In this episode, host and managing editor Justin Fink talks with editor in chief Rob Yagid and design editor Brian Pontolilo about mold explosions, the politics of energy efficiency, and floor-joist construction. Resources and extras that are related to the topics covered during the show are below. 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.

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.

HOME PERFORMANCE

—Justin’s basement-insulation videos:

• Part 1: Addressing water
• Part 2: Controling airflow
• Part 3: Insulating walls and rim joist

—“A Practical Air-Sealing Sequence” by Andrew Webster from FHB #242.

—“Air-Sealing Basics” by Mike Guertin and Robert Sherwood from FHB #254.

—“Blower-Door Testing” by Larry Armanda from FHB #241.

—“Breaking the Thermal Bridge” by Stephen Bonfiglioli from FHB #250.

Model examples of performance homes:

• Best Energy-Smart Home 2015: West Coast Solar
• Editor’s Choice 2105: Downsize and Simplify

—Building Science Corporation (BSC) and The Perfect Wall.

—“Houses Need to Breathe … Right?” by Max H. Sherman from FHB #178.

—Green Building Advisor: The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Edited by Martin Holladay.

—Building Green, founded by Alex Wilson.

FLOOR SQUEAKS

—“6 Ways to Stiffen a Bouncy Floor” by Mike Guertin from FHB #184.

—Fix a squeaky subfloor with extra blocking by William Wie from FHB #246.

—Correcting a bouncy I-joist floor by Thor Matteson from FHB #166.

—“Replace a Rotten Lally Column” by Emanuel Silva from FHB #209.

BATH REMODEL

VIDEO: Tile niche by Tom Meehan.

—“Perfecting the Tile Tub Surround” by Tom Meehan from FHB #237.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Caulking Gun

It's important for any insulator to have a good caulking gun for air sealing or adhesives, and this one features a revolving frame that makes orienting the tip a breeze.

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Utility Knife

This utility knife is well-made and comes in handy when cutting rigid foam insulation. You can extend the snap blade to cut through a 2-inch foam board.

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Staple Gun

Although powered staplers are very popular, you still need a manual stapler on the job site. This staple gun from DEWALT® is reliable and easy to fire, reducing fatigue over prolonged use.

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