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#696: Fire Prevention, Heat Pumps and Extreme Temperatures, and Rain in Gable Vents

⏱️ 49:33 🎀 Patrick McCombe, Mike Guertin, Grant Baver, Cari Delahanty
AUDIO EPISODE
#696: Fire Prevention, Heat Pumps and Extreme Temperatures, and Rain in Gable Vents
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Chapters

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  • 1:54
    Podcast Introduction
    The hosts and producer are introduced, and listeners are encouraged to email questions.
  • 3:15
    Large Patio Doors
    Grant discusses his upcoming article on large lift-and-slide patio doors, their engineering, and installation challenges.
  • 10:35
    Cedar Shingle Dormers
    Mike shares his experience installing white cedar shingles on his shed dormers using templates for efficiency.
  • 21:24
    Fire Prevention & ICFs
    The team reads listener feedback on fire prevention, specifically covering ICF foundations with drywall, and discusses code enforcement.
  • 31:53
    Preservation Trades & Modern Methods
    A listener from the Preservation Trades Network invites FHB to their workshop, sparking a conversation about integrating historic and modern building techniques.
  • 43:13
    Heat Pumps & Extreme Temperatures
    Mike and the team address a listener's question about heat pump efficiency in hot weather, discussing potential issues like refrigerant leaks and building load.
  • 55:41
    Rain in Gable Vents
    The hosts offer solutions to a listener's problem with windblown rain and snow entering gable vents, including ridge vents and air sealing.

Speakers

P
Patrick McCombe
Host β€” senior editor
M
Mike Guertin
Host β€” editorial advisor
G
Grant Baver
Host β€” associate editor
C
Cari Delahanty
producer

Key Takeaways

✦

When installing large patio doors, prioritize robust engineering, especially for gasketing, to ensure weather-tightness and energy efficiency.

✦

For projects like cedar shingle installation on steep roofs, pre-cutting and templating materials on the ground can significantly improve efficiency and safety.

✦

Always adhere to building codes regarding fire protection for foam plastic insulation (like ICFs), even if inspectors don't explicitly require it, to ensure safety and prevent toxic smoke in a fire.

✦

When dealing with heat pump performance issues in extreme temperatures, first check for refrigerant leaks, clean coils, and ensure proper sizing for the building's load. Also consider overall building envelope performance.

✦

Gable end vents are often less effective for roof ventilation than ridge vents. Consider replacing them with a ridge vent system for better air flow and to prevent wind-driven moisture intrusion.

✦

Before modifying roof ventilation, assess the building for thermal bypasses or air leaks in the ceiling air barrier, as these can lead to condensation issues in the attic, mimicking roof leaks.

✦

Embrace skills from preservation trades, such as effective hand tool use, as they can provide versatile solutions in modern construction and improve craftsmanship.

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