Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback about storing tools and stuff. Brett is designing a whole house ventilation system and asks about the right way to duct his system. A Fine Homebuilding web member inquires about closed-cell foam insulation installed behind walls covered with nickel-gap paneling. 

Tune in to Episode 728 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• How much storage and stuff is enough 
• The options for fully ducted balanced ventilation systems
• The best insulation and vapor control for wood-paneled wall

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 728

➡️  Learn about Expert Guide to Installing Double, Pocket, and Flush-Concealed Doors with Casey Knips, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

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Scott shares his thoughts on whole-house dehumidification. Ian asks about light fixtures and tile waterproofing for a Euro-style bathroom. Sean wonders if a crawlspace vapor barrier will make his mudsills wet.

Tune in to Episode 727 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Using an ERV to help distribute dehumidified air 
• Waterproofing Euro-style bathrooms 
• Crawlspace vapor barriers and water management

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 727

➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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This week on the Fine Hombuilding Podcast, listeners write in about heat-pump performance and ask questions about using asphalt felt for a WRB and maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. FHB senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Green Building Advisor editor Randy Williams, Fine Homebuilding technical editor Mark Peterson, and producer Cari Delahanty.

Tune in to Episode 726 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Heat-pump performance during cold snaps
• Using tar paper as a WRB
• Raising indoor relative humidity during winter months

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 726

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This week we're excited to bring you a very special episode from the floor of the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando, FL! FHB editorial director Brian Pontolilo, GBA editor Randy Williams, and FHB technical editor Mark Petersen are joined by Daniel Sutton from VERSATEX Building Products to discuss strategies for low-maintenance exteriors.

Tune in to Episode 725 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Realistic expectations for low-maintenance exteriors
• The pros and cons of PVC siding and trim materials
• Common siding mistakes and how to avoid them

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 725

➡️ Sign up for an FHB All-Access Membership

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Chris says home heating and cooling systems should be simple. Colin’s friend is wondering how to know if he needs his furnace flue relined. Tom says that building planners and designers should be doing more to make houses resilient in a warming climate.

Tune in to Episode 724 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The benefits of keeping HVAC systems simple 
• Furnace flues and masonry chimneys  
• Strategies for passive cooling and keeping houses cool in hot conditions 
• DIY descaling of boilers and on-demand water heaters

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 724

➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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Kerry shares his thoughts on spray foaming old houses with advice for getting it right. A Fine Homebuilding Forum poster wonders about framing walls and attaching sheathing with construction screws. Andrew asks about the best way to build a lakefront cabin accessible only by boat.

Tune in to Episode 723 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Using closed-cell spray foam insulation successfully in old houses 
• Safe and code-compliant framing connections
• Building on ecologically sensitive and hard-to-access building sites 

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 723

➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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Richard describes inexpensive data loggers for monitoring indoor air quality. Kerry asks about adding casing and extension jambs to fiberglass windows. Martin wonders about improving the comfort and safety of his internal garage and the living space above it. Grant and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions.

Tune in to Episode 722 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Low-cost humidity and temperature data loggers sold on Amazon 
• The right way to trim out fiberglass windows 
• Fire separation requirements between a garage and living space 

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 722

➡️  Check out the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Magazine Archive

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Chris shares a news story about recently-introduced window-mounted heat pumps. Mason describes the joy that comes from using top shelf tools, even if it’s once or twice a year. Alex asks about installing spray foam under roof sheathing and exterior roof insulation.

Tune in to Episode 721 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and apartments
• Finding space and spending money for good tools
• The right way to combine interior and exterior roof insulation 

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 721

➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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In this special water and humidity control episode, Evan and Austin describes their whole house dehumidification strategies. Jake asks about insulating his bath fan ductwork to prevent water from dripping through the grill. Stephen wonders why the walls in his Upstate NY cabin are wet.

Tune in to Episode 720 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• How to integrate a whole house dehumidifier into existing ductwork
• Why is a newly installed bath fan dripping water from the grill 
• Heating and construction methods to lower indoor humidity

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 720

➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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Ian, Randy and Patrick discuss home projects and address listener emails about attracting young trade workers, the best cordless oscillating multitools and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of an old house in a mixed climate.   

Tune in to Episode 719 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The future role of robots and AI in house building and renovation 
• The utility of oscillating multitools and the best cordless multi-tools
• The benefits and risks of insulating old houses with spray foam

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 719

➡️ Learn about Fine Homebuilding's All-Access Membership

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Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback about the best way to help clients and home electrification before taking questions about window construction and improving the comfort of a badly-built bonus room above a garage.

Tune in to Episode 718 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Improving envelopes before new heating and cooling systems 
• The right window for a pretty good house
• Fixing comfort problems in above-garage living space 

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 718

➡️ Sign Up for Gary Striegler's eLearning Course 'Mastering Essential Jobsite Tools'

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In this best-of show the crew talks about cantilever decks, peel bond primers, the model Existing Building Code, post-frame buildings and effective collaboration between designers and builders.

Tune in to Episode 717 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Rebuilding cantilevered decks with rotten joists 
• Evectively controlling peeling paint without full removal 
• The model Existing Building Code
• The best way to build a post-frame building
• Effective collaboration between buiders and architects

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 717

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Ian, Randy, and Patrick discuss home projects before addressing listener feedback about embodied carbon in new builds and Saddam Hussein’s palaces before they taking questions about building steam showers and the right way to seal and insulate a brick crawlspace.

Tune in to Episode 716 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Reducing the use of concrete in new builds for lower embodied carbon
• The right way to build and detail a steam shower to control water vapor
• Sealing and insulating a crawlspace in an old house

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 716

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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An anonymous listener outlines their company’s strategy for attracting and retaining new hires. Josh reminds fellow FHB Podcast listeners about tool-lending libraries. Dan asks about the need for smart vapor retarders. Tim shares his experience dehumidifying his house with a simple system.  Randy and Ian describe home projects and help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions.

Tune in to Episode 715 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Advancement and incremental raises for new trade workers 
• The utility and cost of smart vapor retarders
• Where to put a whole-house dehumidifier

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 715

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Dan Kolbert raises a lead paint red flag. Jeff wonders if a Bonfig wall is better for inexperienced crews. Andrew wonders if an insulated band joist behind a flashed ledger can dry. Grant and Mike Guertin help Patrick talk about editorial and home projects before addressing listener feedback and questions.  

Tune in to Episode 714 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Lead paint risks with architectural salvage
• Introducing exterior insulation to inexperienced crews
• Does an insulated band joist dry behind properly-flashed deck ledgers

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 714

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Ian, Grant and Patrick address reader comments and inquires. They first hear about extensive problems with foam insulation in the UK. Then they ponder why septic systems haven’t kept up with the times. Finally they talk about the newest and previous versions of studs meant to reduce thermal bridging   

Tune in to Episode 713 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Poor workmanship causing problems with efficiency upgrades in the UK 
• Why septic systems are poorly marked and lack monitoring technology 
• The newest stud meant to slow thermal bridging

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 713

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Doug says homeowners and home buyers worrying about the wrong things isn’t new. Chris asks if reducing carbon in houses makes sense with AI’s voracious energy consumption. Spenser wonders about ways to temporarily heat his job sites. Zach describes his comprehensive plan to redo his house’s building envelope.

Tune in to Episode 712 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Why clients having trouble caring about what they can’t see 
• Pros and cons of common temporary job site heating
• Rebuilding the shell  of a house you’re living in

 Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 712

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Grant learns about military veterans joining the local construction workforce with help from the Department of Defense. Josh Salinger and Grant help Brian address listener feedback and questions. They also talk about Josh’s new Fine Homebuilding course called A Homeowner's Guide to a Durable, Efficient, Comfortable Home.  

Tune in to Episode 711 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The Department of Defense’s Skill Bridge Program
• Decarbonizing houses and the proliferation of data centers and AI
• Boosting the energy performance of houses without sheathing

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 711

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Responding to an attendee who wants to share his experience at the Summit, Brian asks Ian and Randy what they liked about the event, and what they didn’t. The crew shares their preferred details for installing windows in walls with continuous exterior insulation and opinions on insulating double-stud walls. We try to help a listener who is refinishing a basement that’s been refinished before.

Tune in to Episode 710 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The best of the 2025 FHB Summit 
• Installing windows in thick walls
• Strategies for finishing basements

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 710

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Accountant Austin shares thoughts on trade work. Ian’s smoke detectors are waking him up at night. Will wonders if his windows are detailed correctly. Brian and Grant help Patrick share listener feedback, answer their questions and talk about housing affordability. Grant discusses an editorial assignment that looks at affordable windows. Brian describes his trip to Austin to learn about 3D printed homes made from concrete.  Patrick talks about introducing people to trade work through SPARK.

Tune in to Episode 709 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Controlling indoor humidity for comfort and building longevity 
• Why new hardwood flooring interferes with an entry door
• How to choose the right ventilation appliance for your climate

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 709

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Patrick, Ian and Randy talk about humidity control and whole house ventilation in this HVAC-themed episode. Guy, Doug, and Josh share experiences with maintaining comfortable and house-friendly humidity levels. Matt asks about his tenting hardwood floor. Home moisture consultant Guy share insights on humidity control in low-load houses. Doug’s Colorado house is too dry. Matt’s floor is hitting his door. Chris is trading his HRV for an ERV.   

Tune in to Episode 708 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The joy and satisfaction of heating with wood 
• Why smoke detectors always go off at night 
• Detailing windows in brick walls 

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 708

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Steve provides an update on his planned Arizona home. David shares his tale of basement flooding. Kit asks what’s good to get at architectural salvage yards and what isn’t. Rob asks about water management and window placement in a lime-plaster wall. Ian, Grant and Patrick help Patrick address listener comments and questions.

Tune in to Episode 707 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Owner-building an off-grid house in Arizona 
• Smart shopping at architectural salvage yards
• Wall assemblies with natural materials and lime plaster

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 707

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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The FHB crew is coming at you LIVE from the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit with a special episode of the podcast! Summit attendees emailed us their questions, and they didn't dissappoint. One asks how to explain the importance of the building envelope to clients while another wonders if we need to do away with one-off design choices in new builds. 

Tune in to Episode 706 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• The best tools for measuring indoor air quality
• The future of the standard wall assembly
• Engaging younger generations with the building industry

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 706

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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Pia and Stephen have thoughts on flexible floor plans. Mae asks about mainstream housing. Kevin asks about controlling humidity in an attached greenhouse. Austin asks if a sheathing with an integral WRB is worth the extra cost. Ian and Randy discuss home projects and help Patrick answer listener questions about flexible floor plans, building a home greenhouse and the pros and cons of sheathing with integral WRB.

Tune in to Episode 705 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• Making the switch from strawbale to conventional building 
• How to control humidity in an attached greenhouse 
• The cost and benefit of using sheathing with a built-in WRB

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 705

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

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Doug says that ground water is regional. Hunter asks about the effectiveness of two radiant barriers. Michael inquires about insulating a 200 -year old stone farmhouse. Chris is considering a ceiling update in his family’s’ A-frame.

Grant and Mike help Patrick help listeners address updating old houses dating from the 1700’s to the 1980’s. Insulation, water management and maintaining the historic fabric of old buildings is considered.

Tune in to Episode 704 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• If one radiant barrier is effective, is two better 
• Insulating masonry building without risking future problems
• Improving the thermal performance of a former seasonal home  

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 704

➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen