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#716: Shop Foundations, Steam Showers, and Sealing a Brick Crawlspace

⏱️ 45:29 🎤 Ian Schwandt, Patrick McCombe, Randy Williams, Cari Delahanty
AUDIO EPISODE
#716: Shop Foundations, Steam Showers, and Sealing a Brick Crawlspace
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Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Steam Shower Manuals
    Ian mentions Laticrete's 104-page manual on building steam showers, recommending it for detailed guidance.
  • 0:27
    Welcome and Introductions
    Patrick welcomes listeners and introduces the co-hosts, Ian Schwind, Randy Williams, and producer Carrie Della Hanti.
  • 1:15
    Historic Porch Renovations
    Ian discusses the challenges and intricacies of renovating a two-story porch in a historic neighborhood, including custom fabrication and dealing with utility conflicts.
  • 9:29
    Steam Shower Building Science
    Calvin asks for advice on building an intermittent use steam shower, focusing on vapor control and humidity issues.
  • 20:05
    Sealing a Brick Crawlspace
    Matt seeks advice on insulating and encapsulating an 1890s brick crawlspace in Louisville to address pipe freezing and air leakage.
  • 39:27
    Crawlspace Encapsulation Techniques
    Randy and Ian discuss strategies for encapsulating crawlspaces, including vapor barriers, insulation, and dealing with mechanical systems.
  • 44:57
    Crawlspace Purchase Considerations
    The hosts discuss whether a house with a brick crawlspace is a deal-breaker for potential buyers.

Speakers

I
Ian Schwandt
Host — Production manager for TDS Custom Construction and Fine Homebuilding contributing editor
P
Patrick McCombe
Host — senior editor
R
Randy Williams
Host — green building advisor editor
C
Cari Delahanty
Host — producer

Key Takeaways

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For steam showers, consult comprehensive manuals from manufacturers like Laticrete (104-page manual) and Schluter for detailed construction guidelines and material recommendations.

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Utilize premium, experienced trade partners for steam shower installations due to the complexity and high cost, especially regarding electrical demands that often require significant panel upgrades (e.g., 90-amp breakers).

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Ensure the entire steam shower space, including the ceiling, is treated like a wet room with Kerdi Board or membrane for effective vapor control; avoid unnecessary penetrations like additional vent fan holes in the shower enclosure.

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Address all existing wall finishes in a bathroom slated for a steam shower; if wood paneling is present, remove it to properly install a robust vapor retarder behind the Kerdi Board or membrane, as paneling often lacks adequate moisture protection.

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When encapsulating a crawlspace, prioritize moving mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing) into the conditioned space and use a heavy-duty reinforced poly vapor barrier on the floor, sealed to the walls.

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For brick crawlspaces, consider insulating the interior walls with a product like Rockwool's Smart Rock to allow moisture movement while keeping the brick warm and improving airtightness.

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Thoroughly air seal the rim joist and house-to-foundation connections in crawlspaces to prevent air leakage, which is crucial for overall energy performance and comfort.

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