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Home UnBuildIt

Episodes

UnBuild It | Episode 115: Innovative or Alternative Foundation Materials & Systems

Episode 115    

This week's podcast is a discussion about slab-less slabs AND some new projects in which Steve & Jake use alternative or innovative foundation materials or systems.

UnBuild It | Episode 114: Getting Personal: Career-Defining Stories from Jake, Steve, and Pete

Episode 114    

Steve and his "jamokes" (Jake & Pete) share moments that changed their careers. Especially interesting is that the term jamoke that Steve uses is most often associated with CarTalk host Ray Magliozzi in this quote: "If my brother and I proved one thing, it's that just about any jamoke can host a radio show." Wow, does that nail the three of us and our podcast!

UnBuild It | Episode 113: Energy Modeling - Necessary Evil?

Episode 113    

There is HEED, BEopt, ResCheck, Energy Gauge, PHPP, etc. Three guys who don't do energy modeling and describe it as "drag me kicking and screaming" and "just like going to the dentist" sound off on this key element of high performance residential buildings.

UnBuild It | Episode 112: Confused spaces? Garages

Episode 112    

Pete, confused? Pete takes the lead on garages and tries hard not to confuse Steve and Jake (not very successfully...). It's all about how garages are "conditioned" (heated, cooled, dehumidified, ventilated, and filtered) and just what uses the garage is designed for in comparison to the expectations homeowners have in terms of their use(s).

UnBuild It | Episode 111: Sills - Where Windows Meet Walls & Walls Meet Foundations

Episode 111    

Listeners picked up on two places where perhaps Steve and Jake do not agree (can you imagine....?): Face-seal vs. Drained-rough-opening window/door installations and details at sill plates. After considerable "silliness" (that would be Steve's not Pete's pun...), Jake & Steve reconcile these apparent disagreements with lots of UnBuild It love for each other (WHAT???).

UnBuild It | Episode 110: Deciding Insulation Levels & Structural Implications of Floor Sheathing Fastener Type & Schedule

Episode 110    

Great questions from our listeners! • How do you determine the best insulation levels by climate (with the best being the greatest value)? • Does adding screws (at some point during construction) make sense when using Advantech floor sheathing, adhesive, and ring shank nails?

UnBuild It | Episode 109: Clients - Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em...

Episode 109    

Client involvement is critical in any building project but boy, can this be a double-edged sword. We need our clients engaged but also need to manage their expectations, particularly given how much information/stuff is available online. The boys each give their perspective on both the importance and the corralling required for client involvement.

Unbuild It | Episode 108: Basements as Conditioned Living Space

Episode 108    

How do you transform below-grade full foundations (also variously called pits, cellars, or basements and historically meant to be or tolerated as damp and cool and dark) into true living-conditioned spaces? We say add four continuous control layers, access to daylight and egress, thermal comfort, and good acoustics—make it a place to thrive as well as live (and even escape).

UnBuild It | Episode 107: Steve’s Mantras: Go Slow to Go Fast & Identify Problems BEFORE Moving to Solutions

Episode 107    

Steve, Jake, and Pete share great insights on problem-solving and understanding causes before offering solutions. Check out their resources for more building science knowledge.

UnBuild It | Episode 106: WTF: Off-Site Building & Owner-GC?

Episode 106    

Steve, Jake, and Pete discuss the advantages and challenges of off-site building, focusing on the advantages of combining Superior Walls for foundation and Harvest Homes for framing, and the benefits of modular construction for affordable housing.

UnBuild It | Episode 105: Q&A 2024 #4 - Ventilation Systems & Liquid Sealants

Episode 105    

Whole house ventilation systems impact pressure balance in homes, and whether they accommodate pressure imbalances caused by exhaust fans and stack effect. Steve discusses the use of butyl or acoustical sealant for door sills, with Tremco being a favorite. Pete's resources include residential ventilation and pressure balancing.

UnBuild It | Episode 104: High Performance Homebuilding in Austin, TX with Risinger BUILD's Tim Hill

Episode 104    

Tim Hill, an Austin homebuilder, collaborated with Matt over a decade ago to present his company's approach to architects, customers, and trades, emphasizing building science in all aspects.

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