Protradecraft

10/22/2025

We are just about wrapped on filming for “Pushing The Rock,” our most recent—and the last critical—interview was a couple of days ago in NYC with Dr. Louis A. DeCaro Jr., a scholar of Malcom X. and John Brown.

We asked him to draw the Venn diagram, and he declined—but he did speak at length on who Brown and X were, and who they weren’t.

One thing they had in common was they both came to social justice through their parents, who were activists.

We will launch a crowdfunding campaign in three weeks—on November 7. Stay in the loop and get invited to the Launch Party at bit.ly/ptr-vip

09/09/2025

NEW BUILDING RESILIENCE EPISODE:
Drywall Solutions: Uplift, Arches, and Movable Joints (Building Resilience)

How modern drywall beads prevent cracks, create crisp corners, and reduce warranty issues

08/28/2025

🚨 Haven’t booked your hotel yet for the Women in Residential Construction Conference? Time’s running out! Discounted rates end September 9. Don’t miss your chance to save on your stay while attending the most empowering event for women in residential construction—where female trailblazers come to get inspired, recharged, and connected. 💪✨

Book here: https://bit.ly/45H8vby

08/26/2025

The session "Resiliency & Recovery" to be presented at the Women in Residential Construction Conference is not to be missed, featuring Allyssa Taylor, Laura Paul and Lisa Copeland sharing their work in Lahaina Town on Maui, New Orleans' Ninth Ward, and the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles respectively. The work of these inspirational women is garnering national attention. Hear it first-hand as they bring their stories of recovery and resiliency—from both the built world and the families affected in those areas—to both inspire and enlighten us about the realities of disaster and personal recovery. Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/4fdwEcz

05/17/2025

They call it the Pulitzer Prize of B2B journalism; we call it credibility that you know you're getting the best information in the business.

Building Resilience, starring Michael Anschel, of OA Design + Build + Architecture, has been recognized as the Best Instructional Content in the world.
An even sweeter aspect of this is that this category is open to all media organizations, regardless of revenue, meaning that we had to punch significantly above our weight to elbow out the big kids.

05/09/2025

Chisels have two bevels, but you'll likely only need to sharpen one of them

This YouTube video is from luthier Daisy Tempest, who works in a treehouse woodshop. Daisy covers a very basic skill: sharpening a chisel: it's all in the wrist, so to speak.

Chisels have two bevels, but you'll likely only need to sharpen one of them

05/07/2025

EPA Plans to Eliminate Energy Star Program Amid "Reorganization"
The 33-year-old energy efficiency initiative faces termination.
Source(s): The New York Times, May 6, 2025

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to terminate the Energy Star program, a voluntary labeling initiative that has certified energy-efficient appliances and buildings since 1992. This decision is part of a larger reorganization within the agency, which includes dissolving the Office of Atmospheric Protection. The program has been instrumental in reducing energy costs for consumers and greenhouse gas emissions, sparking concern among industry groups and lawmakers.

The Drilldown News Feed

04/18/2025

Will It ROT? New Tool Helps Predict Effects of Exterior Continuous Insulation
How much continuous exterior insulation is enough? Building Science Advisor tool helps find answers.

How much continuous exterior insulation is enough? Building Science Advisor tool helps find answers.

04/16/2025

Mind-Bogglingly Simple Tablesaw Safety Upgrade
A power feeder holds stock securely in place, feeds at a steady rate, and allows the operator to steer clear of kickback

Losing fingers to a tablesaw has got to be just about every carpenter's nightmare, and too many can call it more of a bad memory. There are a lot of reasons why people cut themselves with tablesaws, but it usually boils down to having your hands somewhere near the blade when something goes awry. Some tablesaw manufacturers have devised flesh-sensing technology to protect the operator from ever losing a finger or worse.

This video from James Hamilton () offers a simpler and cheaper solution: a small power feeder that allows you to walk away from the tablesaw while it cuts. If your hands are three feet away from the blade, it is very unlikely you'll cut them off.

A power feeder holds stock securely in place, feeds at a steady rate, and allows the operator to steer clear of kickback

03/25/2025

We are pleased to share the finalist platform with for a 2025 Neal Award for Best a Instructional Content.

Hopefully at least one of us will take it away from Ad Age or CSO magazine.

Installing minisplits and training trade contractors is arguably more important than ad agencies and VPNs ...

Also, here's a picture of my cat climbing down a ladder. He loves construction zones.

03/19/2025

Rating the States for Disaster Preparedness
The Disaster Discussiuons podcast from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety reveals who is getting it right

In its fifth edition, IBHS’s Rating the States report evaluates the 18 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts based on residential building code adoption, enforcement, training, education, and contractor licensing.

Storm-Preparedness overachieving States:
- Virginia
- Florida
- Louisiana

Storm-Preparedness underachieving states:
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Alabama

The Disaster Discussiuons podcast from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety reveals who is getting it right

03/17/2025

Site-Built Insulated Panels for an Exposed Floor
PVC sheets and XPS panels make a durable, airtight, insulated sheathing

One efficient way to gain living space is with a pier foundation, but with the floor exposed to the elements, what’s the best way to insulate it?

ONE way to insulate the floor is with site-built insulated panels made from PVC sheets, adhesive foam, and XPS insulation. It’s like an open-faced insulation sandwich.

While you wait for the adhesive to set up, make another, and another, and another.

When you’re ready to install them, apply adhesive where the floor joists will be and slide that sheet over to the work zone.

Hightlights:
- Install the insulating panels with adhesive foam and long screws
- Insulate the floor framing with spray foam