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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Episode 23: Attic Upgrade, Exterior Siding, and DIY Dense Pack

The guys make headway with their home projects, take a wood-siding question from London listener, and much more.

By Aaron Fagan
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In this episode, host and managing editor Justin Fink talks with editor in chief Rob Yagid and design editor Brian Pontolilo about a listener who is taking efficiency measures in his attic, a London listener’s concern over expansion gaps in exterior wood siding, and another listener who would like to use a blower from a big-box store to install dense-pack cellulose insulation. 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.

ATTIC UPGRADE

“Attic-Insulation Upgrade” by Mike Guertin

Payback Estimator: Insulation Upgrade

“Air-Sealing Can Light Safely” by Larry Armanda

EXTERIOR SIDING

TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association) is an international membership organization dedicated to inspiring and informing best practice design, specification and use of wood in the built environment and related fields.

VIDEO: Wood Siding—Best Practice Installation Method

DIY DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE

“Borrowing a Cellulose Blower From a Big Box Store” by Martin Holladay

“Insulating With Damp-Spray Cellulose” by Leroy Anthony

“Insulating a Maine Roof With Dense-Pack Cellulose” by Scott Gibson

“Blown Insulation for Attics: Fiberglass vs. Cellulose” by Martin Holladay

VIDEO: How to Install Dense-Pack Cellulose Insulation in Walls

Dense-Pack Cellulose Rig Rental at GBA

 

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.

Caulking Gun

It's important for any insulator to have a good caulking gun for air sealing or adhesives, and this one features a revolving frame that makes orienting the tip a breeze.
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Insulation Knife

If you like insulating with mineral wool, this knife makes cuts that are clean, neat, and easy — it's much better than a utility knife which can be slow and messy.
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Nitrile Work Gloves

Do yourself a favor and protect your hands while you work. These lightweight, breathable work gloves will keep your hands safe while cutting and fitting.
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