The Service Cavity: How To Make an Old House Warm

I have learned a lot in my, almost, 20 years as a carpenter. The last 5 years I have picked up a lot of information about building performance and having my own house to renovate has been a great opportunity to try out different techniques.
The service cavity system is a way of reducing thermal bridging, helping you keep the house at a comfortable temperature more efficiently.
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[@PartYetiMusic]

Really enjoyed the slower, quieter style in this video Scott. Slightly Doolard-esque and I think it really helped give this episode some space to breathe and helped me get a better sense of the time that passed. Looking forward to next week!

[@franciskisner920]

Jess: It is probably possible to change the socket on your lamp. Look for a replacement socket with an bracket on the back. They are made as replacement for traditional floor lamps. Remove the old socket completely. There should be enough room for the new socket to fit the canister. You may have to design a way to hold it in but if you find one with the bracket on the base a simple bolt should work.

[@timbanwell1756]

Yip ditch the lamp fitting, keep the surround. Armando could wire it in a jiffy. Get a nice orange bulb (not one that painted orange)

[@danielbass09]

@@timbanwell1756even better. Get an LED smart bulb. And then you can have it any colour you wish!!!

[@mylesprower6778]

Hi mate, I'm in my 20th year as a builder too! (still learning) I'm also renovating a property that I actually plan on living in this time. Sometimes when my girlfriend is away I will go one or two days without seeing or speaking to anyone, some jobs may take five times longer and cost way more than I expect and some days I will spend all day going back back and forth and forth to the merchants because I just can't seem to get my brain to work. I've lost count of the amount of properties that I've renovated over the years but doing this for myself and my girlfriend is so very different. Watching your videos it gives me some strength to keep going. It's just the garden to go now and my poor neighbours will finally have some peace and quiet again. Thank you for the inspiration and reminding me not to be slack and cut corners just to get it done.

[@clint.]

Wow Scott. You obviously put as much care and attention to detail into your video editing skills, your camera placements, use of light, and composition, as you do into the thoughtful renovation of your home. This is why I watch your channel so regularly. Thanks for caring enough to move the camera around, intersperse moments of scenery and life, and choose complimentary music for us. You are seriously talented and ambitious. You are giving us ART combined with knowledge, and I will always be here for it.

[@terrytopliss9506]

Good to see you closing the walls Scott, you’re never to old to learn Scott and I’m 75yrs old and still learning. Thanks for the latest exciting episode.👍👍

[@RedHatTurtle]

Watching another Scott Brown episode is when I internalize it's already Friday afternoon and i can start chilling from the week

[@phillipsofthedriver]

I have to say that your channel has some of the best b-roll video interludes. Absolutely awesome.

[@Vaeltis]

Armando answering Jess' question while I'm the ceiling was great haha

[@robertrusso877]

Jerry did renovate his apartment! It was with the carpenter who couldn’t make a decision and asked Jerry what he wanted for every detail. The same guy also built George’s bed under his desk when George worked for the Yankees! After that episode I’ve always tried to figure out how I could get a bed under my work desk, lol! Great episode Scott. And if we’re not still learning, what’s the point?

[@jeffdillon1972]

I love how far Scott will go to make a quality joke! Breaking, then fixing that old bin just to make the "build a new kitchen joke?" Priceless - this is why I tune in.

[@DaveDaHunt3R]

I was just about to eat my dinner and didn't know what to watch, then the youtube notification of the new video of Scott and I was like YESS!! 😂

[@marksmith7147]

I’m loving that workbench you and Ray built in the summer. It’s floating steps really do elevate it a notch above any MFT.

[@owenb94]

Time stamp 10:35 For your heat lamp predicament, if you speak with your electrician he should be able to take the heat lamp apart and replace the ‘3 pin’ (that you describe) to a regular lamp holder (screw in/bayonet). Seeing it apart would make it easier to work out but hopefully this helps.

[@johnhoefler6713]

Seinfeld and Snoop references in one video! Like Scott, I also continue to learn as a builder. For instance, If I need a block cut in NZ, I'll ask for a "nog". Or if I"m looking for a thrift store, I'll ask where is the "off shop". The more you know!

[@dressjess]

*op shop. Short for opportunity shop 😊

[@FPL-LARD]

Yes Scott we are always learning, like you I have been a chippy for a long time, over 30 years, but you are never too cool for school, this is why so many of us watch your videos. We all learn tips from one another, and I also obviously enjoy your content, Steve in the UK.

[@metalsam666]

I like the ending. It felt bitter sweet for some reason. Really enjoyed it with the music

[@sb-s395]

Who knew in all of that, that the sight of a Fisher and Paykel box would be the thing that makes me homesick.

[@thisoldproperty]

This Old House is really coming along.

[@tomeras]

Best content on KZbin. Shabat shalom from Israel.

[@Idoiswin]

Those shots at the 1 minute mark are beautiful. Great vid!

[@jakobhoppermann]

I've fitted another socket on similar lamps before, when my better half made similar absolutely excellent purchases for our home. But since there's a bit of way between the UK and NZ, you might be better off trying to buy a 3 pin bayonet bulb online. They make LED versions of these and they'd likely fit, as it sounds like a 3 pin B22 socket.

[@calderwookcrafts]

The use of a 3-pin bayonet cap is to correctly orient the IR beam, so it's not essential if you put a normal bulb in it. A BC3 bulb might fit, but not 100% sure. Might easier and give you more choice of bulbs if you swap the socket out for E27 or B22

[@vaalrus]

Looks like a PHilips Infraphil 13379F. Looks like you can still get B22d-3 lamps in the UK or NL, but I’m with you on replacing the lamp socket.

[@stevehardy3553]

My 20 minute moment of Friday Zen has arrived

[@Remius106]

Such as relaxing video series... 'The FoamQueen..!!'

[@FaBs227]

Loving the 20 minute videos. More filming the better 😊

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Scott, here in Eastern Canada we put insulation on the OUTSIDE of the sheathing....no thermal bridging. Combine that with your service cavity and....well....feel the warmth! Even 1 inch of rigid foam, closed cell type, can offer a lot more R value. R5 per inch of closed cell rigid foam. Believe it or not, the build I have planned will have 6 to 7 inches, yes I said INCHES, on the outside, then the sheathing, then 2x6 studs, then INTELLO vapour barrier, then service cavity for electrical etc, then dry wall. In between the studs will be Rock wool. Cheers Eastern Canada 👍 🇨🇦😊👷‍♀🛠🪚 from female DIY'er carpenter, yes, I said Female💪😊

[@davidprins9401]

I love that many of your videos are half carpentry and half portrait of beautiful New Zealand

[@dkhs555]

Jess, love the model. You have an old version of the Infraphil lamp with a B22 bayonet fitting. But maybe different in NZ! The later ones have an E27 one. Info I got from a Belgian vintage site Don't use adapters. I would change the socket, it's safer. We had one at home, great for strained muscles and tall Dutch backs.

[@S7tronic]

For a compatible bulb, try searching for a 3 Pin BC-3 bayonet cap type. Its a UK standard design, but no where as common as the B22 2 pin type. Not sure whats available in NZ, but perhaps try googling 'BC3 bulb decorative lamp' and see what you get; chances are B22 is the most common type. It maybe easier to get a BC3 to B22 adapter, or a BC3 to E27 (screw cap type) adapter. Another option is to change the fitting out on the infraphil to B22/E27.

[@OzziePete1]

10:30 My Mum & Dad had one of those in the 1970s and swore by it to ease back pain and arthritic pain. I used it when I was playing football and had really sore leg muscles after a game. I would put heat cream on the muscle, rub it in then put that lamp on it. I would suggest Jess keeps it for the day she does gardening work, and gets back ache....

[@robertisaacson4807]

Thanks for converting the R values! Great videos.

[@MrBrianDuga]

I love this detail. I have seen it implemented with a smart vapor retarder facing into the living space. Products include Siga Majrex or ProClima Intello. They are stapled and seams are taped before the horizontal 2x4’s are installed. It’s common for dense pack cellulose to be installed behind the retarder and rockwool comfortboard 80 (1-1/2” imperial) in the service cavity after the rough wiring is run and inspected. Now you have an airtight, vapor permeable assembly that minimizes heat loss and doesn’t allow excess moisture from the living space to enter into the wall cavity.

[@G5mariusG5]

We want daily episodes, Scott!

[@booomi7508]

Scott I find your videos very relaxing

[@DeltaXray-mk1vx]

12:38 - Your videos about building is teaching me a TONNE about my own home and things like thermal bridging which i had never thought of before. Thank you for sharing your experiences :)

[@padraigmoynihan1868]

Every time i see that little makita saw i want one . Nice work 👏

[@bhartissimo]

My dad had one of those Phillips InfraPhil lamps when I was a kid in the 1970s!

[@jimurrata6785]

This is my 40th year as a builder. Materials and codes change constantly. You'll _always_ be learning. 👍

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

And that's why they call it "building science". Lots to learn. Always.

[@batmansdad3195]

That's a slick little saw.

[@samwoodrow4871]

I have 30+ years experience as a decorator and I'm also still learning! I occasionally get a job that throws me a curve ball but I always manage to work it out....eventually.😀 Another great "exciting" episode

[@dvs784]

Scott 90mm is 3.54" Not 5.59".. 100mm is nearly 4" that's why you call it 4x2. Great vid love your work.

[@user-dx5zl4cv8b]

Another great ep. Oh and Seinfeld reference, Kennys Rodgers fried chicken with the Red glowing light 😂

[@bradfry2259]

Yea I like the always learning comment, 16 years installing floors here and will always be learning and open to learning.

[@bwillan]

In new construction and renovations that remove all the exterior siding, it is common to install exterior insulation to account for thermal bridging.

[@nickjustus5519]

You should ask Ray about these inspections and his thoughts on them.

[@martinmiksa9294]

Couldn't stop smiling thinking of all the SQUARESPACES created for the ekstra insulation ;D Great episode mate! The renovation is coming along great. All the best from Denmark

[@fountainpenracing]

Always love your music selections

[@egonmilanowski]

17:15 Jerry had cabinets installed in his apartment and the carpenter could never make a decision. In that same episode, George had the carpenter remodel his work desk, so he could nap under it. Kramer has remodeled his apartment multiple times. He had the whole set from the Merv Griffith show installed; he turned his door and hallway into a front porch; he has had all sorts of ridiculous things in there like hot tubs.

[@more.power.]

Thanks Scotty another exciting episode. Everytime you work on your home I learn something new. Cheers

[@hrg5010]

Another great episode you two. Nice the way you choose to repair, recycle, re-purpose stuff also. What we all need to be doing much more of.

[@andreandrews571]

Love the start never give up repair then repair again till you can’t anymore then repurpose and then finally get a new one

[@soniarosado5971]

Truly informative! I needed a reference that highlighted basic wood frame construction methods & techniques where kzbin.infoUgkxYGamVaHfdHiPlAQaLa7zkwR02OKpGYDU were best. I am pleased with the depth and clarity of Ryan’s Shed Plans. It was really convenient to capture!

[@ReaperXC]

Keep cups are very useful.

[@SpudM8]

I love these videos Scott, i wish we got 2 videos a week but I understand how much time that would take thanks for the informative videos every week i look forward to the next one as soon as this weeks one finishes.

[@Lnstrq]

I could watch you all day long. Great content, great editing, and, of course, the interspersed nature shots. Thx from San Jose, CA

[@tweake7175]

Good to see you still learning, especially the high performance stuff. Nz is slowly catching up. With the kitchen make sure the plumbing gets sealed to the floor so cold air doesn't come up under the cabinets.

[@joroyle8108]

All looking good Scott

[@luketol2556]

Awesome to see the longer video's scott. I am really enjoying them and always looking forward to the friday to watch the video.

[@draconis228]

loved the editing in this episode!

[@EricJacobson1990]

The style of this episode is pretty awesome.

[@mrdolby]

That Kramer impersonation was top notch. I could visualize him storming Jerry’s apartment 😂

[@remiewatkins8032]

Awesome stuff Scott love your wor

[@douglasvoon9981]

I've learned so much through watching these videos. As a keen homeowner and DIY enthusiast I can honestly say my skills have greatly increased thanks to Scott. Mostly around attention to details that I never would have previously thought about. We are currently going through another round of renovating. So I get to put on my toolbelt and create my own exciting episode. Keep up the awesome work bro! And as for that lamp... We had the exact same one when I was growing up probably early 80s. Good luck with your mission Jess. 😁

[@BigKeith510]

Great episode! Great teaching style

[@davedjoice3627]

love the longer format videos , Scott!

[@mennovanrij9334]

Great episode! Insulation is a big thing here in the Netherlands. Last year we rebuilt/changed an old chicken barn on our grounds into an artist's workshop/holiday home. We did precisely what you're doing Scott! Insulating the service cavity. A few things that are different here: no inspector is coming over to check the moisture inside the wood. No way. In fact, you only get an inspector in when you're changing the structural layout. For the holiday home, we didn't see anybody. About the Philips Infraphil: an item in every Dutch household in the 60s! They must have sold a million of these on the home market. And, in a modern shape, they're still for sale. Others here have tackled the problem of the 'prongs'. And it's done on a regular basis - as you can see on vintage furniture websites. Finally: we (my wife and I) restored quite a few houses over the years. One of the things we did was take pics with measurements: I got my hands on an old school blackboard ruler (1m long) and I used that to establish the position of the wiring and water pipes before I put the plasterboard on: look for a fixed (and later visible) point and measure from there where everything runs. Take pics. That has proven very useful over the years!!!!

[@zefrogi]

The picture is a massive tip. Would have loved to have something like it when it's too late

[@HarryLovesRuth]

Don't measure up from the subfloor. I made that mistake.

[@alibeck9568]

Insulation in NZ looks great to fit. Compared to the 180mm PIR Insulation build up in Scotland

[@slideman.]

very nice job Scott & Jess

[@pauls4708]

you do good work and explanations Scott even for people who know(mostly) what you are talking about (ex draftie and frame and truss detailer)

[@IndependentAnimalPtr]

Thank you for finally explaining how R values work where you live! It was a bit confusing since I live in the US but I get it now. Sure, I could’ve googled it but it’s always better to get that info from someone who deals with that sort of thing daily. Your place is shaping up! Looks great!

[@sporranheid]

18:00 Pure craftsmanship 🤣 Been there. 34 years a carpenter and still learning. Done quite a few eco builds - hempcrete and passive house. 4x2" plenty for structural integrity, but generally use 6x2" (145x45mm) to get the insulation value. Also, just much more satisfying. Chunky 😊Wood fibre, or hemp fibre. And still add a 60mm firm batt to the external surface of the frame before cladding on batten and counter batten (rain screen). Blah, blah. Best to you and Jess

[@misteritscuz]

This video style reminds me of some of the older exciting episodes. Borderline ASMR. Lovely stuff as always.

[@Jimc4007]

Sitting here in 104 degree heat watching the opening sequence and looks like a bit of ice hanging on the bushes and tree! Immediately reminded where Scott lives in NZ! Looking good with the house, progressing along.

[@jimurrata6785]

That would be 40C in 193 of 195 nations on earth....

[@Jimc4007]

@@jimurrata6785 LOL, yes, for unknown reason the US decided to stay in the 19th century while the rest of the world moved on!

[@LaJotaFranco]

You guys seem like awesome people to have as friends

[@Mizzelphug]

Thank you for clarifying by adding the imperial R-values. I'm usually fine with metric dimensional measurements, but I had never put any thought into the R-Values being on differing scales too. One thing we do in The States that I didn't see you do was place a metallic nailing plate over the timber penetrations to further protect the wiring in your "chases" from accidental fastener punctures. Learning quite a bit by watching you work. Thank you again!

[@GovertPaans]

I believe it doesn't actually comply with the NZ wiring rules, as the wiring has less than 50mm free movement from the fixing surface of the lining material. That would ensure the screws don't reach the wires, which is why that regulation exists

[@classicjonesy]

Does Scott read comments? I find these videoes so relaxing playing in the background; bravo to people doing the music.

[@chrisohanlon69]

i don't like music in yt vids but this is tasteful and acceptible

[@billyalberty5202]

There was an episode where Jerry renovated his apartment!

[@anthonymiddlesex6859]

the lamp you have purchased is for back pain they was popular in the uk they produce heat, they was designed for that purpose they are like a halogen heating bulb they use alot of electric hence 3 prongs for safety live negative and earth....................strip it down and convert it

[@rikardekvall3433]

Learning are one never to old for. Learning make you younger. You should take a look into how Scandinavia houses are made. Thermal bridging and how to keep the house cool or warm. Same with the electricity wiring. Love you editing and all. Keep up the work. Hope to one day take the 40 hour ish, flight to Nelson from Sweden. Looks so nice, down there.

[@iwb70]

There's a lot going on in this new style of episode, I think I liked it. A touch of builders ASMR (which is very niche!) interwoven into a slower more introspective vibe. It was interesting. I wish I could think of a really good Seinfeld quote to describe it..... "but I got nothin!"

[@mediax333]

Another interesting episode 🛠💪🇵🇱

[@Looseyboi]

Make sure you have a chat to your electrician about those cables within your service cavity. As they as sandwiched between insulation for greater then 300mm the circuit may need to be derated. 18:34

[@tomludlam4349]

Saying to Jess: "speaking of foam" . . . genuinely expected an obscure segue into an advert for Squarespace 😂

[@thomasmikael]

damn mate. you need to step it up and release more content. I'm just sitting here just waiting on your vids😊. love your contents, miss Paeru but your new partner in crime is hilarious. keep it up bro

[@ardynottle]

Really enjoy your videos, , love the Scott Brown here, in todays exciting episode. Keep up the great content 👍👍

[@ardynottle]

@-Scottbrowncarpentry_ Hi Scott what’s up

[@DutchFreezeR]

Great scott!

[@elliotsaxon7070]

There is an episode when Jerry renovates his kitchen and has to make every choice and gets over it one of my favourites😂😂

[@intravena]

14:05 It's worth taking the time to get rid of those creases in the insulation. Those folds will show up on a thermal camera as a spot of lowered insulation performance.

[@barx3218]

Very artistic video this one. Nice

[@rahtak]

When you stop learning its time to change job or it turn into this endless grind! Never stop learning!

[@apollorobb]

You guys should have nail plates like we do in the US to keep screws and nails out of the electrical and plumbing

[@jimurrata6785]

Yep. You'd never get away with running NMC behind those battens here.

[@ianwilsongardendesign2236]

I remember watching the whole of Seinfeld during covid- it replaced the News. Great series - Know what you mean about the learning thing and trying new things. Hopefully, your power bills will be much cheaper once you are insulated. As hot air rises the roof is usually the main concern and then windows themselves even double glazed still transmit the cold. My advice get a fire you can't beat for cosy warmth and quiet - LPG or Wood. Definitely in the Dream House, we are working on.

[@stufq]

Love chillout vibe of Scott's videos. Yours and Laura Kampf most chillout diy/makers videos on KZbin 😊 Can ask about that fluffy insulation, don't thing we have anything simular in UK 🤔

[@NeonsStyleHD]

*_Here's a good Shot Scott!_* You and someone else carrying a long piece of wood. You walk into shot and cut. Then you switch places; then you walk into shot again. So it looks like you're carrying the length of wood on both ends. :)

[@secretwpn]

This episode has completely different vibe 🤔 and although I don't dislike it, I hope the usual style returns

[@jarradbrown5321]

Jess, my suggestion would be to find a battery or led touchlamp or circular lamp with remote control (Kmart or similar) that is the correct diameter to match. Then you can chop the power cord off and have a portable lamp, Scott can smash the bulb to get the metal bit that fits on the lamp and can screw a circular block of wood on it to get the light the desired distance and to allow you to screw your light on and off to change batteries.

[@DarkHawk666]

Entering my 35th year as a Bricklayer, 15 to 50, still learning new things too, like I need a new back and knee caps 😂

[@espnmk]

Thanks for Sharing Scott it's coming together, sorry Jess you stuck with heat lamp you can use it to keep the chips warm 🍟

[@frankiebanjo3251]

Mutton chops with the mow Scotty ... think it would be a very good look for you bro 👌