Historic Building Renovation: How Deep Does a Retrofit Go, & When Do You Stop? (spray foam & HVAC)

As requested, here's another look at an older building and how to retrofit it for better performance- in this case with spray foamed encapsulated attic and dedicated dehumidifiers. Like all of these types of stories, it's not all sunshine and flowers- there are some major problems built into original designs AND into past layers of renovation, and it's important to ask when to stop before you break the bank.
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See our playlist all about the Science of Renovations: • Renovation Science
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[@pupperozucca4994]

WTF, most underrated YT channel ever. Everybody needs to watch this.

[@HomePerformance]

Wow, high five man!!!

[@trickstothetrades1801]

Wow it goes to show that even certified means nothing. I have many certifications and have learned more on KZbin like ur videos as well as being self taught and observant. I talk to everybody and learn from others and experience, and am constantly learning. (Never hire a cocky know it all). I feel bad for homeowners that are uneducated

[@shubinternet]

I do enjoy when you get to work together and it’s just the two of you, talking to each other about what you’re seeing and what you’re doing. And that you don’t always have all the answers. You’re wonderful hosts and a wonderful couple, and it’s nice that we get to see that more human side of you sometimes. Thank you for taking us on a little behind-the-scenes peek at some of your work!

[@HomePerformance]

Thank you Brad!

[@accountability2000]

This channel is the best!

[@HomePerformance]

THANK YOU

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

This is what happens when sloppy, untrained, cheap contractors know that their customers will never inspect their work, or even know what they're looking at. When in doubt, hire a third party. Thanks for sharing!

[@seanpalmer8472]

Well that looks like a properly spray-foamed attic. Oh.

[@chriscermak3188]

Great video Corbett! Very interesting

[@HomePerformance]

Thx Chris

[@frankgall6]

We get it Corbett! Thank you 🙏

[@HomePerformance]

Less lonely, thanks Frankie

[@johnhaller5851]

I doubt there is any training on high performance homes in HVAC licensing. It would be good if there was some training available that counts for continuing education, but it appears to be concentrated on code requirements from the little bit of research I did. I'm not sure if there are code standards for conditioned attics, that might drive that training if that existed, maybe as an optional certification.

[@TimeTravelReads]

I'm not sure I fully understand the HVAC changes you made. All that stuff kind of scares me. But I think I understand why you plugged those holes.

[@IanSeabrook]

Underrated comment!

[@HomePerformance]

HVAC does seem a little complex at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you realize any equipment is just fans to move air, heat exchangers to add/remove heat, filters, and controls.

[@Mikecianfrocco]

Keep the faith!!!! ✊🏻

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks Michael

[@CaryChisholm]

The pressure in the attic may have stayed about the same due to all the holes in the ceiling which opened the attic space to the leaky drop ceiling below.

[@ryansoo4000]

Hi Corbett. A while back you did a video about how people should not put a closet on an exterior wall because mold can form on the cooler exterior walls' drywall. I would like to apply wood paneling to an exterior wall that already has drywall on it. Can I apply the paneling directly to the drywall or should I use furring strips between the paneling and drywall to create a small airspace? If so, should this airspace have small vents at the bottom and top of the wall for warm air movement behind the paneling? Thanks!

[@StevenRussell-ki1bl]

Was the depressurizing from you opening up that vent a possible cause of no Pa change?

[@HomePerformance]

No, we connected the interior to the attic even more with that step

[@djheckler92]

Is it ok for the spray from to touch the flue?

[@HomePerformance]

It’s double-walled, and technically only half of them wotk in this building anyway, but in general you need a combustion gap that’s filled with a different sealant like fire foam.

[@djheckler92]

@@HomePerformance thanks!

[@ecospider5]

You are right. Most people would not understand why you made the changes you made. I wonder what percentage of your viewers would understand the changes you made.