UnBuild It Podcast

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 CeilingSBA – ZIP CeilingSBA – Smart Vapor Retarder CeilingUniversal Design & Aging in PlaceBuild Show – Forever Home SeriesEuropean Exterior DoorsAutomatic Drop-Down Door SealsThe Universal Design ProjectMississippi State Barrier-Free Design GuidesAlternative FoundationsExtreme Panel Technologies FoundationsCCA Treated Plywood Specification

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 SensitivityMedical Conditions Building Professionals Need to Know AboutPrescriptions for a Healthy House (4th Edition)NIH – Electric & Magnetic FieldsBuildingGreen – Building Design and EMF

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

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

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]