UnBuild It Podcast
Science Podcasts
THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE
BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Building Scientist; Jake Bruton, Builder, and Remodeler; and Steven Baczek, Architect. We are nationally recognized industry leaders: Jake as a homebuilder, Steve as an architect, and Peter as a building scientist. You can find us at leading homebuilding industry events, in top-notch publications, and online media outlets. We believe that solid industry-related information has four key ingredients;
RELEVANCE: You need insight on your job site. Jake, Steve, and Peter are in the field regularly doing what we strive to do. We walk the walk – then talk about the walk. We have worked together long enough to build on each other’s expertise and not take ourselves too seriously. We are among the best at taking what may seem like complicated concepts, breaking them down, and turning them into job-site-ready breakthroughs.
ACCURACY: Jake is often quoted as saying, “Trust but Validate.” We don’t ask you to be the bleeding, leading edge; we develop trusted solutions based on our work in the field, pushing each other to practice what we preach. Our accuracy comes out of triangulation: building, design, and performance.
UTILITY: We guarantee that each podcast episode will move you from all ears to all action. Our information is born from our work. We pride ourselves on delivering information you can use the same day you listen to an episode.
CAMARADERIE: We work together because we love homebuilding, hitting the airwaves, and humor. We are not doing our job if you are not enjoying learning with us during each episode.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Science Podcasts
Description:
THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Building Scientist; Jake Bruton, Builder, and Remodeler; and Steven Baczek, Architect. We are nationally recognized industry leaders: Jake as a homebuilder, Steve as an architect, and Peter as a building scientist. You can find us at leading homebuilding industry events, in top-notch publications, and online media outlets. We believe that solid industry-related information has four key ingredients; RELEVANCE: You need insight on your job site. Jake, Steve, and Peter are in the field regularly doing what we strive to do. We walk the walk – then talk about the walk. We have worked together long enough to build on each other’s expertise and not take ourselves too seriously. We are among the best at taking what may seem like complicated concepts, breaking them down, and turning them into job-site-ready breakthroughs. ACCURACY: Jake is often quoted as saying, “Trust but Validate.” We don’t ask you to be the bleeding, leading edge; we develop trusted solutions based on our work in the field, pushing each other to practice what we preach. Our accuracy comes out of triangulation: building, design, and performance. UTILITY: We guarantee that each podcast episode will move you from all ears to all action. Our information is born from our work. We pride ourselves on delivering information you can use the same day you listen to an episode. CAMARADERIE: We work together because we love homebuilding, hitting the airwaves, and humor. We are not doing our job if you are not enjoying learning with us during each episode.
Language:
English
Website:
https://unbuilditpodcast.com/
Episodes
107 - Steve's Mantras: Go Slow to Go Fast & Identify Problems BEFORE Moving to Solutions
5/2/2024
It's funny that Steve, a very nuts-n-bolts guy, hosts this largely philosophical episode. But all three of us agree:
This episode's strength is how each of us—architect, builder, building investigator—uses the approach above to improve our jobs.
Pete's Resource(s):
https://buildingscience.com/bsc-document-type/building-science-insightshttps://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/building-science-101/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Buildings_Learn#Bookhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Buildings_Learn#TV_series
Duration:00:31:41
106 - WTF: Off-Site Building & Owner-GC?
4/18/2024
Who would have thought that our buddy Steve would be more than OK with both off-site building and the homeowner acting as their own General Contractor? But combining Superior Walls for the foundation with Harvest Homes for all of the framing means the GC homeowner is dealing with far fewer trade contractors. Steve, Jake, and Pete walk through the advantages and challenges of offsite building.
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Offsite framing company Harvest Homes: https://www.harvesthomes.com
2. BUILD Show episode on Pre-fab & Panelized Construction: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/how-building-professionals-can-incorporate-offsite-prefab-and-panelization-into-their-projects
3. Modular Construction & Affordable Housing: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/increasing-affordable-housing-stock-through-modular-building/
Duration:00:33:21
105 - Q&A: 2024 #4 - Ventilation Systems & Liquid Sealants
4/4/2024
1. What about whole-house ventilation systems (balanced, exhaust only, supply only) and their impact on pressure balance in homes? And do ERVs/HRVs accommodate pressure imbalances created by things like exhaust fans, stack effect, etc.?
2. Per Steve: to butyl or not to butyl...For areas such as door sills, use butyl sealant or maybe acoustical sealant? We know how fond Steve is of Tremco acoustical sealant (a single-component, non-skinning non-hardening synthetic rubber sealant) so this topic gets the big guy on his horse...
Pete's Resource(s):
1. great info on residential ventilation and pressure balancing: https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-components/ventilation & https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-components/pressure-balancing
2. Pete's BuildingGreen blog series called "Sticky Business" (including a couple or so blogs on liquid sealants): https://www.buildinggreen.com/stickybusiness
Duration:00:32:15
104 - High Performance Homebuilding in Austin TX with Risinger BUILD's Tim Hill
3/21/2024
Tim Hill of Risinger build--Austin homebuilder for over 40 years--teamed up with Matt some 10+ years ago. Tim details his company's approach to architects, customers, and trades, including featuring building science in ALL aspects of their building company. The conversation aptly starts with the job site trailer carrying a Goodman mobile dehumidification unit parked just outside the build studio to the way in which Risinger build embraces remodeling in no small part because it provides such valuable feedback on how their homes perform over time.
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Building Science 101 with Matt Risinger & Steve Baczek - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QthBdsyxAN8
2. John Abrams' The Company We Keep - https://www.southmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SoMoCo_Feature_hr.pdf
3. Job Site Dehumidifiers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ladLLd_z1wo
Duration:00:33:36
103 - Pre-cast Foundations
3/7/2024
One of the most interesting ways to accomplish a high-performance below-grade wall is with Precast Concrete panels. Both Steve and Pete have worked on projects using Superior Walls, the leading US manufacturer of these panels. Certainly, it is not the least expensive way to do a foundation, but this system has a ton of advantages: it is completely engineered by the manufacturer, no cast footing is needed, and it can be completed in a day (REGARDLESS of the weather…).
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Superior Walls - superiorwalls.com
NOTE: Jake/Steve/Pete are not aware of any other US companies that manufacture precast foundation wall panels.
2. BUILD SHOW Superior Walls - buildshownetwork.com/contents/in-depth-look-superior-walls?page=18
Duration:00:35:08
102 - Q&A: 2024 #3 - A funky Arkansas roof & a heat pump water heater install in Montana
2/15/2024
1. Actually 3 questions--can you/how do you/should you vent a pyramidal roof with dormers? (PS - I just had to look up the pronunciation of "pyramidal"--I found both pronunciations...).
2. How do I configure for adequate air supply and noise control for a heat pump water heater (HPWH) in a 1400 square foot, tight home in Montana?
And then, I would like to apologize for Steve and his: "A polar bear walks into a bar..."
Resource(s):
1. Venting hip roofs - https://inspectapedia.com/ventilation/Hard_to_Vent_Roofs.php
2. HPWH ducting strategies (CZ 2 - 4) - https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy16osti/64860.pdf
3. Northwest testing of CO2 HPWH - https://www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/Sanden%20HPWH_FINAL_rev%2011-24-15.pdf
4. BUILD SHOW Aarow Building (Jake) Fujitsu water heater - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQA-obhpKo
Duration:00:33:05
101 - Q&A - 2024 #2 - Open Joint Claddings
2/1/2024
The boys INTEND to tackle TWO submitted questions but only manage one: Are open-joint claddings better moisture-managed better than traditional lap claddings? This episode is quite the mix of banter, building science, and building history. And note that the last resource in the list below is a great short video with Joe Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation on open-joint claddings.
Pete's Resource(s):
1. wikipedia definition of cladding - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cladding_(construction)
2. wikipedia definition of lapstrake - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinker_(boat_building)
3. Open joint/rainscreen cladding history - https://www.climate-shield.com/european-climate-shield-history (Note 1st reference: "Rainscreen Cladding: A Guide to Design Principles and Practice."
4. "Cup of Joe - Open-joint cladding systems" - https://buildingscience.com/conversation/cup-joe-open-joint-cladding-systems
Duration:00:36:39
100 - Q&A - 2024 #1
1/15/2024
Listener Bill B poses this question and the boys run with it for the whole podcast: "Can you share the details and the reasons for installing flangeless windows in different planes of deep wall assemblies?" Lots to consider here in terms of ALL of the control layers and their continuity.
Pete's Resource(s):
- BSC Window Installation Sequence: https://buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0407-installing-a-window-with-building-paper-on-osb-over-wood-frame-wall/view
- Steve Baczek BUILD SHOW Build: Boston Ep. 8 - "Window installation Pt. 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcoMihs6hHQ
- Steve Baczek BUILD SHOW Build: Boston Ep. 8 - "Window installation Pt. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzktfcFNVEA
- Pete's YouTube series "WIngnut Water Testing Windows" - https://www.youtube.com/@peteryost7876/playlists
Duration:00:28:31
99 - Site Hydrology? Steve puts on his hydrologic engineer hat; Jake & Pete add their thinking caps...
1/4/2024
You know the boys get weepy over water pretty easily, but Steve's focus on starting with the site drives this podcast. The site is the context for the building, and broadening to site water management can really take the load off of building assembly water management. This podcast is all about digging deeper into building (sorry, just could not resist...).
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Pete has a series of YouTube video clips on building assessment, with the first 3 dealing with water: groundwater, site surface water, and building load. Take a look...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2pL2KVsx9SCcqQBdEjbiYfI3AouC1CoL
2. Superior Walls foundation system: https://www.superiorwalls.com
3. Great Read: Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_Repose
4. This resource is more about land development at the community level, but cool site water management techniques, regardless: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/low-impact-development-technologies
Duration:00:32:38
98 - A very special Matt Risinger throw back episode and Special Announcement
12/21/2023
We have a big announcement this week as we return to our first time having Matt Risinger on the podcast.
Duration:01:08:15
97 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Subcontractors: Vetting, Getting, Keeping and even Honing Your Build Team"
12/7/2023
Jake and his builder team--Luke Mann, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--work through all sorts of cool, key approaches to consider with your trades:
· Paying subs in 21 days
· Scheduling a site visit for a new potential sub
· Pulling subs into the bidding process
· Using suppliers to evaluate potential new subs
· Trade team kickoff meeting to get everyone on the same page/schedule
· Setting up debriefs to keep things going well
· Reducing risk with a stronger trade team
Duration:00:38:02
96 - Custom Builder Round Table - Company Structure
11/16/2023
Jake takes his builder team--Luke Man, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--through this final topic with questions like:
- Do you want your company to grow? (These guys vary in size from 2 to 16...)
- How do you decide when to hire and who to hire?
- Are you working in the business or on the business?
- Do you have a company culture that suits your team and clients?
- How do you delegate/empower/"let go" as your company changes or grows?
Duration:00:35:54
95 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Closing Out A Project"
11/2/2023
Luke Mann (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design) work through this topic with host Jake Bruton. Key concepts include carefully distinguishing punch list vs. additional scope of work; covering closeout in project-starting customer expectations document; an extended comparison of builder closeout process to a new car purchase; dealing with "closeout-creep."
Duration:00:35:00
94 - BS Summer Camp 2023: Kohta Ueno
10/19/2023
This is Q&A with Adult Supervision: Kohta Ueno. Kohta is so efficient we nailed SIX building enclosure questions: Listener Gagan - reconfiguring existing walls with new control layers; Listener Bill: the need for dedicated vent space with vertical metal siding on ICF walls; Listener Michael - rainscreens for roofs instead of walls; Listener Sean - best detail for using mineral wool (exterior continuous rigid insulation) on a roof; Listener Miles - hip roof in Arkansas best practice: vented roof, vented attic, what type of insulation; Pete asks Kohta's cut on ORNL's new BuildingScienceAdvisor.
Pete's Resource(s):
1. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 1 - Air) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/?s=how+to+look+at+a+house+like+a+building+scientist
2. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 2 - Heat) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-2-heat
3. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 3 -Temperature, Humidity & HVAC) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-3-temperature-humidity-and-hvac-systems
4. How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 4 - Water) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-look-at-a-house-like-a-building-scientist-part-4-water
5. Building Science Advisor: https://bsa.ornl.gov
Duration:00:39:16
93 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Ideal Client"
10/3/2023
Jake hooks up with the same custom builder team
https://www.rangelinehomes.comhttps://jacksonandrewsbuilding.comhttps://www.buildpatriot.comFor a roundtable discussion on the ideal client. Key topics include vetting clients by matching company strengths to client expectations and budget; the two-way street of trust and respect; the importance of references or background checks (they go both ways); pre-construction services to move the project forward; and finally, red flags...as both warnings AND opportunities.
Duration:00:30:46
92 - Q&A with Adult Supervision: OSB Structural Panels
9/21/2023
Guest Reuben Rudisill is Huber's Research, Development, & Innovation engineer, joining Jake & Pete from the Building Science Corporation Summer Symposium in Westford, MA. Jake & Pete know just enough to get in trouble when it comes to structural details of ZIP, ZIP-R, and Advantech Huber OSB panels, so Reuben quite gently sets these guys straight on how high-performance OSB is manufactured and tested, how fasteners are as important as the panels, and what you can and cannot do with each of Huber's panels. The podcast does close out nicely with how important friendships are in the building business world (we could get this "touchy-and-feely" because Steve was "missing" for this podcast...).
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Huber Technical Support: https://www.huberwood.com/technical-support
2. Solid Panel System - https://bbe.umn.edu/research/perfect-wall-building-and-delivery-system
Duration:00:34:49
91 - BS Summer Camp 2023 with Ross Trethewey
9/7/2023
Join Jake and Steve as they chat with Ross Trethewey, of TE2 Engineering and This Old House, at Building Science Summer Camp 2023.
Check out TE2 Engineering
Duration:00:38:22
90 - "Good Fellows" Tools We Use Every Day In Our Work
8/17/2023
Steve calls SketchUp his electronic clay model which he can use with his builder, his enclosure consultant, and his clients. Pete gives up the dirt on WebSoilSurvey, the 1st tool he uses on every project design/spec review. Jake heads home for his favorite tool - his new Aarow Building office. Last but not least: Steve returns with his 2nd favorite tool--the field. Getting out to job sites and seeing his design work play out as a process--no substitute and this tool is key to Pete and Jake as well.
NOTE: You have to listen to the entire podcast to understand the Good Fellows reference...but it is worth the wait. Has Pete seen it yet? He is still not sure...
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Sketch-Up: 3-D rendering of 2-D plan set - https://www.sketchup.com
2. WebSoilSurvey: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/app/
3. Aarow Building Office: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/how-our-office-has-improved-our-business
4. THE "FIELD:" https://buildshownetwork.com/go/stevebaczek
5. What might be the Frank Lloyd Wright quote Steve is seeking: "An architect's most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking bar at the site."
6. Good Fellows - the movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodfellas
Duration:00:36:33
89 - Monitoring Indoor Air Quality: Science, Anecdotes and Steam Roller Steve
8/3/2023
What should we monitor, and what do we do about elevated levels of indoor pollutants? Air temperature, relative humidity, parts per million CO2, PM 2.5
Pete's Resource(s):
- "Measuring (and Understanding) Humidity" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/measuring-and-understanding-humidity
- "Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health" - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health
- World Health Organization "Radiation - Electromagnetic Fields" - https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-electromagnetic-fields
- IQAir Visual Pro - https://www.iqair.com/ca/air-quality-monitors
Duration:00:39:58
88 - What makes a PSA tape "self-terminating?" Wingnuts want to know...
7/20/2023
The top leading edge of a PSA tape running horizontally is not weather-lapped or mechanically attached, depending solely on the adhesion of that top edge to the substrate to keep water out of the WRB/PSA tape system. Are ALL PSA tapes in WRB systems self-terminating? Is there a way to quantify the top-edge adhesion that makes the tape self-terminating? The boys go at it over this one!
Pete's Resource(s):
1. Pete's blogs on Wingnut PSA Tape Testing - Pete wrote over a half dozen blogs on his tape testing. Go to www.buildinggreen.com and search using the term "wingnut tape."
2. GBA Blog: Housewrap Tape Problems (Jeff Hoch) - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/housewrap-tape-problems
3. GBA blog: Combining Sheathing with a WRB and Air Barrier - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/combining-sheathing-with-a-wrb-and-air-barrier
4. Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) Test Methods - https://pstc.org/test-methods/
Duration:00:30:30