In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss various home improvement projects that Reuben has undertaken, highlighting both successful and unsuccessful experiences. Reuben shares stories about remodeling his story and a half house, including a catastrophic water leak, as well as his bathroom remodel hacks. He also talks about installing a point-of-use water heater and a urinal in his basement office. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and being persistent in home improvement projects. In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Marie discuss various home improvement projects and experiments, including installing a urinal in the basement, dealing with Christmas lights, testing air admittance valves, and using solar tubes for natural lighting. They share their experiences, successes, and failures, providing valuable insights and tips for homeowners and inspectors.

Please check the link below for the video about Air Admittance Valves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9zhu_9ZdxI&ab_channel=StructureTechHomeInspections

Takeaways

Home improvement projects can have both successful and unsuccessful outcomes.
Learning from mistakes and being persistent is key in home improvement.
Remodeling bathrooms can include installing speakers, mirrors with built-in lighting, and in-floor heating.
Installing a point-of-use water heater can provide instant hot water and save energy.
Adding a urinal to a basement office can be a convenient upgrade, but caution is needed when drilling holes in floor joists. Installing a urinal in the basement can be a fun and unique addition to a home, but it's important to consider functionality and aesthetics.
When installing a urinal, it's essential to ensure proper plumbing and water pressure to avoid leaks and ensure a good flush.
Christmas light installations can be challenging and time-consuming, but with proper planning and equipment, they can create a beautiful and festive display.
Testing air admittance valves can help understand their functionality and potential issues, such as leaks and sewer gas escape.
Solar tubes can be a cost-effective alternative to skylights, providing natural light in rooms without windows, but proper insulation and installation are crucial to prevent condensation and heat loss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Topic
06:29 Lessons Learned from a Catastrophic Water Leak
13:38 Installing a Point-of-Use Water Heater
32:19 Testing Air Admittance Valves
41:27 Solar Tubes: Cost-Effective Natural Lighting Solutions

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa discuss spring maintenance for homeowners. They cover topics such as gutter maintenance, gutter guards, downspout extensions, and sump pump discharge. They emphasize the importance of keeping gutters clean and ensuring that water is directed away from the house to prevent water damage and basement flooding. They also provide tips for installing underground tubing for sump pump discharge. In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss various spring maintenance tasks for homeowners. They cover topics such as testing sump pumps, challenges with sump pump discharge, air sealing sump pump baskets, plugging sump pumps into GFCI outlets, replacing sump pumps, cleaning dryer ducts, removing screens on dryer duct terminals, taking off air conditioner covers, checking and changing furnace filters, and turning off pilot lights on gas fireplaces. They also include additional listener suggestions for spring maintenance.

Here is the link to check Tessa’s website: https://www.yourhousecoach.com/

Takeaways

Regular gutter maintenance is essential to prevent water damage and ice dams.
Gutter guards may not be completely maintenance-free and should be checked regularly.
Downspout extensions should be installed to direct water away from the house.
Consider installing underground tubing for sump pump discharge to avoid the hassle of attaching and reattaching extensions. Test your sump pump regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.
Consider air sealing your sump pump basket to prevent radon and moisture from entering your home.
Be cautious when testing sump pumps and avoid sticking your hand in the sump basket.
Check and change your furnace filter year-round to maintain good air quality in your home.
Remove screens on dryer duct terminals to prevent lint buildup and potential safety hazards.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Spring Maintenance
02:02 Tessa's Consulting Work
03:43 Types of Homeowner Issues
06:04 Gutter Maintenance
08:12 Gutter Guards
13:27 Downspout Extensions
14:43 Sump Pump Discharge
16:23 Alternative Sump Pump Discharge
22:05 Challenges of Sump Pump Discharge
23:16 Testing Your Sump Pump
23:55 Air Sealing Sump Pump Baskets
25:08 Alternative Ways to Test Sump Pumps
26:13 Safety Concerns with Sump Pumps
27:24 Plugging Sump Pumps into GFCI Outlets
29:00 Replacing a Sump Pump
29:35 Other Spring Maintenance Tasks
30:06 Cleaning Dryer Ducts
31:17 Removing Screens on Dryer Duct Terminals
32:08 Taking Off Air Conditioner Covers
33:01 Checking and Changing Furnace Filters
35:49 Additional Listener Suggestions
37:31 Turning Off Pilot Lights on Gas Fireplaces
37:57 Preparing to Run Dehumidifiers

In this episode, our hosts are joined by Tom Harris, a spray foam insulation expert, who discusses the topic of hot roofs and the proper installation of spray foam insulation. He explains the concept of hot roofs, where the thermal boundary is moved to the roof deck, and the different applications and challenges associated with hot roofs. Tom emphasizes the importance of proper installation and the choice of spray foam type based on climate and region. He also discusses the need for thermal barriers and ignition barriers to protect the foam and comply with building codes. Additionally, Tom addresses concerns about shingle warranties and provides insights into foam recommendations for different climate zones. In this conversation, Tom Harris discusses the limitations and capabilities of different insulation materials, including fiberglass and spray foam. He explains how fiberglass insulation can transport air and degrade thermal efficiency, while spray foam acts as an air barrier and doesn't get wet. Tom also discusses the requirements for ignition barriers and fire barriers. He highlights the importance of properly insulating crawl spaces and attics and the benefits of using spray foam in these areas. Finally, he addresses the potential issues of using closed-cell foam directly on the interior of foundation walls without exterior waterproofing or damp-proofing.

Takeaways

Fiberglass insulation can transport air and degrade thermal efficiency, while spray foam acts as an air barrier and doesn't get wet.
Spray foam outperforms its stated R-value by adding concepts of air barrier and moisture control.
Ignition barriers and fire barriers are important for safety and code compliance.
Proper insulation of crawl spaces and attics is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort.
Closed-cell foam is a good option for insulating foundation walls, but exterior waterproofing or damp-proofing is recommended.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Understanding Hot Roofs
06:04 Proper Installation of Hot Roofs
09:01 Choosing the Right Spray Foam
11:58 Protecting Foam with Thermal Barriers
20:59 Identifying Thermal Barriers and Ignition Barriers
24:57 Foam Recommendations for Different Climate Zones
28:04 Importance of Air Leakage Control
29:01 Limitations and Capabilities of Insulation Materials
32:07 Ignition Barriers and Fire Barriers
40:41 Insulating Crawl Spaces and Attics
45:37 Insulating Foundation Walls