Structure Talk Reuben Saltzman

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

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa are joined by Tom Harris, who discusses the importance of a clean surface before spraying spray foam and compares it to preparing a surface for house paint. He also explains the need for adhesion testing and the different surface preparation requirements for various materials. Tom emphasizes the significance of surface temperature and how it affects the application of spray foam. He delves into the concept of high-lift foam and its benefits, as well as the considerations and challenges associated with spraying multiple layers. Tom also highlights the changing mindset of contractors, who are now more focused on doing the job right and seeking knowledge. Lastly, he shares his thoughts on DIY froth packs and their limitations. The conversation covers different types of spray foam technology, the importance of isolation and ventilation during installation, off-gassing and odor control, and the proper application and mixing of spray foam.

Takeaways

A clean surface is crucial before spraying spray foam, similar to preparing a surface for house paint.
Adhesion testing is important to ensure proper bonding between the foam and the substrate.
Surface temperature plays a significant role in the application of spray foam, and different formulations are available for different temperature ranges.
The high-lift foam allows for thicker passes of spray foam, reducing the need for multiple layers and increasing productivity.
Contractors are increasingly focused on doing the job right and seeking knowledge to improve their skills and understanding of spray foam insulation. There are different types of spray foam technology, including plural component and single component foam.
Isolation and ventilation are crucial during spray foam installation to control odors and airborne contaminants.
Proper application and mixing of spray foam are essential to prevent issues such as thermal degradation and off-gassing.
Consulting with experts and following manufacturer guidelines is important for ensuring the successful installation of spray foam.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:58 Importance of a Clean Surface
04:08 Adhesion Testing
07:30 Surface Temperature and Application
10:02 Adjusting Chemistry for Different Temperatures
15:11 Spraying Multiple Layers and High Lift Foam
23:05 Density Distribution and Shrinkage
28:11 Contractors' Quest for Knowledge
29:35 DIY Froth Packs
30:32 Different Types of Spray Foam Technology
33:36 Importance of Isolation and Ventilation
38:13 Off-Gassing and Odor Control
42:56 Proper Application and Mixing of Spray Foam

In this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Tom Harris, an expert in spray foam insulation. They discuss the challenges and complexities of spray foam application, the common applications of spray foam, and the training and certification required for spray foam installers. They also explore the qualifications and training of spray foam contractors and the potential mistakes and challenges that can arise during installation. Tom Harris discusses the differences between open-cell and closed-cell foam insulation in this conversation. He explains that closed-cell foam is solid and rigid, while open-cell foam is fluffy and can be easily compressed. Tom emphasizes the importance of surface preparation and proper installation to ensure the foam adheres correctly. He also highlights the significance of measuring foam thickness to meet code requirements. Additionally, Tom addresses the confusion between open-cell and closed-cell foam in terms of vapor permeability and the need for additional vapor protection. The conversation concludes with plans for a future discussion on spray foam insulation.

Takeaways

Spray foam insulation is a versatile and effective insulation material used in various applications, including walls, attics, and foundations.
Spray foam installers should undergo training and certification from organizations like the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and manufacturers of the equipment and chemicals used.
While there is no formal licensing requirement for spray foam installation, contractors need to have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure proper installation.
Mistakes in spray foam installation can lead to insulation deficiencies, reduced energy efficiency, and potential health and safety hazards. Closed-cell foam is solid and rigid, while open-cell foam is fluffy and can be easily compressed.
Proper surface preparation and installation are crucial for foam adhesion.
Measuring foam thickness is important to meet code requirements.
There is a difference between open-cell and closed-cell foam in terms of vapor permeability and the need for additional vapor protection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Scheduling Challenges
00:46 Introducing Tom Harris
06:00 Introduction to Spray Foam Insulation
11:30 Challenges and Complexity of Spray Foam Application
14:08 Common Applications of Spray Foam
24:00 Qualifications and Training of Spray Foam Contractors
25:10 Training and Experience of Spray Foam Assistants
26:28 Mistakes and Challenges in Spray Foam Installation
27:15 Differentiating Open-Cell and Closed-Cell Foam
30:12 Surface Preparation and Installation
33:07 Moisture Content and Vapor Protection
36:15 Differences Between Open Cell and Closed Cell Foam
40:08 Chemical Makeup of Open-Cell and Closed-Cell Foam
42:09 Proper Application and Mixing
44:27 Indications of Improper Foam Installation
46:16 Importance of Measuring Foam Thickness
48:37 Conclusion and Future Discussion

In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Doug Nething from Dean's Tank discuss the history and concerns related to fuel oil tanks. They cover topics such as the transition from coal to fuel oil after World War II, the introduction of natural gas, the shelf life of fuel oil tanks, the dangers of abandoned tanks, and the process of filling or removing buried tanks. They also provide insights into the sizes of tanks and how to identify if a property has a buried tank. In this conversation, Doug from Dean's Tank shares his expertise in identifying and removing buried fuel oil tanks. He explains the visual cues and signs to look for when determining the presence of a buried tank, such as vent pipes and copper tubes. Doug also discusses the costs associated with removing fuel oil tanks, including permits and soil sampling. He shares some interesting stories of unusual tank installations and highlights the importance of the Petro Fund in Minnesota. The conversation concludes with plans for future collaboration between Doug and the hosts.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:39 History of Fuel Oil Tanks
07:18 Transition to Natural Gas
10:42 Concerns with Abandoned Fuel Oil Tanks
15:23 Shelf Life of Fuel Oil Tanks
20:24 Buried Fuel Oil Tanks Underneath Houses
25:30 Sizes of Buried Fuel Oil Tanks
26:30 Filling or Removing Buried Tanks
29:06 Identifying Buried Fuel Oil Tanks
29:52 Identifying Buried Fuel Oil Tanks
31:07 Identifying Buried Fuel Oil Tanks (contd.)
35:43 Costs of Removing Fuel Oil Tanks
39:11 Soil Sampling and Abandonment in Place
41:22 Unusual Tank Installations
45:12 Fuel Oil Tanks in Other States
48:46 Minnesota's Petro Fund
51:47 Interesting Findings
52:23 Future Collaboration