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★★★★★

4.8

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236 reviews

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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.

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165 - High-Performance Homes: Do They Really Cost More?

2026/10/01

Do high-performance homes have to be expensive? Steve and Jake tackle one of the most persistent misconceptions in building science: that better-performing homes are only practical for wealthy clients with luxury-home budgets. Yes, Steve and Jake work on plenty of high-end custom homes. But the price of those projects shouldn't be confused with the cost of applying good building science. Better water management, airtightness, insulation, durability, comfort, and energy performance aren't inherently luxury features—and many of the principles behind them can be applied across a wide range of budgets. The conversation gets into where the real costs of high-performance construction come from, how builders and architects can prioritize decisions that deliver meaningful value, and why better performance doesn't require throwing expensive products at every part of a building. With Pete absent this week, Jake also gives Steve some room to respond to the social-media criticism they receive about designing and building for wealthy clients. Fair warning: the conversation gets a little spicy. Ultimately, the question isn't simply how much more a high-performance home costs. It's where the money is being spent, what the client gets in return, and how building-science principles can deliver better performance without turning every project into an unconstrained luxury build. PETE'S RESOURCES: WolfWorks - How Much Does High Performance Cost?PNNL - Literature Review of Data on the Incremental Costs to Design and Build Low-Energy BuildingsGBA (PRIME) - Achieving Affordable High-Performance Homes

164 - Back to Basics: Thermal Control Layers Explained

2026/09/18

R-value is only part of the story. In the final episode of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete tackle the thermal control layer—and why good insulation means very little if the rest of the building enclosure isn't working with it. The boys break down heat flow, insulation, thermal bridging, and the importance of maintaining a continuous thermal control layer throughout the building. As with water, air, and vapor, continuity matters: transitions, penetrations, framing, windows, doors, and other interruptions can undermine an otherwise well-insulated assembly. But thermal performance isn't simply about chasing higher R-values. The conversation gets into making intelligent decisions about where insulation belongs, how different materials and assemblies actually perform, and why the thermal layer has to be considered as part of the whole building rather than as an isolated specification. And that brings the four-part series full circle. Control liquid water first. Control air movement. Understand vapor and drying potential. Then manage heat flow. The best-performing buildings come from getting all four control layers continuous—and getting them to work together. This is Part 4 of the Back to Basics series covering the four fundamental building control layers: Water, Air, Vapor, and Thermal. PETE'S RESOURCES: BSC - Thermal Control: Insulation & Thermal BridgesBSI-062 - Thermal Bridges ReduxBuilding America Solution Center - Continuous Rigid Insulation SheathingBSI-001 - The Perfect WallGBA - Thermal Bridging

Back to Basics: Vapor Control Layers Explained | UnBuild It Podcast #163

2026/09/03

Vapor is one of the most misunderstood parts of building science—and in many assemblies, it helps buildings dry rather than making them wet. In Part 3 of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down vapor control, vapor permeability, drying potential, and why decades of confusing code language created so much fear around vapor. As Steve puts it, “Vapor is not a liability, it is an asset.” Buildings get wet. In most climates and assemblies, the ability to dry through vapor diffusion is an important part of keeping moisture-sensitive materials safe. The crew explains why you need to understand the vapor permeability of every layer in an assembly, where to find reliable material data, and when to go directly to manufacturers for standardized test results. They also get into indoor humidity measurement and why accurate hygrometers are more important—and more expensive—than many people realize. This is Part 3 of the four-part Back to Basics series covering Water, Air, Vapor, and Thermal control. Pete’s Resources: Water in Buildings: An Architect’s Guide to Moisture and MoldVapor Profiles Help Predict Whether a Wall Can DryICC R702.7 – Vapor RetardersBSC Building Materials Property TableMeasuring and Understanding HumidityASTM E96: Explaining Water Vapor Transmission Rate TestingBuilding Science Advisor

162 - Back to Basics: Air Control Layers Explained

2026/08/21

Airtightness is one of the most important—and most measurable—parts of building performance. In Part 2 of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down how air control layers work, why continuity matters, and how blower door testing exposes the difference between theory and reality. The crew starts with several principles that apply across multiple control layers: staying in one plane makes continuity easier, simpler details are more likely to succeed, and combining control functions in a single material can reduce opportunities for failure. They also revisit one of their favorite ideas: eliminate “confused spaces.” Attics, crawlspaces, and other areas should clearly belong either inside or outside the building enclosure. Then the conversation gets specific to airtightness. Blower doors do not lie. ACH50 provides the quantitative result, but finding the actual leaks—their size, location, and number—is just as important. The boys discuss why one blower door test is rarely enough, how wind, stack effect, and fans drive air leakage, and why two mediocre air control layers do not equal one good one. For renovations, the sequence is simple: blower door test first, air seal second, insulate third. Pete's Resources: EPA – Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction, and Maintenance ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Checklist A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It? An Introduction to Building Science by Allison Bailes

161 - Back to Basics: Water Control Layers Explained

2026/08/06

Water is the number one enemy of building durability—and the first control layer every builder, architect, and designer needs to understand. In Part 1 of a four-part Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down the principles of water management that every high-performance building depends on. The conversation starts where most rain begins: the roof. From roof design and drainage to flashing strategies and capillary action, the crew explores how liquid water moves through buildings and why good design is the first line of defense. They also discuss how patterns of water damage in both historic and modern buildings reveal timeless lessons about moisture management. One of the episode's most interesting discussions comes when building science theory meets real-world practice. Steve approaches water management from an architect's perspective, while Jake explains the practical realities builders face every day. The result is a thoughtful conversation about balancing ideal building science with constructability in the field. This is Part 1 of a four-part series covering the four fundamental building control layers: Water, Air, Vapor, and Thermal. Pete's Resources: Joe Lstiburek – Moisture Control for BuildingsEPA – Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction, and MaintenanceWater in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold

160 - Designing Homes for Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters

2026/07/16

How do you design a home for floods, wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or ice storms? In this episode, Steve, Jake, and Pete explore what it really means to build for extreme events—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Drawing from real-world experience, Steve and Jake discuss how high-performance homes can be adapted to withstand the specific hazards of a site’s climate and geography. From flood-resistant foundations and safe rooms to wildfire resilience and high-wind detailing, the conversation focuses on matching building strategies to the level of protection each client wants to achieve. The discussion also highlights an important philosophy: building professionals aren’t there to judge a client’s concerns—they’re there to understand the risks, explain the tradeoffs, and design solutions that meet the client’s goals. Whether you’re building in a floodplain, earthquake zone, hurricane corridor, or wildfire-prone area, this episode explores the principles behind resilient, durable homes designed for the unexpected. Pete’s Resources: FEMA Breakaway Walls Guidance FEMA Safe Room Design Guide FEMA Flood Openings in Foundation Walls Simpson Strong-Tie High Wind Construction Guide FamilySafe Storm Shelters IBHS Home Disaster Guides

159 - Climate Zone 7 Ceilings, Universal Design & Alternative Foundations

2026/07/02

Three listener questions lead to three very different building science discussions—from cold-climate roof assemblies to aging-in-place design and innovative foundation systems. The episode begins with a Climate Zone 7 tongue-and-groove ceiling question, comparing ZIP sheathing and smart vapor retarders for airtightness and moisture control beneath a vented attic. From there, a question about zero-threshold exterior doors expands into a broader conversation about Universal Design and designing homes that remain accessible throughout every stage of life. The final discussion explores alternatives to traditional concrete foundations, including wood-based and prefabricated foundation systems. Steve and Jake weigh in on whether they would actually build with these systems, while Pete introduces an intriguing below-grade SIP foundation from Extreme Panel Technologies that was new to all three hosts. Three listener questions, dozens of practical takeaways, and another deep dive into the details that shape better buildings. Pete’s Resources: Climate Zone 7 T&G Ceiling SBA – ZIP CeilingSBA – Smart Vapor Retarder CeilingUniversal Design & Aging in Place Build Show – Forever Home SeriesEuropean Exterior DoorsAutomatic Drop-Down Door SealsThe Universal Design ProjectMississippi State Barrier-Free Design GuidesAlternative Foundations Extreme Panel Technologies FoundationsCCA Treated Plywood Specification

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity & Building Performance - 158

2026/06/18

How much can a building affect human health—and what happens when occupants become highly sensitive to their environment? In this episode, Steve and Pete are joined by retired building scientist and pulmonary physician Nathan Yost for a thoughtful discussion on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and its relationship to building performance. Nathan shares insights from decades of experience working with clients dealing with chemical sensitivities, along with more recent medical understanding surrounding pregnancy, hormonal changes, and biochemical sensitivities. The conversation explores where building science intersects with health concerns, how indoor environments can influence occupant comfort, and what building professionals should consider when designing for sensitive individuals. Steve also shares examples from recent projects where MCS concerns led to major changes in materials, specifications, and interior design decisions. The discussion even ventures into the controversial topic of electromagnetic fields and so-called “dead zones,” highlighting the challenges of balancing occupant concerns with evidence-based building practice. It’s a fascinating conversation about the overlap between buildings, health, and the limits of what construction professionals can realistically control. Pete’s Resources: Helping People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Medical Conditions Building Professionals Need to Know About Prescriptions for a Healthy House (4th Edition) NIH – Electric & Magnetic Fields BuildingGreen – Building Design and EMF

157 - Four Building Science Puzzles: Expansive Soils, Radiant Barriers & More

2026/06/04

Four listener questions. Four very different building science challenges. One highly technical episode. Steve, Jake, and Pete tackle a collection of building puzzles that span foundations, roofs, wall assemblies, and moisture management. The discussion starts with expansive soils and why successful construction often depends on engineered foundation systems designed to accommodate soil movement. From there, the crew examines attic radiant barriers, where they work best, and why climate matters when evaluating their performance. The conversation then shifts to a cold-climate stucco retrofit involving exterior rigid insulation, reinforcing a core building science principle: prioritize the four control layers in the right order—water first, airtightness second, drying potential third, and thermal control fourth. Finally, they unpack the risks of a “diaper wall” assembly, where moisture-sensitive materials become trapped between low-permeance layers, and discuss how weather protection and airtightness can reduce those risks. A highly technical episode packed with practical problem-solving, building science fundamentals, and real-world application. Pete’s Resources: Post-Tension Slabs for Expansive SoilsEvolution of Foundation Design for Expansive SoilsORNL Thermal Performance Evaluation of Attic Radiant Barrier SystemsBuilding America Solution Center – Attic Radiant BarriersEPA Moisture Control GuidanceGBA – Vapor Profiles Help Predict Whether a Wall Can Dry

156 - Building Standards vs Better Buildings?

2026/05/21

Do certifications, standards, and professional credentials actually lead to better buildings—or just more paperwork? Steve, Jake, and Pete tackle one of the more uncomfortable questions in the building industry: why so many standards fail to consistently produce better outcomes in the real world. The conversation ranges from ASTM standards and manufacturer testing to architectural credentials and industry certifications, questioning where standards genuinely help—and where culture, habits, and resistance to change become the bigger obstacle. Steve makes the case that the industry’s biggest challenge may not be technical at all, but cultural. The crew also digs into one of Steve’s standout ideas: “chase friction.” Instead of accepting inefficient details, weak processes, or recurring failures, the goal should be to constantly look for the points of resistance that reveal where buildings can improve. It’s an opinionated discussion with a few disagreements along the way, but the central takeaway is clear: meaningful progress only happens through rigorous education—for both building professionals and clients alike. Pete’s Resources: Treasure of the Sierra Madre clipISO Construction Quality Standards Construction Education & Certifications Chasing Friction Article

155 - ZIP-R on the Roof? Structural, Hygrothermal & Durability Tradeoffs

2026/05/07

Can ZIP-R panels work on a roof—and should they? Steve, Jake, and Nick Sabol from Huber’s Technical team dig into a topic that’s getting a lot of attention in the field. This episode breaks down the full set of considerations behind putting insulated sheathing on the roof deck: structural loading, fastening and shear, hygrothermal behavior, condensation risk, and long-term durability. The crew looks at where the idea makes sense, where it doesn’t, and what you need to understand before trying it on a real project. It’s a detail-heavy conversation that connects theory to field conditions—exactly where most “good ideas” succeed or fail. And for Pete’s top resource on this one? Call Steve. Pete’s Resources: ICC-ES Report 1473Roofs & Attics: The Building Science of “the Lid”Huber Technical Support: [email protected]

154 - Wildfire Zone Rainscreens & Smarter ZIP Sheathing Use

2026/04/16

Do wildfire zones actually change how rainscreens should be detailed—and where does conventional thinking fall short? Nick Sabol from Huber’s Product Engineering team is back with Steve and Pete to continue the deep dive into wall details that actually work. This episode focuses on rainscreen strategies in wildfire-prone areas and challenges the assumption that every risk requires a completely different assembly. The discussion also highlights Steve’s perspective on using materials like ZIP sheathing in unconventional ways—prioritizing performance and continuity over tradition when it makes sense. From fire exposure considerations to air barrier continuity, the conversation connects real-world risk with practical detailing decisions. It’s a continuation of the Part I discussion, with a sharper focus on where building science meets evolving conditions like the Wildland Urban Interface. Pete’s Resources: ICC Harmathy’s Ten RulesUS Fire Administration – Wildland Urban InterfaceIBHS External Sprinklers for Wildfire DefenseBuild Show – Air Barrier Continuity (Wall to Ceiling)Build Show – Air Barrier Continuity (Ceiling)

153 - Wall Details That Actually Work: Water, Air & Rainscreens

2026/04/02

What are the most critical wall details for managing water and air—and where do builders get them wrong? Nick Sabol from Huber’s Product Engineering team joins the crew for a technical deep dive into exterior wall assemblies that actually perform. Pete, Jake, and Nick focus on two of the most failure-prone areas in construction: bottom-of-wall-to-foundation connections and window rainscreen detailing. The discussion breaks down how to properly manage bulk water, maintain continuous air control, and integrate systems so they work together instead of against each other. Along the way, they introduce RAINA (Rainscreen Association in North America) and highlight why rainscreen strategies are becoming essential for durability across climates. It’s a detail-heavy episode with practical takeaways for builders, designers, and anyone serious about building enclosures—plus, for better or worse, no Dad joke this time. Pete’s Resources: Huber ZIP System Bottom-of-Wall DetailsAbove-Grade Foundation Wall Waterproofing (GBA)Huber Technical Support: 1.800.933.9220 | [email protected] (Rainscreen Association of North America)Must-Know Window and Door Flashing Details

152 - Thermal & Structural Loads: Insulation, Wood, and Concrete

2026/03/19

How much load can insulation actually carry—and are we over-engineering residential buildings without realizing it? This episode goes deep into the structural and thermal realities behind common building materials. The crew breaks down compressive loading on rigid insulation, long-term creep behavior, and how these factors influence slab and foundation design. From there, the conversation expands into thermal bridging challenges in wood and concrete assemblies, and how innovative framing systems like EcoSmart and Tolko aim to improve performance. Along the way, they question a core assumption in residential construction: are we solving problems that don’t actually exist? The discussion highlights where engineering matters—and where it may be overkill. And in true UnBuild It fashion, Steve closes things out with an unexpected design tangent involving beehives. Pete’s Resources: Compressive Creep Behavior of EPS GeofoamBSI-059: Slab HappyBSI-118: Concrete SolutionsEcoSmart StudsTolko Wall Framing

151 - Where Matters: Climate

2026/03/05

Climate drives building performance. In the first episode of a three-part series, Pete, Steve, and Jake explore why climate matters so much in building science. Steve kicks off the discussion with a simple analogy: Would you pack the same suitcase for Minneapolis in February, Honolulu in March, and New Orleans in July? Of course not. Buildings work the same way. Design decisions about insulation, vapor control, air barriers, and drying potential all depend on where the building lives. The conversation walks through how climate zones influence building enclosure strategy and why national research from the Building America program has shaped modern high-performance construction. And of course, no climate discussion would be complete without Joe Lstiburek’s “Perfect Wall,” one of the most influential concepts in applied building science. This is the first of three episodes exploring how location shapes building design. Next up: Site and Extreme Events. Pete’s Resources: Building America Solution Center – Climate searchPNNL US Climate Map GuideBSC Enclosures That WorkBSC BSI-001 The Perfect Wall

Podcast reviews

Read UnBuild It Podcast podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

236 reviews

★★★★★

Greenside Design Build 2026/01/06

Learn it

I think they should change the name of this podcast to the learn it podcast because every episode I listen to I learn something. I have over 30yrs in ...

★★★★★

Brett4595 2025/10/22

Great mixed content

I recently started listening and am about halfway caught up from the beginning. Really enjoying the progression of the content and the dynamic between...

★★★★★

smd2j1 2025/09/02

Best ICF podcast

Great podcast, has helped me with some remodeling projects, and has helped me be more knowledgeable when hiring contractors, and it’s pretty funny. I...

★☆☆☆☆

Mitch~Idaho 2025/01/31

EP 124

Pretty negative on other creators when Jake doesn’t agree that there could be another way. It’s a post frame because it’s not built with poles. Way to...

★★★☆☆

RCBitt 2024/10/12

Tone down the banter

A lot of great content. Unfortunately, I have to wait through five minutes of nonsense banter to get to it. Like my wife tells me you’re not a come...

★★★★★

rod scarington 2024/02/27

Gotta have it

Love the banter and the knowledge gained is astounding!!

★☆☆☆☆

WillBNice 2024/02/09

Declining quality

This podcast started off really well it was very informative and provided great content. It was instructional mixed with explanatory and covered a wi...

★★★★★

NVR/DV8 2024/01/12

Quick witted and informative!

I love listening to the guys! They have resparked my insatiable appetite for building science. Back in 2008... I know Jake was still a youngin :) - ...

★★★★★

dogsarepeoplet00 2023/09/10

Nerdy and hilarious

So thankful to have these guys together

★★★★★

builderhugh 2023/07/26

Should be higher

This podcast is on my regular listen list. It would have gotten a higher rating if Steve were less rude. It is a good thing to think deeply and be a c...

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