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#742: Clear Finishes, Site-Built Scaffolding, and Foundation for a Wet Site

⏱️ 58:40 🎀 Patrick McCombe, Ian Schwandt, Grant Baver, Cari Delahanty
AUDIO EPISODE
#742: Clear Finishes, Site-Built Scaffolding, and Foundation for a Wet Site
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Sponsor: Redwood & Verx
    The episode begins with a promotional message for Redwood lumber and Exceed siding by Verx.
  • 2:06
    Hydraulic Drivers Review
    Grant shares his experience testing various hydraulic impact drivers, highlighting their reduced noise and hand torque compared to traditional models.
  • 4:29
    Water Conditioner Efficacy
    The hosts discuss the effectiveness and maintenance of saltless water conditioning systems for hard water, and their environmental impact.
  • 6:41
    Site-Built Scaffolding
    Anna's question about building site-built scaffolding leads to a discussion on safe dimensions, stability, and securing temporary structures.
  • 50:51
    Modular Home Foundations
    Chris asks for advice on building a modular home on a challenging wet site, focusing on helical piers, eaves, and air sealing strategies.
  • 11:26
    Trade Guild History
    Ian explains the historical reasons behind the absence of master carpenter designations in North America, referencing European guild systems and relevant books.

Speakers

P
Patrick McCombe
I
Ian Schwandt
Host β€” Fine Home building contributing editor and operations manager for TDS Design Build
G
Grant Baver
Host β€” Fine Home building associate editor
C
Cari Delahanty
Host β€” producer

Key Takeaways

✦

When building temporary scaffolding, prioritize stability by building them well, widening the base for height, and tying them back to the building for increased safety.

✦

For modular homes, focus on air sealing where modules connect, as marriage walls are notorious for leaks, and consider a blower door test with theatrical fog to identify problem areas.

✦

When choosing a water conditioning system, be aware of the maintenance and replacement costs of saltless systems, which can be expensive despite addressing brine disposal concerns.

✦

If a building site is prone to flooding, consider an elevated foundation with breakaway walls and ensure mechanicals are not in the crawl space to minimize damage during flood events.

✦

For helical pier foundations, rely on the specified torque for bearing capacity rather than arbitrary depth, and consult regional franchisees of reputable companies like Goliath Pier, Technometal Post, or Ram Jack for installation.

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