Skip to content
POWER100
Join Free
Content

#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs

⏱️ 54:30 🎤 Patrick McMahon, Grant Baver, Randy Williams, Cari Delahanty
AUDIO EPISODE
#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs
0:00
0:00

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 2:34
    Shrinking Spray Foam Insulation
    Randy discusses a building investigation involving severely shrunk spray foam insulation in a conditioned garage, highlighting potential causes and repair challenges.
  • 15:32
    Double-Stud Wall Moisture
    The hosts address a listener's question about potential moisture issues in double-stud walls, explaining the theoretical risks and real-world observations.
  • 28:19
    Home Building Career Transition
    The team provides advice to Sam, an early thirties professional looking to transition from tech sales to the home building industry, emphasizing mentorship and practical experience.
  • 59:34
    Hardwood on Concrete Slabs
    A listener asks about the merits of gluing engineered hardwood directly to a concrete slab versus using a subfloor, sparking a discussion on installation methods and moisture control.
  • 1:07:41
    Self-Leveling Concrete Horror Stories
    Randy and Grant share their challenging experiences with self-leveling concrete, underscoring the physical demands and complexities of the task.

Speakers

P
Patrick McMahon
Host — senior editor
G
Grant Baver
Host — associate editor
R
Randy Williams
Host — Green Building Advisor editor
C
Cari Delahanty
Host — producer

Key Takeaways

✦

Always use reputable spray foam producers and ensure proper mixing ratios to prevent severe shrinkage and moisture issues in insulation.

✦

For double-stud walls, especially in colder climates, a vented rain screen is crucial to promote drying and mitigate potential moisture accumulation on sheathing.

✦

If transitioning to the trades, seek mentorship from experienced builders to gain practical knowledge and avoid costly business mistakes.

✦

When installing engineered hardwood on a concrete slab, gluing directly is a viable option, provided you use the correct vapor barrier and adhesive system, and ensure the slab is flat and dry.

✦

For new contractors, understand that building homes requires significant operating capital to manage payment schedules and unforeseen delays, protecting your financial stability.

✦

Be aware of the physical demands and potential stress of construction work; it's not always glamorous, and complex tasks like floor leveling can be very labor-intensive and expensive.

Want the full experience?

Join Power100 for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Power100 →