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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast Episode 108 — Restoring a Historic Craftsman

Stud finders, fiberglass batts, energy efficiency, cedar siding, rafters, and storm windows.

By Michael Moran Alterio
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We’ve got a new design for our Keep Craft Alive shirts, so go check those out at our online store.

In this episode, Fine Homebuilding magazine editor Justin Fink is joined by editorial director Rob Yagid and associate editor Matt Millham. Rob reports in on the fiberglass insulation he is installing in his home, and his prep for putting in drywall. He explains why he’s using fiberglass batts instead of spray-foam, cellulose, or mineral wool.

Matt recently hung a shelf in his house, and he’s found that all his studs are off everywhere. He’s been putting his Franklin Sensor stud finder to good use. Matt is also planning to take down a wall to make a bigger space, and he’s going to have issues joining floors.

Due to a technical snafu, we don’t have video of the guys for this podcast, but we do have a video question from listener Dayton. He has a historic house, with old windows and solid plaster walls that he wants to keep, but he wants to make the structure more energy efficient. Take a look:

 

Listener Barry has a question about storm windows, especially triple tracks.

Listener Barbara has a question about live loads and roof renovations. She asks the guys, “How are you all so zen about popsicle-stick roof framing?” Rob says that rafter ties and collar ties are part of the answer.

Finally, Justin mentions a couple trade events to check out:

  • Pacific Coast Builders Conference (aka PCBC) in San Francisco, June 27-28.
  • SkillsUSA’s National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., June 25-29.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Boral.

There’s a better way to build something great. That starts with choosing Boral TruExterior siding and trim. TruExterior products are made with an innovative poly-ash material that cuts and nails just like wood, without the worries of absorbing water or expanding and contracting. Its as easy as cut, fasten, paint, done. So you’ll always get cleaner seams, better curb appeal, and lower maintenance. Plus, the Boral team is ready to help solve any job-site challenge that comes along. See the difference and get a sample at TruExterior.com.

This episode is also brought to you by Danner.

Born from logging and exploration, Danner is a Pacific Northwest original. Every boot is hand made to hold up in unforgiving conditions and live up to their unyielding standards. Stronghold work boot is what happens when more than 85 years of legendary quality, durability, and heritage runs into modern construction, technology, and materials. You get tomorrow’s classic today. The Stronghold work boot. Visit Danner.com for more.

This episode is also brought to you by Chief Architect.

Chief Architect Software is a leading developer of 3D architectural home design software for both full residential design and remodeling. Chief Architect offers a unique design approach with smart tools that make the design process fast and the software easy to learn. The software’s powerful tools automate the design and construction document process while automatically generating 3D renderings and virtual tours. There’s no better way to gain more business than referrals from happy clients. You can carefully manage your clients’ expectations by helping them visualize the completed project. You’ll get fewer change orders, and the smart technology, including instant materials list, helps keep design errors to a minimum, keeping your job on track and on time. Learn more about Chief Architect Software and download a free trial version today at ChiefArchitect.com.

We hope you will take advantage of a great offer for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off 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, 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.

Links related to this episode:

  • Doghouse Dormers: Framing from the Ground Up.
  • How to Find Wall Studs Without a Stud Finder.
  • Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved?
  • SpencerWorks.com storm windows.
  • Two Track vs. Triple Track Storm Windows.
  • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
  • Sales of the NEWLY REDESIGNED #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
  • Oh, and the direct link to the online store is here.

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

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View Comments

  1. GGman57 | Mar 30, 2018 09:59am | #1

    No video for episode 108 on this page - just the episode notes. Also noticed episode 108 not on iTunes.

    1. MikeAlterio | Apr 02, 2018 03:53pm | #4

      Sorry, we had a snafu. No video for this one.

  2. TimR | Apr 02, 2018 11:13am | #2

    WRT Dayton Brown's situation... would a low-expanding pour in closed cell foam be an option? There would only need to be one or two small penetrations made at each stud cavity. That would take care of air sealing and insulation.

  3. user-6584221 | Apr 02, 2018 01:37pm | #3

    Tim
    I'm afraid the expansion foam wood hold too much moisture against the inside of the exterior shingles. Even if it is open cell.

  4. HernandezzPMary | Apr 10, 2018 03:10am | #5

    Thanks for sharing this.

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