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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast Episode 83 — Cold Attics and Wet Basements

A listener sends in a video question about water puddled in her newly constructed basement.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors
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Fine Homebuilding Podcast Episode 83
Cold Attics and Wet Basements - Rob needs to finish framing and insulating his attic project before winter hits hard. Listeners submit questions on decking, basement water issues, and designing a built-in.
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      In this episode, Justin, Brian, and Rob tackle listener questions on decks, basements, moisture management and more.

      Plus, Rob needs to finish framing and insulating his attic project before winter hits hard.

      Cameron has a problem with water entering his hose via an old deck that is cantilevered out via floor joists that extend beyond the home.

      Stephanie sent us a video from her home in North Carolina. Check it out above and on the YouTube version of the podcast. In her basement she has a window and humidity question.

      Austin wants to make built-in bench seat and drawers with space constraints.

      Eric hates ice on the inside of his windows! He plans to re-insulate an exterior wall and replace old windows.

      We hope you will take advantage of two great offers for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. The other great offer is … A special offer to buy John Carroll’s Working Alone.

      We also have our continuing request for listeners … we need all our fans to take our podcast feedback survey by clicking here. There’s a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card. After the promotion ends, you might have a chance to win something else, or our great thanks at the least.

      Today’s episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Tapco.

      Boral and TapCo not only stand for quality, service, and innovation, but now they also stand together, bringing you brands that deliver smart solutions, including Grayne engineered composite shingles. Prefinished Grayne plain-sawn shingles are the ideal replacement for natural cedar. With an unparalleled level of artistry, Grayne engineered composite cedar offers the variation and grain patterns of real cedar shakes and shingles, from every angle. Even better, Grayne shingles are moisture proof and maintenance free. Ten years from now, they’ll look as spectacular as the day they were installed. For more information, visit grayne.com.

      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. Note that you can watch the show above, or on YouTube at the Fine Homebuilding YouTube Channel.

      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.

      Other links related to this issue:

      • An Energy-Smart Foundation in Two Days.
      • ProHOME 2016: Construction Moisture Control.
      • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
      • Buy a shirt at KeepCraftAlive.org.

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      View Comments

      1. user-1112196 | Nov 11, 2017 07:04pm | #1

        I viewed two pod casts. The commentary seems to be unscientific.
        Please consider using the visual aid, (flat screen TV) to display the wofi results of the questions at hand or at very least a psychrometric chart, which can help viewers start to understand building science.

      2. Shutts05 | Nov 13, 2017 12:21pm | #2

        @Justin-
        Isn't your roof assembly a bad sandwich? If water gets between the 2 layers of rigid, into the fiberglass batt area will it be able to get back out? The water will sit in the fiberglass and rot your rafters won't it? At least thats my understanding of roof assemblies.

      3. ktkcad | Nov 13, 2017 02:07pm | #3

        Code: Existing building - If you open a wall by removing a window you only have to pack the wall full of insulation. But if you uncover a wall by removing the whole drywall/cover you are required to bring the wall up to current code. Same with ceilings. Your local AHJ may be more accommodating.

      4. Shutts05 | Nov 14, 2017 11:09am | #4

        @ktkcad
        2015iecc section 503.1.1 under exceptions
        If you remove the drywall you only have to fill that cavities with insulation, not bring the wall up to code.

      5. CT_Yankee | Aug 30, 2018 05:30pm | #5

        RE: Cantilevered deck. You guys need a digital whiteboard when you discuss items like this. The best deck is a freestanding deck NOT attached to the dwelling in any way, shape or form, other than 2 points to provide lateral stability.

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