Episode 45 — Blower-Door Tests and Making Your Own Concrete Patio Pavers
In this week's podcast: cabinets, hot water heaters, deck finishing, and pegboard vs slat-wall.
In this podcast episode, host and FHB editor Justin Fink talks with design editor Brian Pontolilo and associate editor Patrick McCombe about TPR valves for water heaters, General Electric, making your own concrete patio pavers, and deck refinishing. The guys talk about the Taunton workshop (used by Fine Homebuilding and sister magazine Fine Woodworking). A reader question on slat-wall systems as an alternative to pegboard gets some expert consideration from Patrick and some general jocularity from all three. Plus more on Brian’s kitchen cabinets.
By the way, in the podcast, Patrick misspoke and called them “TPO” valves. But it is really TPR!
We also have two requests for listeners: (1) Let us know how you are being affected by new(ish) blower-door testing requirements for new homes and major renovations. If you have something to say on this topic, please email [email protected]. Also, (2) we need all our listeners to take our podcast feedback survey, by clicking here.
The show is driven by our listeners, so please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or Google Play, and if you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected]. Also, be sure to follow Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram — and “like” the magazine on Facebook.
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.
Resources mentioned in (or related to) this podcast episode:
- Tool Box Project (reader submission)
- Deck Refinishing
- Articles by Shellac and Finish Expert Peter Gedrys
- How to Lay Concrete Pavers
- Paver Pattern from Quikrete
- Paver Installation Supervisor
- Photos of Brian’s kitchen cabinets are in the show notes for Episode 44 (scroll down)
- We need your feedback! Please do take the Fine Homebuilding Podcast survey!
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Standard Marking Chalk
MicroFoam Nitrile Coated Work Gloves
Lithium-Ion Cordless Palm Nailer
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FYI, there is a blower door set up made for windows and some even use the duct pressure testing on tight homes as a blower door. If you ever have any question regarding things like this reach out to me.