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 128: Worst. Photo. Shoot. Ever.

Air-sealing a standalone wet sauna, flashing a roof for a breezeway that has unparallel walls, and how to cover exterior insulation below the framing.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast: Episode 128 (site)
Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Brian Pontolilo discuss the "drastic" changes to the cover of Fine Homebuilding magazine, and tease some new future magazine content.
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.

      Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Brian Pontolilo discuss the “drastic” changes to the cover of Fine Homebuilding magazine, and tease some new future magazine content. Rob follows up on the fit of the face frame for his bathroom vanity (spoiler: he only scraped up the wall a little). See the photo below. Then the guys debate: Should bathroom vanities have a full back?

       

      They answer the listener questions below, and tell some “Stories From the Road” about the worst photo shoots they’ve ever been on. Hint: Brian’s is a doozy!


      Question 1, from Spencer: I’m going to be building a standalone wet sauna this summer and I had a few questions about air-sealing. Most of the details I’ve seen have to do with interior saunas, which utilize a foil vapor barrier and a fan for moisture. But given that this is detached I was wondering what your thoughts are on a best assembly. It’ll be just outside of Toronto, measure 8×8, cedar on the interior and exterior, mineral-wool insulation, and have a metal roof with overhangs. Heat will be either wood or electric.

      One idea is to leave it fully open, fit the mineral wool tight and just attach the siding and interior finishes to the studs. This is how I assume most old world saunas were built and still stand.

      The other would be air-sealing like an interior sauna, but I’d be worried about condensation on the interior face of the vapor barrier. Would there have to be a drain in the floor for when the moist 115° interior air meets the -15° outside air?


      Question 2, from N Weaver: How do I cover the exterior insulation below our framing? Our drawing calls for cementitious panel, but I’m not so sure about its long-term durability. As per James Hardie tech support, “nothing we make should be within 6″ in. of grade.” My thought goes to stucco, for which RockWool does offer some detail, but for what appears to be for an entire wall covering. I’m just trying to cover 8 in. max. How about we run our 1-1/4-in. RockWool to grade or just below and just some metal lathe held on with TapCons and stainless fender washer? Then just stucco right to it?


      Question 3—more of a comment—from Ryan: I come to you with this gem of innovation that I found at the local library. It’s called Energy Alternatives by Time Life Books and was published in 1982. Hope you guys got a good laugh out of it. Reading that book was yet another reminder of how fast our understanding changes in this field.


      Question 4, from Thomas: I have a question about flashing. I have a covered breezeway between my house and my garage.  The facing walls of the house and garage are not parallel.  The breezeway roof connects to the sidewalls of both. Since the walls aren’t parallel, but the standing seams on the roof are what they are, how do I flash this roof?  If metal flashing, does it need to be the same metal as the standing-seam roof? How should the metal roof be finished beneath the flashing where it intersects the house and garage walls?  How do I direct water away from the sidewalls at the lower end of the breezeway roof?


      This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Obdyke.

      Benjamin Obdyke would like to use the special occasion of their 150th anniversary to thank the nuisances that builders and homeowners despise. Their premium products protect from those pesky things like rain, snow, humidity and the neighbor’s sprinkler system. Take HydroGap, a drainable housewrap that eliminates moisture from your wall assembly. Or Cedar Breather, an underlayment for wood roofing that allows continuous airflow behind shingles or shakes. One man’s headache is another man’s successful business. To build better with Benjamin Obdyke, visit benjaminobdyke.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 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:

      • Options for concealing foundation foam
      • Guertin’s wall detail
      • Energy Alternatives Book
      • The 80s were weird
      • Metal roofing
      • 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

      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

      Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

      Listeners write in about running a profitable contracting business and ask questions about patching drywall, adding air barriers, and fixing a patio poured against the house.

      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

      • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
      • Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding
      • A New Approach for Millwork Finishes
      • Prevent Paint Bridging With Picks

      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
      • Building Custom Kitchen Cabinets
      • Podcast 331: PRO TALK With Cabinetmaker Ben Scott
      • How to Use a Pocket-Hole Jig
      • Podcast 128: Worst. Photo. Shoot. Ever.
      View All

      Insulation and Weatherizing

      View All Insulation and Weatherizing Articles
      • Simple Self-Adhered Protection
      • Listen for Leaks
      • Save Batt Bags for Reuse
      View All Insulation and Weatherizing 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