Skip to content
POWER100
Join Free
Content

#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls

⏱️ 42:46 🎤 Patrick McCombe, Ian Schwandt, Grant Baver, Cari Delahanty
AUDIO EPISODE
#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls
0:00
0:00

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 1:35
    Builder Confidence & Economy
    Ian discusses the NAHB's builder confidence reports and how they may not reflect the entire market, especially for smaller builders.
  • 11:51
    Hydraulic Driver Review
    Grant and Patrick preview an upcoming editorial project testing five different hydraulic drivers for their performance and quiet operation.
  • 23:24
    Humidity Control in Homes
    A listener asks about effective humidistat controls for indoor humidity, leading to a discussion about their efficacy and cost for residential applications.
  • 34:05
    Luxury Igloos & Air Sealing
    David from Pittsburgh suggests a business model for luxury igloos, and Vince shares an air sealing tip for attics and wall plates.
  • 39:01
    Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs
    Steve from Omaha asks for advice on dealing with a rusty steel lintel in a brick veneer bump-out, prompting discussion on water management and condensation.
  • 53:44
    Oddly-Framed Walls
    Grant Murray from Oklahoma encounters an unusual wall framing system consisting of full-height 1x12 boards acting as both structure and sheathing.

Speakers

P
Patrick McCombe
Host — senior editor
I
Ian Schwandt
Host — Fine Home Building contributing editor and operations manager for TDS Custom Construction
G
Grant Baver
Host — Fine Home Building Associate editor
C
Cari Delahanty
Host — producer

Key Takeaways

✦

Always monitor your business's financials, especially during economic uncertainty, as larger builders can offer incentives that smaller ones cannot.

✦

Maintain operating capital and a safety net to weather cash flow issues and avoid panic during downturns.

✦

Diversify your services (e.g., remodeling and new construction) to remain adaptable and resistant to market fluctuations.

✦

Consider adding a humidistat to existing or new HVAC installations for better indoor humidity control, acknowledging that high-end systems can be costly.

✦

Prioritize air sealing the top and bottom of your house to control air movement effectively due to the stack effect.

✦

When encountering rusty steel lintels in masonry, focus on directing water away from the structure through weep systems rather than simply sealing the gap.

✦

For unusual historical framing like full-height board walls, consider reinforcing with modern conventional stud framing for long-term structural integrity, especially in areas prone to high winds.

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 →