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 396: Protecting Foundation Insulation, Recycling Greywater, and Drying a Damp House

Mark, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about design software and Gold Medallion homes before taking listener questions on using greywater systems, ventilating a damp house, and protecting foundation insulation.

By Patrick McCombe, Mark Petersen, Kiley Jacques

Follow the Fine Homebuilding Podcast on your favorite app. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode:

Watch on YouTube

Help us make better episodes and enter for a chance to win an FHB Podcast T-shirt:
www.finehomebuilding.com/podcastsurvey

Tony shares his preferred design software and his method for protecting foundation foam insulation. Matt’s grandparents had a Gold Medallion home and $1000 electric bills. Brett wants to learn more about greywater systems. Steve wonders if the humidity in his new house is a problem.

 


Editor Updates:

 

  • Kiley’s dehumidifier
  • Mark’s foundation
  • Jeff’s deck
  • Patrick’s drywall

Mark's ILS-Slab
​


Listener Feedback 1:

 

Tony B writes: Hi Patrick, This is in response to a previous show where your listener asked about platforms to draw plans on. He was a builder looking for fairly intuitive software without a monthly subscription. For a number of reasons, I bought Chief Architect Home DesignerPpro a few years back. Just like him, I didn’t want to pay the monthly subscription so I bought a one-time license. I still have a draftsperson draw most my plans but I wanted software I could design something like a simple garage, sun room, or deck. I also wanted assistance with material take offs. My uses for it have changed since buying it. It’s most helpful for throwing together a dollhouse view of something like a bathroom remodel. I don’t have to be perfect with all the structural work but I can get a model together that gives the customer spatial awareness to make decisions on say a vanity size or shower door-hinge location. I save a bunch of 3d photos of the final and send the link to my guys when they start the project also. I can also easily call out dimensions and locations, like a timer switch and a vent fan.

I would say it took about 8 hours of tutorials and playing around before I could accomplish much. Like anything, it gets better with time. I have struggled with dormers, attic spaces, and complicated roof framing when I have tried. But I also don’t think the home designer pro version is best geared for that kind of work. Additionally, I have a qualified draftsperson do all of that anyway. For the cost and the years of use I have gotten, I find it helpful. I can throw together decks, bathrooms, and bonus room layouts in an hour or two for a basic start. Another hour or so of tweaking details and exact dimensions after showing the customer and getting feedback. Just last week my guys were remodeling a mudroom while the customer was on vacation. She left us with a hand drawn sketch of the layout and built-in she wanted. My guys requested I draw something so on night 1 I did just that. In the morning, I texted some photos to the customer for approval and then sent the same to my guys. Very convenient. Hope that helps.

Related Link:

  • Expert Session: Using 3D Software to Design and Visualize Kitchen Remodels

 


Listener Feedback 2:

 

Matt writes: When I heard someone reference gold medallion homes as being all electric, a few things fell into place for me. 20 or so years ago, I had moved into my grandparents’ old house which was built in 1968. It was all electric and a friend of mine pointed out a gold medallion that was stuck to the front door saying how the house was all electric. I had no idea this was some sort of certification. I just thought it was a novelty. Each room had its own thermostat and radiant ceiling heat with the exception of two rooms which were originally unfinished and had electric baseboard heaters. The house was very comfortable until I got the first electric bill in the fall and my jaw dropped. It was around $600 for the month! I immediately turned off most of the heat except for the electric baseboards and one or two other rooms that I used. When I asked my dad, he told me my grandparents would regularly have $1000 or more monthly electric bills! I suffered through cold winters and would never recommend radiant ceiling heat to anyone. It was comfortable but so expensive, although it seems some of your listeners had a more positive experience. At any rate, I was glad to find out about the gold medallion electric houses.

Separate question. When back priming exterior trim, what kind of paint do you like to use? I’ve used oil primer, latex primer, regular paint, and porch and floor paint when working on porch floors or stairs. I’m sure everyone has their own preferences but I’d love to hear your opinions. Thanks

Related Links:

  • Don’t Skip the Primer

 


Question 1: Is using copper for a frost-protected shallow foundation a good idea?

 

Tony writes: Hello again Patrick, Can we talk frost-protected shallow foundations? I know this has been brought up maybe just once or twice on your show. You have your exterior foam on the outside of the footing or haunch. Some below grade and some above. We have come up with a good system to deal with this and done it on a few jobs now. I have attached some photos below but we use copper. I love this for a few reasons:

1. Copper is readily available and no special tools needed to install.
2. The copper can get scratched, dented, hit with the weed whacker, buried under snow and it will not ever rust or need repainting.
3. In just the matter of a couple months, it will be a brown color that looks natural and blends in with stone, mulch, or dirt.
4. It is better than relying on a cementitious product that will crack and peel.

We tape it to our WRB above and to the foam below. On our latest, we actually hemmed each piece to lock on to the piece before and after it. Thanks, Tony

Tony's copper Tony's copper Tony's copper
Tony's copper Tony's copper Tony's copper

Related Links:

  • Protecting Foundation Insulation
  • Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

 


Question 2: What systems in the house could safely be considered greywater, and what can be put into those system?

 

Brett writes: Hello all, I don’t know if you would be able to answer this on the regular podcast or if it requires a Pro Talk, but I was wondering if you could discuss ‘greywater systems’ at some point. It seems a boon to be able to use water that would otherwise be sent to a treatment plant, especially with the current droughts going on. In particular, I am interested in:

1. What systems in the house could safely be considered ‘greywater’? After all, a bathroom sink and shower is at least exposed to fecal matter (although hopefully neither sees any significant size of waste particles). Likewise, a washing machine, assuming small children or gastronomically ill residents vacate their bowels on their clothes.

2. What can be put into a greywater system? In a traditional septic system, oils, food solids, etc. are generally not recommended. But I could see benefits of food solids being sent into a greywater system, namely compost. Although if the water goes through a pump, I could see why that would still be a bad thing. Likewise do you have to be careful with what soaps and detergents you use?

Related Links

  • Passive Garden House

Question 3: How do I figure out what the best ventilation system is to deal with the moisture buildup in my post-and-beam home?

 

Steve from Long Island writes: Dear Patrick, I recently retired and built my dream home in VT. Well, I had the shell built and now I’m finishing it… some retirement. The house is a post-and-beam structure with SIP panels. This summer was really hot for VT and I noticed a buildup of moisture and started thinking about how tight and insulated the house was and started to get worried. I was thinking, maybe I need some kind of ventilation system, HRV or ERV? And I’m wondering, is this something I can handle myself by choosing a manufacturer and calling them? Do they have experts to help fit a system to my needs… I’m not sure where to start… I’m not even sure what my problem is? Thanks for any advice.

Related Links:

  • Ducting HRVs and ERVs
  • When is a House Tight Enough to Need Mechanical Ventilation?
  • Celebrating Efficient Post-and-Beam Construction

 


Question 4: What is the best way to air-seal a ceiling with can lights?

 

Brian writes: What is the best way to air-seal a ceiling with can lights?

Related Links:

  • Simple Air-Sealed Ceiling for a High-Performance Home
  • Air-Sealing Can Lights Safely

 

Check out our latest Project Guide: Siding & Exterior Trim!

 

NEW! FHB Project Guides

 

Check out our new 2021 FHB Houses:

 

New FHB Houses 2021

 

 

Visit the Taunton Store  •  Magazine Index  •  Online Archive   •  Our First Issues   •  All Access

 

ALL ACCESS MREC

 

 

 


 

Help us make better episodes and enter for a chance to win an FHB Podcast T-shirt: www.finehomebuilding.com/podcastsurvey

 

 


FHB Podcast sticker

If you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected].
If we use your question we’ll send you a FHB Podcast sticker!


FHB Podcast T-shirt

FHB Podcast T-shirts!

Represent your favorite podcast! Available in several styles and colors. Made from 100% cotton. Find the Podcast t-shirt and more cool products in the Fine Homebuilding Store.

Podcast t-shirt and more cool products

 

 


 

This episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Loctite’s TITE FOAM.

The best contractors take weatherization seriously. When they need to seal a gap that’s too small for insulation but big enough to create a draft, they reach for Loctite TITE FOAM. With products for everything from small cracks to the biggest gaps, there’s a TITE FOAM product for every job, including a low- pressure expansion product designed to seal the rough opening around windows and doors. The high-density foam forms a tenacious bond to most common building materials, stays flexible to prevent cracking when materials move, and keeps air, moisture, and pests out of the house. Contractors who care about energy efficiency, comfort, and durability choose TITE FOAM. Visit Loctiteproducts.com for more information

 

 

 

 


Insulate & Weatherize

 

Fine Homebuilding podcast listeners can now get 20% off anything in the Taunton store, including Insulate & Weatherize.

Use the discount code FHBPODCAST to take advantage of this special offer.


 

We hope you will take advantage of a great offer for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off the 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 Fine Homebuilding on Instagram, and “like” us 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 related links

    • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
    • #KeepCraftAlive T-shirts and hats support scholarships for building trades students. So order some gear 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

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 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?
  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions

Listeners write in about fire-rated doors, using seven minisplits for cooling, and how to build a second-story addition.

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

  • A Practical Perfect Wall
  • Insulation Scrap Dispenser
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface

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
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Insulating the Roof of a Small Balloon-Framed House
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Old Home Insulation Troubles - How to Find the Right Contractor
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Is There a 'Right' Spot for a Vapor Retarder in this Climate Zone?
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Ductwork in a Vented Attic
View All

Insulation and Weatherizing

View All Insulation and Weatherizing Articles
  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
  • Makeshift Foam Tip for Tight Spots
  • Insulation Shield for Wafer Lights
View All Insulation and Weatherizing Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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.

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