UnBuild It Podcast

This week the UBIP takes on the topic of control. Jake tries to convince Peter and Steve that the hierarchy we address the four control layers is wrong. Can Jake turn Peter or Steve to his dark side of ideas? Probably not, but the conversation is still valid. Where do you land?

Lots to consider from frame to finish in terms of materials and connection to main structure. The boys agreed that--for bulk water management--attaching the deck ledger to the main structure should be done either for lateral stability only or with the ledger spaced out from the main structure.

Pete's Resource(s):

1. FPL Deck Guide: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/pdf1997/falk97d.pdf (dated, yes, but seminal and it's written by an FPL great: BoB Falk)

2. AWC Residential Wood Deck Design - https://awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/StructureMag-DCA62012-StructuralSpecifications-1704.pdf

3. BSC Information Sheet 304 - Integrating Deck Ledger Board with Drainage Plane - https://buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/integrating-deck-ledger-board-with-drainage-plane

Space conditioning loads can be managed by building professionals through building enclosure and mechanical system efficiency--easy-peasy. But what about the loads determined by occupants and their behavior: domestic hot water, appliance, lighting and plug loads? The boys load up to tackle all kinds of issues and loads connecting energy efficiency and thermal comfort; connecting generation and distribution; connecting human behavior and energy efficiency.

Pete's Resource(s):

1. Thermal Comfort Research in Autos and Buildings: Center for the Built Environment - https://cbe.berkeley.edu/research-category/indoor-environmental-quality/personal-comfort-systems/

2. Texas hill country research and innovation, including water collection: Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems - https://www.cmpbs.org

3. Residential Program Guide - https://rpsc.energy.gov/energy-data-facts

4. GBA "Tackling the Plug Load Problem" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/tackling-the-plug-load-problem

From environmental footprint and slump tests to value-engineered footings and post-tension slabs, the boys do some solid coverage of concrete in buildings. While Pete suggested this topic, Steve goes from skeptical to the leader on all things concrete.

Pete's Resource(s):

1. Concrete carbon footprint: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/reducing-concretes-hefty-carbon-footprint 

2. BS & Beer Tackles Concrete: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-bs-beer-show-the-science-of-concrete

3. BSC moisture-resistant foundations: https://buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0206-foundations-moisture-resistant-construction

4. Hoover Dam Construction: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/history/essays/concrete.html

5. Post-tension concrete slab foundations: https://www.concretenetwork.com/post-tension/basics.html

Listener Wes asks about radiant barriers (Pete goes way deep on this one...); listener Chris G wants to know if there is a "perfect" (ala Joe Lstiburek) shower wall (with Pete responding he had just taken a shower that had a "perfect" wall); listener Howdy (dubbed so by Jake 'cause we did not have his name) from Climate Zone 3 asks about  new construction, unvented roof assemblies (including a Lstiburek "perfect" roof with only topside rigid insulation); and finally British Columbia listener Harpreet asks about what sort of WRB to use with structural wall sheathing that is almost always damp.

Pete's Resource(s):

1. Radiant Barriers - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/radiant-barriers 

2. BUILD show wood shower wall (Jake's house): https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/wood_shower

3. Perfect Roofs (and walls): GBA Podcast - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-perfect-wall-roof-and-slab-building-science-podcast

4. Fluid-applied WRB: GBA blog - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/liquid-applied-water-resistive-barriers

Listener Steve C--mitered corners on cladding (plus "Trust But Verify" t-shirts!); listener Jason L--detailing Huber ZIP-R at window openings; Listener Dan--worry over window details with ZIP-R; Listener Jeff (who buttered us up with his love for UBIP)--cavity fill rockwool or CCSPF in retrofit and if CCSF can it be the WRB/can new OSB sheathing be the WRB?

Pete's Resource(s):

1. Tru Exterior mitered corners: https://truexterior.com/truexterior-siding-offers-an-easier-approach-to-mitered-corners/

2. ProTradeCraft "Window Installs in walls with Thick ZIPs" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dEfns7b7o

3. Huber "Recessed Window Flashing with ZIP System Liquid Flash on R-Sheathing" - https://www.huberwood.com/technical-library/recessed-window-flashing-with-zip-system-liquid-flash

4. Retrofit WRB - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/wrb-for-retrofit

5. FHB John Straube ENergy Retrofits: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/energy-retrofit/six-proven-ways-to-build-energy-smart-walls

Suzanne from Bozeman asked such a great question it gets a SECOND podcast but this time focusing on how far is too far when remodeling in general (instead of just an addition). Tons of cool issues but here is a "gem" from each of the boys.

STEVE: Consider re-design before adding new design. How well are existing spaces being used? Maybe reconfigure/repurpose as the most efficient remodel?

PETE: EVERY remodeling project should start with a full hygrothermal building assessment.

JAKE: All remodeling projects need to start with aligning client expectations with the custom set of constraints each unique structure brings. Do the best your can/as much as you can to any portion of the building you "touch" as part of the remodel.

Pete's Resource(s):

1. "Using Building Science to Conduct a Building Assessment" - https://building-wright.com/2020/12/07/using-building-science-to-conduct-a-building-assessment/

2. "READ THIS: Before You Design, Build, or Renovate" - https://buildingscience.com/documents/guides-and-manuals/gm-read-this-before-you-design-build-renovate/view

Featured in this episode--from Suzanne in Bozeman Montana: When renovating, how far should you take performance improvements, on the whole building, on just part of it, or an addition? What about going from the inside versus the outside? What about dealing with windows? 

The overall UBIP response? Do as much as you can, in as much of the building as you can, WITH the same control layer priorities: water first, air second, thermal last. But boy are there still a lot of questions to dive into.

Pete's Resources: 

1. Building-Wright Building Assessment - https://building-wright.com/2019/02/24/hygrothermal-building-assessment-available-as-a-pdf/

2. READ THIS: Before You Design, Build, or Renovate - https://buildingscience.com/documents/guides-and-manuals/gm-read-this-before-you-design-build-renovate/view

Window weeps are the drainage system for the Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU), protecting the vulnerable seals that sit at the bottom of the IGU. Do all windows have them/need them? Are they meant to handle interior condensation as well as exterior leaks? Should they drain to the face of the frame (visible) or to the bottom of the window frame (hidden)? Pete remains sad, curious, and even a bit disgruntled at how little our industry seems to address, systematically, window weep systems.

Pete's Resource: Stay Tuned! Weigh In! We are counting on our listeners to help us learn more about this topic. Be ye builder, architect, window manufacturer, or carpenter--set us straight if you know more than we do about weeps!

The BS of BS--the bullshit of building science--is Steve's way of characterizing sound building science gone haywire in totally screwy application. Examples include paralyzing worry over vapor diffusion as a way that buildings get wet, insane levels of exterior insulation in below-grade walls, using only financial payback when comparing double- and triple-pane windows (ignoring thermal comfort and durability). Add in over-insulation of window frames, bans on spray foam, and you have the UBIP combined blood pressure skyrocketing.

Pete's Resources:

1. BuildingScience Info-311: Vapor Open Assemblies - https://buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/vapor-open-assemblies

2. Hammer & Hand: Installing European Passive House Windows Exterior Over Insulation - https://hammerandhand.com/videos/installing-european-passive-house-windows-exterior-insullation-video-006/

3. BuildingGreen's Special Report on Insulation: "The BuildingGreen Guide to Thermal Insulation - https://www.buildinggreen.com/continuing-education/buildinggreen-guide-thermal-insulation