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#710: Windows With Exterior Insulation, Double-Stud Walls, and Basement Remodeling

⏱️ 54:51 🎤 Ian Schwandt, Brian Pontolilo, Randy Williams, Andres Samaniego
AUDIO EPISODE
#710: Windows With Exterior Insulation, Double-Stud Walls, and Basement Remodeling
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Chapters

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  • 0:25
    Defining Building Science
    The hosts and guest discuss the elusive definition of 'building science,' simplifying it to the study of energy and moisture within a building and emphasizing the importance of local application.
  • 1:37
    Double-Stud Wall Monitoring
    They highlight case studies where double-stud walls, despite theoretical concerns, perform well in real-world moisture management when monitored, advocating for more legitimate scientific monitoring in homes.
  • 2:29
    Innovative Light Enclosures
    Ian shares a clever solution for fire protection around wafer lights in spray-foamed ceiling assemblies, involving custom-built boxes filled with mineral wool.
  • 3:24
    Business of Building Insights
    Ian announces his new Substack, 'Nails to Numbers,' where he shares business metrics and experiences for contractors navigating the transition from tradesperson to business owner.
  • 4:29
    Fine Homebuilding Summit Recap
    The team discusses highlights from the recent Fine Homebuilding Summit, praising David Warfel's lighting presentation and the valuable networking opportunities.
  • 5:39
    Windows with Exterior Insulation
    They address a listener's question about custom exterior jamb depths for windows in continuous exterior insulation, discussing existing manufacturer solutions and practical installation methods like offset bucks.
  • 7:45
    Double-Stud Wall Insulation
    The discussion shifts to insulating double-stud walls with dense-packed cellulose, including considerations for vapor retarders in cold climates and strategies for filling large wall cavities.
  • 9:49
    Basement Remodeling Risks
    The team emphasizes the high-risk nature of basement remodeling, particularly concerning waterproofing in older homes and areas with challenging soil, sharing personal experiences and cautionary tales.

Speakers

I
Ian Schwandt
Host — production manager at TBS Design Build in Madison, Wisconsin
B
Brian Pontolilo
Host — Fine Homebuilding Editorial Director
R
Randy Williams
Host — Green Building Advisor editor
A
Andres Samaniego
Host — producer

Key Takeaways

✦

Building science, at its core, is the study of energy and moisture movement in a building, but its application must be tailored to local climate conditions.

✦

For windows in walls with continuous exterior insulation, using an extended buck or manufacturer-integrated jambs are effective solutions, with the extended buck being generally simpler for field execution.

✦

When dense-packing cellulose in double-stud walls, consider segmenting large cavities with plywood scraps to improve packing density and minimize issues.

✦

In cold climates, a vapor retarder is typically required for double-stud walls; smart membranes or vapor retarder paint can be used, depending on local code official approval.

✦

Basement remodeling is high-risk; investing in thorough waterproofing and drainage, especially in areas with clay soil, is crucial to prevent significant water damage.

✦

Monitor building performance (e.g., moisture, R-value) to verify the effectiveness of construction assemblies and adapt best practices to real-world conditions.

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