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Check latest episodes from UnBuild It Podcast podcast

148 - Dumb Ideas? Vented Crawlspaces & Over-Insulating Window Frames

2026/01/22

Are vented crawlspaces really a bad idea—and can you actually over-insulate a window frame? The crew gets fired up tackling two topics that refuse to die in building science conversations. First up is crawlspaces. The boys dig into a bit of U.S. crawlspace history, what vented crawlspaces were originally intended to do, and why they so often fail to perform as hoped. They walk through what crawlspaces should and should not do, and why climate, moisture, and enclosure strategy matter far more than tradition. Then Steve takes the lead on one of his favorite “dumb ideas”: over-insulating window frames. While improving window performance absolutely matters, the discussion makes the case that, except in very cold climates, obsessing over frame insulation can introduce new water-management risks—and distract from much bigger thermal priorities elsewhere in the enclosure. Classic UnBuild It: strong opinions, real-world building science, and a reminder to focus effort where it actually moves the performance needle. Pete’s Resources: Building America Solution Center – CrawlspacesBSI-115: Crawlspaces – Either In or OutLSU La House CrawlspaceGBA Q&A on Window Frame InsulationPete Yost on Thermal Buck

147 - Dehumidification in Dry Climates & Vented Crawlspaces? Seriously?

2026/01/08

Can ERVs actually dehumidify a home? And does it ever make sense to use a dehumidifier in a vented crawlspace? Two listener questions spark a lively—and slightly ruthless—discussion that leads to one of Steve’s classic lines: “Suck it up, buttercup!” The crew digs into how moisture really behaves in dry climates, what ERVs can and cannot do when it comes to latent load management, and why dehumidification strategies that work in one climate can be completely wrong in another. They also unpack the challenges of managing moisture in vented crawlspaces and why adding equipment isn’t always the right answer. Along the way, the conversation takes an important turn into floodplain construction, with a great discussion—and a must-read resource—on FEMA breakaway walls and how they intersect with moisture management and durability. Plenty of tough love, plenty of building science, and lots of useful takeaways despite the rough ride. PETE'S RESOURCES: - "Dealing with Moisture of Construction" (GBA) - Do ERVs really manage interior sources of moisture? (GBA Q&A) - "Understanding & Measuring Humidity" (GBA) - "Household Sources of Moisture" (GBA) - "Design & Construction for Breakaway Walls" (FEMA)

146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation

2025/12/18

Windows are one of the most confusing—and consequential—components of a high-performance home. In this episode, the crew takes a deep dive into window and glass selection, aiming to make things clear without letting your eyes glaze over. The discussion covers dual-pane versus triple-pane insulated glazing units, IGU numbering conventions, and the relatively new i89 coating—including what it means for thermal performance and condensation risk. They also unpack the difference between center-of-glass values and full-window NFRC performance numbers, and why those distinctions matter when making real design decisions. One gem of a takeaway sums it all up, with Jake quoting Steve: “The windows, the envelope, and the HVAC are one line item.” Pete’s Resources: Cardinal Glass Technical Guide (2025 Version 3.1)BA 0402 “Singing the Blues in the Key of Low-E”A Review of Advanced Architectural Glazing TechnologiesEfficient Window Coverings

145 - High-Performance HVAC Ducting & Appliance Exhaust

2025/12/04

A detailed look at smarter HVAC ducting, better airflow, and what it really takes to manage appliance exhaust and makeup air in high-performance homes. The boys dive into the how and why behind HVAC duct layout, register placement, and whole-house airflow. They break down how interior design, enclosure performance, and mechanical systems must coordinate—because ducting isn’t just about energy efficiency. Thermal comfort and indoor air quality matter just as much. They also get into makeup air, kitchen ventilation, and what happens when houses get tighter and appliances get stronger. Lots of building science, lots of clarity, and (of course) a little UBIP chaos. PETE’S RESOURCES: Green Basics – GBA Integrated DesignBuilding America – DuctsBuilding Science “The Perfect HVAC”ACCA Technical ManualsMechanical Kitchen Ventilation StudyMakeup Air Systems Example (Fantech)IQAir Visual Pro Monitor

144 - Tips for Young Builders with Tim Hill – Risinger Build

2025/11/20

What does it really take to grow as a young builder today? Jake and Steve bring in Risinger Build’s Managing Partner, Tim Hill, for a fast-paced, experience-packed conversation full of practical advice for builders looking to level up their craft, business, and mindset. Jake and Steve give Pete the boot for this one—and for good reason. Tim joins them to share real-world insights on everything from building capital and managing budgets to client communication, niche-building, and avoiding the projects that drain your time and sanity. Across the episode, there are a “baker’s dozen” takeaways that every young builder needs to hear: Build capital each year.Have honest, direct conversations about budgets.Meet clients in person for budget discussions instead of relying on email.Remember that builder or not, you’re in the customer service business.Cost projects accurately, not optimistically.Use the job you’re on to improve the next one.Market your own work and own your story.Don’t take projects just because you feel you have to.Show clients the cool things happening on-site every day—they care more than you think.Think and act like a building professional, not just a carpenter.Trust your gut and say no to the wrong projects or clients.Find your niche instead of trying to be everything to everybody.Don’t let your business consume your entire life.A ton of wisdom in a single episode—and a must-listen for builders on the rise.

143 - Venting Cathedral Roofs & 6-Sided Insulation Explained

2025/11/06

A deep dive into cathedral roof design and insulation strategy. The team compares solid-sawn rafters vs. scissor trusses, smart vapor retarders vs. poly, and discusses optimal roof pitches. You’ll learn when to vent from the topside, from below, or go unvented entirely—and why those choices matter. In the last 10 minutes, the crew unpacks one of building science’s trickiest topics: 6-sided containment of air-permeable insulation—and how it impacts attic R-values and energy performance. PETE'S RESOURCES: 1. GBA "Five Cathedral Ceilings That Work:" 2. BSD-149: Unvented Roof Assemblies for All Climates 3. "Convection in Loose-Fill Attic Insulation - Measurements and Numerical Simulations"

142 - Sage Advice for Young Architects

2025/10/16

Seriously? These 3 clowns are sages? The discussion includes how to select the "right” school. How much should a school include building science compared to learning it on the job? And what about even just the 4 control layers? And all three of us stand squarely with Steve: if you want to design buildings, get out on the job site first, second, and last over the course of your prep and your years on the job. And then take what you learn at the site to improve the information transfer you accomplish with your drawings! PETE'S RESOURCES: The architecture school Steve went toPete taught for Keene State in building science (briefly)ACSA (Assoc of Collegiate Schools of Architecture): cool resource including a Quiz that leads you to schools that reflect what you want out of your architecture educationNICHE Building Science and Technology Graduate Programs in AmericaBuildingScience Newsletter: sign up by scrolling to the very bottom of their home page

141- BUILDING SCIENCE NAIVETE? You heard it here first!

2025/10/09

All of us in the industry have projects--likely early in our careers--that we just either cringe about or wonder how the heck we got away with that one? The boys wax nostalgic about stories of their naivety over the years, turning them into valuable lessons learned. Actual building topics include spray foam, sill sealer, combining blower door & IR imaging, slab-on-grade insulation, and rainscreens. PETE'S RESOURCES: "Foam-In-Place Insulation: 7 Tips for Getting Injection and Spray Foam Right:""Sources of Household Moisture" (GBA blog)

140 - Window Installation: Can We Do Better?

2025/09/18

Installing windows is getting more, not less, complicated. Pete lobbies for a different, more durable, and simpler gasket installation of windows. Steve and Jake weigh in with their insights and challenges to what Pete is up to. And a bonus: with Steve and Jake's help, Pete creates a new word: "Poninions" (Pete crashed the words opinions and positions, and his "friends" just could not let it slide). PETE'S RESOURCES: - Pella Steady Set: https://www.pella.com/professionals/steady-set/ - Build Show LIVE 2024 Austin, TX: "Why I am a Wingnut: Real World Testing of Building Materials Including Windows & Their Installation:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGLbHItOH-Q - BSI-004: Drainage, Holes and Moderation - https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-004-drainage-holes-and-moderation www.santa-fe-products.com/

139 - Roof framing, thermal bridging, and Cold climate wall worries

2025/09/04

The boys start with a really cool problem-solving involving a monopoly framing, big overhangs, and thermal bridging. And the follow-up is an excellent question from Western Canada regarding the use of ZIP sheathing with a Class I interior vapor retarder. It's a great discussion involving R-values, air barriers, vapor permeability (including all Classes of vapor retarders), wetting, and drying. Whew! Good thing that Steve had a "great" joke to close this one out...(gag). PETE'S RESOURCES: - GBA: "Calculating Thermal Bridging in a Wood-Framed Building:" - BuildingScienceAdvisor: - GBA "Can Polyethylene Be Used As An Air Barrier?" www.mbricotiledecks.com/

138 - Finding a High-Performance Builder

2025/08/21

If you can't find an experienced high-performance builder, then find a professional builder who is willing to listen and learn! And add in time and money in the budget for that listening and learning. The same can go for your architect. But as Steve says: "SOMEONE has to drive the bus. Put on your big boy pants and move your business to the next level." PETE'S RESOURCES: - Building Enclosure Manufacturers Tech Support - Here are just a few manufacturers with outstanding tech support professionals: Huber, Dorken, Rockwool, Benjamin Obdyke, Prosoco... - "How Does Building Geometry Affect Energy Performance, Aesthetics, and Construction Cost?" - https://haus-arch.com/building-geometry/ https://www.arclin.com/

137 - Another two-fer - Thermally-broken basement slab-to-Superior Wall panel connection AND exterior sump pumps

2025/08/07

All 3 UBIP podcasters are fond of the Superior Wall System, but connecting the extended "foot" of the foundation wall panel to the basement slab is a bit tricky. But not for Steve, but of course. And while sump pumps OUTSIDE are a mystery to Pete, Jake & Steve walk Pete through it. And a bonus: using gravel to spread the structural load and better manage the water load. All that and a "joke" by Steve to-just-die-for... PETE'S RESOURCES: - Superior Wall resources on slab-to-panel connections - https://weaverprecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pouring-the-Concrete-Floor-Slab.pdf& https://www.superiorwalls.com/api/getFile/19 - Outdoor sump pumps - Sump Pump Guide - https://buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights-building-profiles-new-construction/bsi-146-below-grade-water - "Angle of Repose" by Wallace Stegner https://www.arclin.com/

136 - We Want More! Permanent Wood Foundations & Career Pivotal Moments

2025/07/17

Once again, we drive wood into the ground, but only in the context of Permanent Wood Foundations. No surprise that this discussion is all about water & drainage. And some episodes ago, the boys each revealed pivotal moments in their careers in the building industry and wrapped up with a request for your pivotal moments. We got one, but what a doozy from our buddy Carl Seville of SK Collaborative. I think we might be done now (at least for a while) with PWF, but come on now: email us your pivotal moment in our industry! PETE'S RESOURCES: - American Wood Council 2021 Permanent Wood Foundation Specifications NOTE: Need to purchase this one... - Southern Forest Products Association Permanent Wood Foundations Design & Construction Guide NOTE: freebie... - Sk Collaborative, Carl Seville & Carl Seville interview

135 - ZIP-R for CZ 6B - New Construction? Continuous Air Control Layer for Exterior Retrofit CZ 4A?

2025/07/03

Two great questions about wall assemblies. The boys dig deep, exploring all the variables to consider for both wall assemblies. And no big surprise: Much of the conversation is about how to get these three control layers right (water, air, thermal) and ALSO get the drying potential (vapor) correct. PETE'S RESOURCES: - 2021 IRC - Montana NOTE: The IRC 2021 does NOT include any chapters on energy efficiency/energy requirements... - Huber Table for ZIP-R recommendations for all climates - "Check but Verify - Why We Do Multiple Blower Door Tests:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDD-BpTZJ3I - "When to Perform a Blower Door Test (and when not to)"

134 - Another Double Feature - SIPs vs Stick-Frame & Thermal Degradation of Rigid Insulation

2025/06/19

Whole bunch of reasons to consider SIP building systems BUT switching from stick-framing is not a walk in the park. But UnBuild It has a ton of experience with SIPs. Next up: Just how stable are the R-values of rigid insulations (the plastic ones with blowing agents) over time? The boys spend just the right amount of time on this on...(just could not resist that). PETE'S RESOURCES: - "The Complete Guide to Building With Winter Panels:" - BASC SIP Details (SIPA) -"The BuildingGreen Guide to Thermal Insulation:" - "A Study on Variation of Thermal Characteristics of Insulation Materials for Buildings According to Actual Long-Term Annual Aging Variation:"

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...

rod scarington 2024/02/27

Gotta have it

Love the banter and the knowledge gained is astounding!!

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...

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 :) - ...

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...

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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