Podcast Episode 117 — Master Carpentry
Solar energy, replacement windows, air-sealing, vinyl siding, porches, posts, roof eaves, and historic renovation.
This episode features our host, FHB editor Justin Fink, as well as design editor Brian Pontolilo and associate editor Matt Milham. Rob is out installing a floor, which inspires the guys to talk about installing hardwood flooring in a couple of hallways. Justin suggests that the best order for summertime product installation is: (1) air conditioning, then (2) minifridge, and then (3) flooring.
We have some feedback on Episode 112, regarding solar power. A listener writes in to comment on the real lifetime value of PV panels, suggesting that although the manufacturer’s lifespan for the product may be 25 years, in fact panels may last another 20 years after that. Here’s the link to the PDF mentioned in the podcast.
Listener Jim wants advice on how to replace vinyl windows while making the house as tight as possible. Replacement windows and air-sealing are the topics under discussion here.
Listener Matt has a question about rotten porch posts and a sagging roof. In planning to replace them, he’s trying to figure out the new best roof-eave level. Take a look:
A listener named Vin asks about restoring rotten porch supports on a historic home. To see the photos, click on the Launch Gallery button below.
It’s time for our new segment, in which we feature gems published in the past …
Favorites From the FHB Vault: A best “Master Carpenter” magazine department or feature article.
Brian’s pick is Weaving Wood and Tile Into a Stunning Floor, by Sean Flynn. Also see the associated video series.
Matt went to Fast and Accurate Wall Framing, by Mike Norton. Video series is here.
Justin’s choice is Reproducing a Corbel by Michael Fitzpatrick. This one has a video series too.
A listener named Greg asks about putting a minisplit system in unconditioned attic space. He asks about making a part of the space above conditioned. Or, raising the air barrier to the attic roof.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our sponsors, LP Shed and Marvin.
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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: fhbpodcast@taunton.com. 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:
- All About Embodied Energy.
- All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
- #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
- The direct link to the online store is here.
Click the Launch Gallery button below to see photos of Vin’s porch pillar project.
View Comments
For that two 3 story porch question, couldn't you re-frame those columns with dimensional lumber which would allow you to tie in deck framing and then wrap the framing to make them appear like columns? I've used versatex square column wraps. I'm not sure if there similar products for round columns.
Would it make sense to integrate helical piles "techno post" instead of concrete footings to support the new posts for the porch overhang, so it keeps the slab mutually exclusive from the posts? Additionally, would it be a smart move to up-size the posts to 6X6" and corresponding beam (i.e. LVL) to match? This may reduce the amount of posts needed to carry the span between posts?