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

New York 2023

Energy performance, affordability, and sustainability are at the core of our 2023 FHB House project. Building professionals across North America are in demand of common-sense approaches to air-sealing, insulating, and water management, as well as guidance for improving existing homes. With our Cornwall, N.Y.–based remodeling project, we aim to empower our building community with the information needed to retrofit homes with the most efficient and resilient assemblies, mechanical systems, and materials. Join FHB House 2023 builder Jon Beer as he takes you step-by-step through transforming his ranch-style house project into an efficient, modern home fit for a young family seeking ultimate performance and comfort.

How-To

Control Layers for a Remodel

Learn the details for air-sealing and moisture control on this ranch house remodel and addition.

By Jon Beer
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
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.

      Connecting a new addition to an existing house creates challenges for air-sealing and moisture control, especially when the existing home is clad in brick. In this episode of FHB House New York, builder-homeowner Jon Beer explains his approach for tackling the four control layers on this whole house remodel.

      Here’s the transcript:

      I’m Jon Beer from Jon Beer Contracting, and we’re here at the Fine Homebuilding House in Cornwall, New York. Our goal here is generally to have a pretty tight house. We’re shooting for less than one ACH with our blower-door test. I will run through our decisions on different control layers.

      Thermal- and vapor-control layer

      When it comes to dealing with thermal, we have a couple of different considerations. The old part of the house is 2×4 framing, so we’re limited in depth to meet energy code. The wall assembly is also 2×4. It’s got a fiberboard sheathing, a 1-inch air gap, and then a veneer brick on the exterior.

      We have no way to access that fiberboard sheathing, so it was important for us to decide what our thermal product was going to be, which is closed-cell spray foam, to meet energy code. In the old sections, we’re hitting two birds with one stone, thermal and vapor, in that one closed-cell layer.

      Water-control layer

      On the new second story and addition, we have a 2×6 wall assembly. We have ZIP System sheathing on the outside, so our water barrier is there at the ZIP. We have a rainscreen assembly to help with that, and we are using open-cell spray foam in those because we have the cavity depth to use that material. This also lets us spend a little bit less money than using closed-cell everywhere. In that assembly the vapor barrier is on the outside of the sheathing.

      On the newer structure, we’re dealing with bulk water on metal roof by using peel-and-stick underlayment meant to go underneath metal. The cladding, which is a 7×16 shiplap cypress made by Nakamoto, will sit on a Cor-A-Vent rainscreen, which allows us to maintain a drainage channel all the way down the outside assembly, including the areas where we transition from sheathing to brick.

      There’s a point where the veneer brick ends, and that’s where the old original soffit used to begin, and that veneer brick is flushed to the face of the new sheathing. There was about a foot of space above the veneer brick below the new second-floor structure where we had a rectangular void almost all the way around the house. From a water-shedding detail, that was an important area to really spend a lot of time on and design the right solution so that any water coming down the face of the ZIP doesn’t go behind the veneer brick and enter our original wall assembly.

      Using SketchUp again, I created a model for that assembly. It’s basically a small, framed wall with a piece of side-bend aluminum drip edge that comes down the brick. It’s taped to the existing fiberboard sheathing, comes down and goes over the brick, and drops down with a hem on the bottom. We made our new rectangular blocks on the ground. We taped the underside of them beforehand because we wouldn’t be able to get underneath there. And then we applied them directly to the building and ZIP-taped the seam where the sheathing connected on the wall.

      At the end of the day, when it comes to dealing with bulk water, gravity is the primary director of how water moves. When it comes to designing a system that deals with shedding bulk water, the thing we always go back to is the principle of shingle-style layering, where you start at the bottom and layer your materials so that the water always has a path to find its way out assisted by gravity. Our framing obeys those same principles. We’re trying to create opportunities for any water that could be trapped for a variety of reasons, whether it’s driving rain, snow melt, ice that’s melting or expanding and contracting, or a hotspot on the interior that’s causing ice melt. We want that water to find its way out.

      All of our decisions about this particular block that we built to bridge the old and the new—siding assemblies, overhangs—they’re all about the principle that water needs to be able to find its way out and not get stuck anywhere.

      Air-sealing control layer

      Air is our last control layer and we’re primarily dealing with that from the inside, though we have some details at penetrations. Pre-insulation, through the entire house, we’re going to go through and do a rigorous air-seal with canned spray foam, hitting the bottom plates, the top plates, any roof-to-wall sheathing and framing connections.

      While I trust my spray-foam sub, I want to have a belt-and-suspenders approach before he comes in. We’re going to go through and hit all of those areas, any hard-to-reach spots, any things that are currently or will be covered by ductwork.

      For window openings on the second story we’re using SIGA products to create an air-sealing buffer, basically in the width of each window. We’re taping from the outside, leaving the bottom flange open, and then we’re using their IS tape on the interior to totally air-seal the window assembly to the framing.

      On the first story, for existing openings that stretch between structural 2×4 and veneer brick, we are air-sealing with a SIGA tape and then using a combination of SIGA tapes and Loctite Tite Foam to seal those openings. I think the priority for us is definitely on air-sealing, and that’s where the bulk of our work will lie. For the rest of our control layers we’re relying a lot on our building materials, but also a quality installation of them to make sure our house is well protected from the elements.


      RELATED STORIES

      • Walls That Work: An Introduction to the Four Control Layers
      • How It Works: Vapor Drive
      • Airtight Window Installations

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      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
      New York 2023 Videos

      Behind the Build

      • New York 2023
      • Kansas 2022
      • Wisconsin 2021
      • Nebraska 2021
      • Connecticut 2020
      • Kentucky 2019
      • California 2018
      • Vermont 2017
      • Rhode Island 2016
      • 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 New York 2023

      View All
      • Building a Detached Shop with Full Utilities and HVAC
      • Interior and Exterior Finishing Details for a 1950s Ranch-Style Home
      • A Quiet Standby Generator Brings Peace of Mind
      • Interior Updates on FHB House New York
      View All

      New York 2023 Sponsors

      • Advantech SubFloor Assembly Logo
      • Coravent Logo
      • Loctitle PL Max Premium Logo
      • Loctite Tite Foam Logo
      • Nakamoto Forestry Logo
      • USG Sheetrock Brand Logo
      • ZipSystem Building Enclosures Logo
      • Zip System Roof Assembly Logo
      • Champion Logo

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

      A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

      Featured Video

      How to Install Exterior Window Trim

      Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

      Related Stories

      • Simple Self-Adhered Protection
      • Sorting Through Siding: IBS Expert Roundtable
      • Prevent WRB Tears at Corners
      • FHB Podcast Segment: A Cost-Effective Approach to Insulating and Air-Sealing Floor Trusses

      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

      Video

      View All Videos
      • Adding Windows, Siding, and a Brick Lime-Wash Coating
      • Control Layers for a Remodel
      • Replacing Old Shingles with a New Metal Roof
      • Framing a Second Story on an Existing House
      View All

      Insulation

      View All Insulation Articles
      • Makeshift Foam Tip for Tight Spots
      • Insulation Shield for Wafer Lights
      • Ranch Redux
      View All Insulation 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

      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