Nathan Yost
Episode 158
Steve and Pete welcome Nathan Yost to discuss Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), exploring how building materials, indoor environments, and evolving medical understanding can impact those living with sensitivities. Nathan shares insights from years of working with clients, while Steve recounts recent projects where MCS dramatically influenced design decisions, specifications, and material choices—including one project in a surprising "dead zone."
