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 Episode 118 — Inches and Feet

More on the metric system, paint, humidity, sheds, and foundation work. Plus, when is it okay to work on your roof without shoes?

By Michael Moran Alterio
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast: Episode 118 (site)
More on the metric system, paint, humidity, sheds, and foundation work. Plus, when is it okay to work on your roof without shoes?
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      In this episode, Justin Fink, Brian Pontolilo, and Rob Yagid tackle the metric vs. imperial debate again (see episode 116), and then move to reader questions. We had asked listeners to weigh in, especially if they are using inches or metric measures. We got some great comments from a listener in Canada and in Great Britain, including this photo of a tape measure showing both inches and centimeters:


      The guys also talked about Rob’s five-day push on his home remodel. He put in some serious work on his flooring, doors, trim, paint, and baseboards. Meanwhile, Brian was up on his roof clearing leaves out of his gutters … in bare feet:

      Brian says, in his own defense, “Bare feet are naturally slip resistant. I was sticking to my roof like spiderman with my bare feet, even though it was slightly wet that morning. Anyway, we should probably move on to something a little more practical.”


      Listener Jared asks about his detached unconditioned garage, which is too humid. Fresh slab, just mudded — Justin says, let it dry completely, and it will be fine. Optionally, run a dehumidifier to help it along.


      Listener Scott wants advice on how to kid-proof his house after renovating and painting. He wants to prevent sticks, balls, and bodies from destroying the walls, trim, and even the ceiling. First, no flat paint. Even a satin is good, and some gloss is even better. There are also dent- and impact-resistant drywall that you can use. Brian sees this as a parenting question rather than a building question. “Scott,” says Brian, “If the worst your three rambunctious boys do over the years is mark up your walls a little bit, you’re doing great! Get on with your life, and fix it up when they move out!”


      It’s time for our new segment, in which we feature gems published in the past …

      Favorites From the FHB Vault: Best tip you ever got from our Tips and Techniques column.

      Justin’s choice is A big table for a portable tablesaw. There’s a video version here.

      Brian’s pick is Plywood sheet-metal brake.

      Rob liked this one: Flashing dispenser. There’s also a video version here.

      Want to submit your own tip? Click here and send your best tip to us!


      A listener is building a shed on a slope. How does he make it work with a 22-in. difference in height from one side of the project to the other?


      This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our sponsors, LP Shed and Marvin.

      Whether you’re looking to add a storage unit or an art studio to your backyard, LP offers beautiful and durable products that can help you turn your shed into a stylish extension of your home. Because at the end of the day, your shed says a lot about who you are. Why not shed it your way? For inspiration and to learn more, visit LPShed.com.

      Integrity Windows and Doors from Marvin are the toughest on the market. Made with virtually indestructible Ultrex fiberglass, and boasting the industry’s best fiberglass finish, these windows and doors are the definition of durable. They won’t crack, dent, chip, or fade, and they’re battle-tested in climates across the United States. Visit IntegrityWindows.com to learn more.

      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 for this episode:

      • 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.

      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

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      View Comments

      1. Mike_Guertin | Jun 08, 2018 09:11pm | #1

        Answering your callout to me regarding the pier and whether there is a limit to the above-grade portion and/or if there is a formula for depth below grade and above grade. As far as i can tell there is no prescriptive code or other guidelines.
        Here's my take. The only time I have seen a problem with piers tilting due to the height is when there is a post placed upon a tall pier that isn't deep below grade. This is a hinge situation and is best avoided. But if the piers are tall and have beams anchored directly to them - then the beam assembly can stabilize the piers. In this case the corners of beams rimming say 4 piers would need to be fastened together. Lateral stability can be managed with diagonal bracing like you would on tall deck posts Or it could be managed on sloping grades by the short piers and their natural stability provided by surrounding soil.

      2. Mike_Guertin | Jun 08, 2018 09:25pm | #2

        Let me throw you a curveball regarding the metric vs. Imperial / SAE system of measurements. The main advantage of the metric system is that it's decimally based with the meter being the denomination. The problem with the US system isn't that we use feet but that we divide feet into inches and then fractions. Engineers generally only work in feet or feet and inches but don't work in fractions. Instead they divide measurements into tenths of a foot, hundredths of a foot and so on - OR feet, inches and then tenths, hundredths and thousandths of an inch. I use an engineering tape measure when laying out rafters and doing finish work. It eliminates dealing with fractions making adding and subtracting measurements simple. And it's easier when using my slide rule instead of a construction calculator.

      3. Mike_Guertin | Jun 09, 2018 09:03am | #3

        Justin pondered the issues with running a water line from the house out to a garden. I've approached just this situation a couple ways on my property.
        The best method - one we used to run a water line to a neighbor's horse barn where water is needed year round - Dig a deep trench below frost line run from the house out to the barn. Then install a frost-proof yard hydrant. Think of it like a vertical frost-proof spigot you'd install through the wall of a house. There's a long shaft within the hydrant riser pipe that controls the valve at the bottom. When the valve is open - water flows, when the valve is closed the water column in the riser drains out into the soil at the bottom. Ideally you should install gravel or 3/4 in. stone at the bottom for the water to drain freely. In winter the riser may need insulation or heat tape to keep water from freezing on it's way up or drainback.

        Another method is to install a shallow water line from the house out to the garden. Downstream of the T to the water line I installed a shutoff valve and then a drain spigot in basement. The water line is PEX (though pex is not immune to rupturing should it freeze, it is more resistant than copper or CPVC). In the fall I close the quarter-turn ball shutoff valve and open the drain spigot and open the outdoor valve. Most water drains back to the house and is collected in a pail. Remaining water is prone to freezing so I blow out the water line with compressed air. I use a small portable compressor to blow out my lines that run between 20 ft and 70 ft..

        The easiest solution to running a water line is a freeze-proof garden hose buried just beneath the ground surface or routed through mulch. Connect the hose to an outdoor water spigot on the house and disconnect in the fall. No need to drain. I have one running from my house out to a remote garden 150 ft+ away. The same hose has worked for the past 10+ years.

      4. GildaRJohnson | Jul 14, 2018 12:29am | #4

        Great post.

      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 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower
      • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
      View All

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

      Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

      Featured Video

      Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

      Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

      Related Stories

      • Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding
      • Seven Ways to Remove Paint
      • Ranch Redux
      • Restoring Polychromed Light Fixtures

      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
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Do You Need HVAC Ducts in Every Room?
      • FHB Podcast Segment: A Homemade Radiant Heat Floor Assembly
      View All

      Interior Wall Finish

      View All Interior Wall Finish Articles
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Building a Paintable Surface Over a Traditional Stone Wall
      • A Barber Queen Anne Victorian
      • A Decorated Interior Endures
      View All Interior Wall Finish Articles

      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.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      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