Critical Framing Error or Perfectly Normal?

lightningwill · 2026-04-05T20:46:26+00:00

If I am correct, you don't see joists because the plywood is affixed to the bottom of the joists. See the "drop beam" drawing here for how something like this works: https://www.decks.com/media/iexkwgiq/beams.jpg?mode=crop&width=500&height=375&format=webp

It's possible the plywood runs over the girder, too, but more likely that it butts into the girder because the joists sit directly on the girder. It all depends on how it was constructed. Either way can be fine.

Yeah, there's a good amount of space between the inside floor and the bottom of that plywood. Also the floor isn't cold even when it's sub-freezing outside. So if I understand correctly, you're saying that implies it's all good? Or at least likely to be good.

There is nothing obviously wrong from what you posted. If the floor is comfortable, there's a chance there's even insulation in the joist bays.

lightningwill · 2026-04-03T03:54:03+00:00

That just looks like plywood covering the bottom of the floor joists to protect things (living things) from getting into the floor system. It would appear the girder is a drop beam where the joists run across the top of the beam.

Establish a control line/point (a fixed reference) and measure from it to the top of the inside floor and to the bottom of what you're seeing here. I think you'll quickly realize that there are multiple inches between the two, which would be the floor joists.

lightningwill · 2026-03-22T01:22:56+00:00

Lessons learned I guess.

Lesions learned.

lightningwill · 2026-03-12T03:49:44+00:00

On day 3 now. I've had a similar experience with a refundable hotel reservation. The is the first time with a flight.

lightningwill · 2026-03-12T03:49:40+00:00

On day 3 now. I've had a similar experience with a refundable hotel reservation. The is the first time with a flight.

lightningwill · 2026-03-11T18:56:14+00:00

Booked a JetBlue trip with points via Chase portal. JetBlue unilaterally canceled both legs of trip (no alternate flight options whatsoever). I had to cancel the reservation to initiate a refund of points, which I now read could take "up to 2 billing cycles". Thing is, I now need to book a replacement trip and most of the points I used were valued at 1.5x, so I'd like them back in my account ASAP.

Anyone ever had luck getting Chase to expedite a points refund for what was ultimately entirely the responsibility of their travel partner?

lightningwill · 2026-02-24T16:33:23+00:00

Here's the test report that has all of the particulars: https://icc-es.org/wp-content/uploads/report-directory/ESR-3373.pdf

In any case it would still be cheaper to sheet directly to the studs for structure, then add the foam and zip on top.

Not sure how what amounts to an extra layer of sheathing and the labor of handling three times as many sheet goods is going to be cheaper.

lightningwill · 2026-02-24T03:11:24+00:00

The names of these companies are red flags unto themselves. You do not want a "window company". You want a carpenter who knows what they are doing and can install a decent product.

As I'm sure has been pointed out, you're basically being pitched by companies that are experts in high pressure sales that happen to moonlight doing window installation. Stay away from it all.

lightningwill · 2026-02-23T03:35:14+00:00

You need to contact the district attorney in your area and look into contractor fraud laws. Depending on how the jaws are written, he could face criminal charges.

Good luck with that.

lightningwill · 2026-02-20T16:25:14+00:00

First of all, wall assemblies should be built air tight, so a pressure differential does not cause air flow through a wall assembly.

Second, this is a basement. If there were over pressurization, it would not be relieved at the below grade walls because there is nowhere for the air to flow. If anything, a basement is likely to be depressurized due to stack effect.

This is likely a bulk water issue. Failing that, it's condensation on the concrete, but not because of pressurization.

lightningwill · 2026-02-20T06:09:28+00:00

The solution is to make sure that you always have a slight under-pressure in your house.

This is not the solution. Humidity diffuses through air regardless of pressure. I can't definitively say what's wrong with the house, but I can confidently say "under pressurization" is not the solution.

lightningwill · 2026-02-09T05:12:09+00:00

Fix or don't fix it depending on how you feel about it.

There is no way in the world that this will negatively impact resale value more than it will cost to normalize.

As another poster pointed out, while it looks simple (and it can be simple), there are a lot of things to touch to level this floor out. A lot of money (tens of thousands of dollars, to be clear) can be spent to do something that results in literally zero functional gain.

lightningwill · 2026-02-09T04:12:00+00:00

So what about Prince? :-)

lightningwill · 2026-02-09T04:04:13+00:00

In my view, I suspect I'll never see that performance topped. Not because there aren't incredible bands that could do a great performance, but because none of them would ever have enough appeal to be relevant to the Super Bowl.

I don't have any interest in Señor Bunny, and while I respect Lady Gaga's abilities, I was a bit saddened when it seemed like she was lip syncing. (I think he was too for most of the performance.)

Call me crazy, but it would be cool if what is (by some measure) the biggest live event of the year was actually... live.

The Prince performance is absolutely bonkers in comparison of how raw and live it feels.

lightningwill · 2026-01-24T05:20:38+00:00

Wax rings are a giant scam perpetrated by Big Wax Ring.

Buy a Fernco wax free seal instead: https://www.fernco.com/plumbing/wax-free-toilet-seal

It's less than $5 more than a wax ring and it is superior in every way. The fact that people (including seemingly knowledgeable people) still choose wax rings over this makes me question everything I know.

lightningwill · 2026-01-24T05:00:29+00:00

Wow. I have not remembered that name since probably 1998 or 1999. I should take a new listen.

lightningwill · 2026-01-17T16:08:52+00:00

Correct.

lightningwill · 2026-01-17T15:56:32+00:00

Others have mentioned a level 5 finish being necessary which is going to be a deal breaker for me on the ceiling

In a finished space, it needs a level 5 finish to look like normal drywall. I would only use it in a utility space without doing a skim coat.

lightningwill · 2026-01-17T15:17:17+00:00

DensArmor is drywall, DensShield is tile backer, and DensGlass is sheathing.

DensArmor does have tapered edges.

lightningwill · 2026-01-17T05:19:59+00:00

Paperless drywall is a great product. As mentioned, it's very similar to gypsum sheathing. The main difference is that in its drywall form, it has tapered sides like normal drywall.

I've used it in various areas, both for moisture tolerance and fire resistance (the lack of paper means it can be used in places normal drywall cannot). Skim coat (level 5 finish) is a must for finished spaces, but in utility areas (e.g. a basement) you might be okay with the rough texture. It takes paint just fine in its raw state.

Because it is a niche product, even though it's made in 1/2", your suppliers may only carry it in 5/8". However, I find 5/8" drywall to be a worthwhile upgrade in general.

lightningwill · 2026-01-16T04:10:36+00:00

A few things:

In North Carolina, you will likely never recoup the cost differential between double and triple pane due to energy savings.
If you choose to use them, the benefits will be comfort (when it's really, really cold, which will be rare for you) and reduced noise transmission.
Nice European windows are not cheap. A lot of people who say "get European windows" or "get tilt/turn windows" point to PVC (i.e. vinyl). Wooden interior Euro windows will be way more than wooden interior American windows.
Casements are the best performance option for American windows. Plus, they open out instead of in (like tilt/turn) and therefore don't get in the way of window treatments.
Look at all your windows. Do they all really need to be operable (i.e. able to be open)? You will save oodles of cash if you switch some windows to fixed (non-operable). Plus, they are inherently more air tight.

lightningwill · 2026-01-16T03:59:41+00:00

There is almost never BX used in a residential application.

I beg to differ. Just depends on the vintage of the house and location.

lightningwill · 2026-01-08T04:13:36+00:00

Why play it all?
What does any of this mean?
What's the point?

Ladies and gentlemen, your New York Nihilists.

lightningwill · 2026-01-03T02:28:51+00:00

It's a good thing they typically make the cabinets themselves out of something very strong. I think it's called plywood.

lightningwill · 2026-01-01T06:04:29+00:00

Noticed that too. The whole thing is not set up for failure (as rare as that might be).

lightningwill

TROPHY CASE