The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

This week we're excited to bring you a very special episode from the floor of the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando, FL! FHB editorial director Brian Pontolilo, GBA editor Randy Williams, and FHB technical editor Mark Petersen are joined by Daniel Sutton from VERSATEX Building Products to discuss strategies for low-maintenance exteriors.
 
Tune in to Episode 725 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
Realistic expectations for low-maintenance exteriors
The pros and cons of PVC siding and trim materials
Common siding mistakes and how to avoid them
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].  
 
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 725
➡️ Sign up for an FHB All-Access Membership
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Chris says home heating and cooling systems should be simple. Colin's friend is wondering how to know if he needs his furnace flue relined. Tom says that building planners and designers should be doing more to make houses resilient in a warming climate.
 
Tune in to Episode 724 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
The benefits of keeping HVAC systems simple 
Furnace flues and masonry chimneys  
Strategies for passive cooling and keeping houses cool in hot conditions 
DIY descaling of boilers and on-demand water heaters
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].  
 
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 724
➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Kerry shares his thoughts on spray foaming old houses with advice for getting it right. A Fine Homebuilding Forum poster wonders about framing walls and attaching sheathing with construction screws. Andrew asks about the best way to build a lakefront cabin accessible only by boat.
 
Tune in to Episode 723 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
Using closed-cell spray foam insulation successfully in old houses 
Safe and code-compliant framing connections
Building on ecologically sensitive and hard-to-access building sites 
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].
 
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 723
➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Richard describes inexpensive data loggers for monitoring indoor air quality. Kerry asks about adding casing and extension jambs to fiberglass windows. Martin wonders about improving the comfort and safety of his internal garage and the living space above it. Grant and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions.
 
Tune in to Episode 722 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
Low-cost humidity and temperature data loggers sold on Amazon 
The right way to trim out fiberglass windows 
Fire separation requirements between a garage and living space 
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].  
 
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 722
➡️  Check out the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Magazine Archive
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Chris shares a news story about recently-introduced window-mounted heat pumps. Mason describes the joy that comes from using top shelf tools, even if it's once or twice a year. Alex asks about installing spray foam under roof sheathing and exterior roof insulation.
 
Tune in to Episode 721 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and apartments
Finding space and spending money for good tools
The right way to combine interior and exterior roof insulation 
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].  
 
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 721
➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.