FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast 267: Duct Sealing, Patching Brick, and Transitioning from Landscaper to Builder

Matt, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about knowing the code and changing careers before taking questions on sealing ductwork, canceling a brick opening, and fixing wonky stairs.

By Patrick McCombe, Kiley Jacques, Matthew Millham

Follow the Fine Homebuilding Podcast on your favorite app. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode:

Watch on YouTube

Ed reminds the team about Code Check. Rick describes his hand tool setup for basic home repair. Carol asks Dejah Leger about becoming a carpenter. Mason writes in with information you don’t want to know. Kevin is looking for a way to seal his ductwork. Nick wants to know how to patch a brick opening. Robert asks for help leveling his stair treads and a pair of nameless landscapers want tips on becoming home remodelers.

 


Editor Updates:

 

Matt’s gazebo, mud room

Kiley’s Kitchens & Baths

Jeff’s Windows

Patrick’s Liam’s home labor

 

 


Listener Feedback 1:

 

Code Check: 8th Edition

Ed writes: In FHB Podcast 263, Austin asks about what he can do to know about code requirements. Taunton (you may have heard of them) publishes Code Check books.
These guides are useful for knowing what needs to happen at the micro- and macro level of work – electrical, plumbing, etc. They are easy to use, but they are not really geared for DIYers. They help DIYers in determining a gap of knowledge. This should encourage the DIYer to find an additional more detailed resource.
You should really encourage DIYers to get an unlimited subscription to FHB. It is well worth the cost. Mistakes in home renovation are costly. The articles and videos available through the unlimited subscription are very helpful curated content. The value of the curation can be measured in the amount of time you spend on YouTube watching videos that aren’t good or even safe info.
Keep up the great podcast. You should have Kiley host once in a while. Keep craft alive!

Related Links:

  • Code Check Books

 

 


Listener Feedback 2:

 

Rick writes: Kiley, Patrick, Matt, and Whomever Else You Rope In, In the last podcast, a listener wanted to know about amateur vs. pro tool selection and bag secrets.
I was a serious DIYer and then spent a year as a handyman, and yes, a few nuances did surface with the transition. As mentioned on the ‘cast, plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc kits are very useful, but the evolution for me was to keep the right mix in my always carry bag, which made a huge efficiency
difference.
After about five attempts, I settled on 25# of you in an over the shoulder cloth/plastic/leather tool bag to save customers’ surfaces. Surprisingly, Husky was the winner. I kept the things in there you would imagine, like pliers, 8″ crescent, pencil, etc. but the tools below may be instructive to DIYers.

  • 6 in 1 screwdriver, not the all in wonder kludges.
  • A 2″ deck screw can solve many problems in a pinch,
  • but a carefully curated set of fasteners in the bag makes jobs go quickly.
  • 6×32 electrical screws, switch plate screws, long strike plate screws, wall dogs,
  • drywall coarse thread screws, wire nuts, etc.
  • An eggbeater drill plus drill bits for weight, since I’m normally only drilling 3 holes.
  • A sharp, foldable fine pullsaw, as well as a drywall saw.
  • A circuit transmitter and receiver, as well as a pen-sized voltage detector.
  • A roll of blue tape.
  • 20′ of 3mm cord
  • A telescopic magnet, like you’re working on a car can save a 30 min store run.
  • A small LED based flashlight.
  • A small laser measure.

Work mix drives much of this, but most short jobs required my standard bag plus one kit. As far as brands, you generally get what you pay for. Buy once, cry once.
Keep your attic sealed!

Related Links:

  • Best New Construction Tools 
  • A Deck Builder’s Tool Kit

 


 

Listener Feedback 3:

 

Carol from Sierra foothills writes: Hello, I thoroughly enjoyed the podcast with Dejah Leger! It is encouraging to see more women entering the trades and excelling at them. My question to her or other women in the trades is how did you go about entering the workforce, and where did you train, study, etc. in order to do so? I have always enjoyed working with my hands, making things, creating art, etc. and have often thought about what it would be like if I had been introduced to carpentry at a younger age. (I grew up the old school way, in which girls were taught home ec and boys were taught wood-shop and auto repair.) I also have a background in graphic design and fine art and am very drawn to carpentry and other aspects of building, however, where I live (Sierra foothills) there are very few, if any, resources nearby for hands on learning. I have learned a lot from working on my own house, reading, and watching videos, but I want to make sure I learn the right way to do things and have come to realize that absolutely nothing goes the way it does in a book or video. There are always problems that pop up that throw the proverbial wrench in my well laid plans. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Dejah responds:
That’s awesome, thanks Carol!! It sounds like you’d be a really good fit in carpentry. I really do believe it takes an artistic eye and that it is a creative craft.
I’m 39, and only got into this trade at 37, so as much as I wish I had discovered carpentry sooner, there’s no reason either to not pursue it as a career at any age. I was very lucky to be trained directly on the job by the other two lead carpenters I work with. I shadowed them both for a year and learned on-site. I continued my own education on my own time with videos, books, articles (subscribe to Fine Home Building and JLC magazines for sure).
The company I work for is not union, and that’s an important distinction. If you’re going with a union job, an apprenticeship program is a set amount of years and training. You come out of the apprenticeship a very good carpenter and move into a journeyman role. Unions, at least here in Seattle, tend to work more of the new construction jobs. The pay scale is transparent and set by the union.
Working for the private sector, I was able to accelerate at my own pace and take on lead roles sooner, but the pay scale is all over the place and there’s less formal training (if any). But there’s also more freedom in controlling my own work sites and establishing deep relationships with the other trades we contract with, as well as with my work crew.
Either way, the best advice I can give is to leap in and go for it. Remember that many, many men apply for jobs they have no qualifications for and don’t even care. Don’t get hung up on experience or how you’re going to learn, just be honest about your background and be open to learning. We women are trained mentally & culturally to want to over-qualify and over-achieve and sometimes let those expectations of ourselves get in our own way. Joining a “boys club” is intimidating, but I’ve had nothing but positive experiences and formed great friendships, and I hope if you become a carpenter that you will have the same accepting experience.
Please feel free to keep in touch and let me know how your journey goes!!! Go for it!!!
Dejah Léger, CAPS

Related Links:

  • Keep Craft Alive: Maria Klemperer-Johnson, Builder and Instructor
  • Resistance to Change and Other Challenges in Construction

 


Listener Feedback 4:

 

Mason of Hudson Valley Preservation writes: Good morning, Kiley, people often ask if we find anything of value in old house walls. Like a hidden cache of cash. In almost 40 years of renovating I’ve never found anything that could be exchanged for a profit. We have found cool pottery, assorted kid’s toys and even a letter from the builder of a house in 1845 titled “To Future Generations”.
We’ve also found a lot of dirt and disgusting. Fiberglass insulation riddled with mouse tunnels and all they leave behind, carcasses, piss, and shit. The attached photos show a phenomenon first encountered on the 1780-house you have expressed interest in writing about.

The Mouse-Poop photo shows a pile, up against a beam. Nothing too unusual, however what happens next raises the grossness level to new heights. We noticed staining on the floorboards below. The poop had liquified and penetrated the adjacent wood and dripped down. We have cleaned the area and the next day, it continues to ooze! I don’t think I need to mention that it stinks, but you can smell the smell outside of the house.
My take-away? Have you ever been in a house and there is a mystery brown stain on the ceiling? The questions are-Is the roof leaking? Is there mold? I have often speculated that it could be rodent activity, and now I have proof. Ha!
We’ll clean it and spray it again today with a microbial solution and hope we can stop the ooze.

Related Links:

  • Link?
  • Link?

 

 


Question 1: I’m looking to seal ductwork in my house. Is Aeroseal worth the extra cash or should I lean towards the cheaper solution?

 

Kevin Des Moines, IA writes, Hello Fine Homebuilding! I am in the process of researching the best way to seal my ductwork throughout my house. We live in Iowa, where the winters are very cold and the summers, especially right now, are hot and quite humid. Our house was built in the 1930s and is two stories, so the second story is quite warmer during the summer than the rest of the house. In my research, I stumbled on the Aeroseal product that seals any leaks and penetrations in your ductwork from the inside. The other option would be to manually seal the exposed ductwork with mastic and tape. This option is significantly cheaper, but you’re limited to only the ductwork that you can reach.
I looked through the GBA forums regarding Aeroseal and actually found Patrick’s question from back in 2014. The reaction in most of the forums seem to be pretty mixed, with a lot of people not able to justify the high price tag. Since we are looking for more of a comfort solution, as well as a slight payback from energy savings, it is harder to figure out how much I’m willing to spend on the Aeroseal product.
Patrick, can you elaborate on what you learned back in 2014 about Aeroseal, and have you learned of any updates since then? I think I’m leaning towards the DIY mastic and tape solution at this point.
Thanks!

Related links:

  • Testing and Sealing Ductwork
  • Air-Seal an Attic Series: Sealing Ductwork

Question 2: What is the best way to build a brick patch?

 

Nick from Fort Wayne writes, Hey guys, my dad plans to remodel his bathroom and I volunteered to help. The window pictured is in the shower and he plans to get rid of it for obvious reasons. Due to an unfortunate parking job, we have found a stash of matching brick to patch where the window would be. I have no experience with brick laying but I think I could figure it out. My question is: What would be the best way to build a patch? Thanks guys, I love the show.

Related links:

  • Take the Fear out of Brick Veneer
  • Why Are There Dry Joints in My Brick Walls?
  • Moving an Opening in a Brick Wall

 


Question 3: How can I fix stringers that came out of level?

 

Robert from Baden, Ontario, Canada writes, I’m finally writing in to my favorite podcast (outside my own called ‘Dingers‘ which is about fantasy baseball) and doing it because I’m 98% finished my addition. You ship stickers to Canada right!?
— 98% doesn’t include interior or exterior trim, basement drywall, parging my stone foundation that’s now an interior wall, the yet to be constructed deck, the driveway, the section of gate that’s going to be converted to a fence or moving the hydro from the air into the ground and at the same time put in drainage that I wanted to be the focus of my email today, but I’ll go for the 2% that’s left to get occupancy!
— So, the 2% is the stairs that have a slight downward slope & the spacing between my spindles, sounds simple right? Well, I have 160 spindles, every other spindle is secured with an anchor (see photos).

— The steps (that I build myself!) seem like the simple fix and possibly this will be completed before you’re able to help me, but I put Lumber lock on each stringer and used finishing nails to hold them in place and did not step on anything for a day. What happened to get them out of level was… the Lumber lock wasn’t squished down enough with the finishing nails and created a slope on roughly 23 of my 30+steps, awesome. I think the fix is simple, I pop the stairs loose and use the riser or shims to level the step and re-secure with Lumber lock but this time I use a proper nail or screw down each stair so nothing stays out of level. Sound good? What’s better? Rookie mistake, right? Like my proposed fix?
To the spindles… max allowance is 4” at any point, (I’ve done everything on this addition outside of setting the concrete forms, most framing, rough in electrical, HVAC & plumbing) so I measured the base which is flat & ensures no gap exceeded 4”. Well we had these matched to our original staircase and these 1905 spindles that dip in 1/2” in spots so the gaps are now as much as 5” apart. Most will need to be moved.
I have laminate floors and my question/wife’s concern is how can I minimize the damage to the floors and elsewhere since most of these will be moved and some 1/4” holes will be exposed?
I have a hundred other questions but those 2 are what I’ll be doing this week in order to get occupancy to the addition.
Can’t stress how much I enjoy the podcast. I’m a chef by trade but contractor wannabe and this podcast scratches that itch along with both fine Homebuilding & fine woodworking. My Instagram account is questionable contracting because that’s what my wife calls my work. I’m 37 so I’m calling myself young and on the rise!
Appreciate any help!


Related links:

  • Remodeling a Staircase
  • Laying Out Basic Stair Stringers

 

 


Question 4: What are some good resources on building your own remodeling business?

 

Name withheld by request writes, Hello FHB podcast crew! I have recently discovered your podcast and have enjoyed it a lot so figured I would throw a question out for you guys that probably isn’t podcast worthy, but wondering if you guys might have some words of wisdom on it since you’re all very knowledgeable in the entire home building/remodeling fields.

Long story short my brother and I have been in the high-end custom landscape installation business for about 35 years between the two of us, and when I say landscaping I mean paver/stone driveways, modular and natural stone retaining walls, softscapes, as well as more production style townhouse install work. So, we have management skills for running a job sites and have general building knowledge being that we run the crews as well as install with the crew members.

We are both ready to leave the landscaping industry and have decided we would like to be our own bosses and start a remodeling business. Now our uncle has a remodeling business and has promised to show us and teach us as much as he can in the next year or 2 before he retires and the landscape business is our family’s business so we both have a little experience in the basics of running and business, bidding and book work.

Are you aware of or is there any programs (online preferably) you would recommend that we can take to expedite the learning curve on home remodeling in general? Again, my uncle is going to teach us hands on, but it would be great to get some formal education on the industry as well.

Appreciate any information you guys might be able to send my way.
Thanks in advance and keep up the awesome podcast I’m learning just by listening to you guys!


Related links:

  • The Elements of Building 
  • Books Every Builder Should Own

 

 


 

End Note:

 

Joe from Des Plaines, IL  NW of Chicago writes: Hello fine insulating podcast. I found this fun article in the Popular Science archives that I thought you might like.  It discusses the “new” Arkansas standards in insulation.  12 inches of attic insulation… Are they mad? It’s an interesting article right at the start of energy efficiency programs.
The issue also includes articles on heat pumps: the new way to heat AND cool.
The insulation article starts on page 130 in the Sep 1976 Popular Science.
I hope this is interesting,
I remember reading this magazine.  I was a weird 11 year old.

 

 

 


FHB Podcast sticker

If you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected].
If we use your question we’ll send you a FHB Podcast sticker!


FHB Podcast T-shirts!

Represent your favorite podcast! Available in several styles and colors. Made from 100% cotton. Find the Podcast t-shirt and more cool products in the Fine Homebuilding Store.


 

This episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Feeney.

Today’s episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Feeney®. Who knew extremely durable top rails could look this good? DesignRail® from Feeney makes it easy for you to bring your vision to life with its wood grain powder-coated top rail finish that provides an extra layer of durability, coupled with the beautiful look of wood. But don’t take our word for it, discover how Feeney can elevate any project with a Cherry, Walnut or Weathered Gray wood grain top rail.

Feeney Makes it Easy. Visit FeeneyMakesItEasy.com to learn more and find your nearest Feeney dealer.

 


The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling

 

Fine Homebuilding podcast listeners can now get 20% off anything in the Taunton store, including the The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, 4th Edition.

Use the discount code FHBPODCAST to take advantage of this special offer.


 

We hope you will take advantage of a great offer for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off the discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. That link goes to finehomebuilding.com/podoffer.

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 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 related links

    • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
    • #KeepCraftAlive T-shirts and hats support scholarships for building trades students. So order some gear at KeepCraftAlive.org.
    • The direct link to the online store is here.

Sign up to get the Fine Homebuilding Podcast newsletter and special offers delivered to your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

View All
  • Podcast Episode 687: Flat Roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Your Own Cabinets
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Sometimes Spray Foam Makes Sense, Sometimes It Doesn't
  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 687: Flat Roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Your Own Cabinets

Listeners write in about air-sealing numbers and wildfire recovery, before asking questions about replacing a row house roof and what kind of roof insulation is needed.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 687: Flat Roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Your Own Cabinets
  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
  • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
  • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Larsen-Truss Retrofit to Existing Stud-Frame House
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data