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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast Episode 73 — Ridge Venting and Insulating Rim Joists

Dealing with sub-contractors and LBM suppliers who disappoint. And your ideal work set-up vehicle.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors

Fine Homebuilding editor Justin Fink joins design editor Brian “Brandy” Pontolilo and FHB editorial director Rob Yagid in this episode. The guys talk about Rob’s ridge vent fiasco (spoiler alert: bad installation; see photo below) and Justin’s fiasco at a building material supplier. Plus, tiled shower kits for standard openings.

Listener Gabe asks about an alternate way to insulate rim joists in a basement that avoids foam. Another listener, Aaron, writes in to tell us about renovating a house that is in just terrible shape, by incompetent workers who he nominates for the “Schmuck of the Week” award. Take a look at the bad venting on this “renovated” roof:

Finally, a listener named Brad from Georgia asks about insulation on a basement wall.

We hope you will take advantage of two great offers for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. The other great offer is … A special offer to buy John Carroll’s Working Alone.

We are looking for as many podcast listeners as possible to come out to meet the Fine Homebuilding team at the Remodeling and Deck Show this October in Nashville! We’ll be at Booth 424 on Oct. 26, 2017, at the Nashville Music City Center. We’re running an Emerging Professionals Event and recording an episode of this podcast from the show floor.

We also have our continuing request for listeners … we need all our fans to take our podcast feedback survey by clicking here. There’s a chance to win (NEW PRIZE) a $100 American Express gift card.After the promotion ends, you might have a chance to win something else, or our great thanks at the least.

Today’s episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Zip System Sheathing and Tape.

Zip System Sheathing and Tape has revolutionized roof and wall installation with a built-in air and water resistive barrier. With Zip System Sheathing and Tape, simply hang panels and tape seams for a tight water-resistant enclosure. If you’re still using house wrap, hear why builders are switching to Zip System Sheathing and Tape for quicker rough dry-ins and dependable air and water management at ZipRevolution.com.

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.

Other links related to this issue:

  • GAF Cobra Snow Country ridge vent.
  • Roof Venting Done Right.
  • Adequate Roof Venting.
  • Here’s that video clip of Ron Swanson in a home center that the guys talked about. Click it, it’s funny. And you’re welcome!
  • October’s Remodeling and Deck Show in Nashville.
  • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
  • Buy a shirt at KeepCraftAlive.org.

Here’s a photo of Rob’s attic after a poorly installed ridge vent. No actual vent cut … just claw hammer marks where holes were bashed:

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Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. Roboticexile | Oct 06, 2017 04:09am | #1

    The audio-only podcast may need to be re-uploaded. It suddenly cuts out at 36 minutes. Both the audio-only version available on this page and through my Android podcast app cut off at the same 36-minute mark. I hope this is helpful.

  2. chrisjames95129 | Oct 09, 2017 11:14am | #2

    +1 Roboticexile

  3. Otterox | Oct 11, 2017 04:30pm | #3

    One of the best thought out mobile setups is the Ron Paulk SMART trailer...
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iADb6qFhKtk

  4. Nhadamsfamily | Oct 12, 2017 08:08am | #4

    How could Rob be so tolerant of shoddy workmanship on the ridge vent especially when the contractor actually contacted him regarding power. While the team agreed they wouldn't hire the drywall guy that spoke badly to the client there seems to be so much more tolerance of the work done on your own home.

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