Mindful Builder

What is a Ventilated Cavity? In simple terms, a ventilated cavity is an air space between the cladding of a building and its structure. This space allows the building to "breathe," circulating air and carrying moisture away. This is crucial to avoid issues like mould, rot, and other moisture-related problems.  It’s a technical topic which is why we’re once again joined by Dr Cameron Munroe, who breaks down the nitty gritty of ventilated cavities.   Cam explained that inheating-dependant climates like Melbourne or Canberra, building materials need to allow water vapour to escape. Unfortunately, traditional methods sometimes trap this vapour. A ventilated cavity helps in solving this by moving vapour out through a well-ventilated air space. We've noticed and discussed how modern weatherboards differ from older ones. The primary reason? Changes in building techniques and materials. Old hardwoods have been replaced with softwoods, which absorb more moisture and have less tolerance. With improved insulation, drying potential decreases, making material choice vital for moisture management. Different cladding types may require varied cavity depths for effective drainage and ventilation. It's essential to consider both ventilation (for air/moisture) and drainage (for liquid water). Thickness of battens used in cavities needs attention, as they play a role in air circulation and moisture drainage. Cameron suggests that while small gaps can handle drainage, air circulation requires larger cavities. Achieving the right balance between these is key in construction. So how do you choose the right cladding material for your climate? Well, buildings in colder regions require more consideration in cladding and batten selection to prevent moisture issues. We can model these factors to make informed decisions about batten thickness and design. 1. Cavity Depths: Consider a standardised cavity size, like a 70mm, which can work across various applications and climates. 2. Drainage vs Ventilation: Focus on creating effective drainage and ventilation solutions. Think about using metal mesh for venting and drainage to prevent clogging while allowing air to flow freely. 3. Durability of Materials: Choose materials designed to withstand climate changes and prevent long-term degradation. It’s also important to remember that your roof is essentially a wall at an angle. So, similar principles of ventilation and drainage apply. Make sure your roofing system is designed to handle moisture effectively. Avoid using products like Anticon under roof sheets as they can degrade over time and block airflow. So make sure you’re considering the climate and how it'll impact moisture and heat within your building's interior. Ensure you have the right ventilation and drainage strategy to manage moisture efficiently! LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Can you believe it’s almost the end of the year? It feels like January was just yesterday, but also like it was years ago.  So much has happened in the world this year, both the good and the bad.This whirlwind was especially strong in the construction industry, so we want to recap 2024 in this episode as well as look forward to what 2025 will hold.  So, the construction landscape has been tough on everyone, but we’re proud of how we’ve managed to keep moving forward. For those of you who’ve navigated this year alongside us, whether you’re still standing tall in your business or have made the hard decision to step back, remember you’ve made it through and that’s worthy of a pat on the back. 2024 has been another reminder of how important connection is. Whether it’s out group chat with fellow builders or the support from family and friends, our connections are what kept us going when things got tough. Sharing experiences, challenges, and success stories has fostered a community that’s both supportive and insightful. If there’s one piece of advice we’d pass on, it’s to never underestimate the power of a solid support system. So, what does 2025 hold? We’re feeling optimistic.  Regulatory changes and financial challenges are on the horizon, but we’re viewing these as opportunities for growth and innovation. Our industry is poised for a transformation, and we’re ready to pivot to meet these advancements head-on. For us, thriving in business isn’t our only goal. In 2025 we’ll keep striving to champion mental health, community building, and innovation. For this podcast, we have exciting plans for more engaging content that platforms diverse stories in the industry. So stay tuned for that!  Perhaps the biggest lesson from 2024 is that with every challenge comes the chance to emerge stronger. So take care of yourself over the holiday period and we can’t wait to be back with you next year!  Cheers,   Hamish & Matt LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all! We hope you’re having a wonderful break from work, but if you’re not, you’re not alone. Financial stress, family tensions, grief, and countless other factors can make it a difficult time for some. That’s why we’ve invited our friend and mental health expert Julie back on the podcast. Isolation might not be the cause of people’s holiday blues, but it will always make it worse, so it’s important to keep an eye on the people in your life. Just reaching out to check on someone can make a world of difference. If you think someone’s having a rough time, then reach out to them - nothing beats a text or a call to make someone feel supported! But, while you’re looking out for others, don’t forget to look after yourself too. Hydrate, get enough sleep, and make time for activities that fill your cup. Julie shared how engaging in nature, exercise, and social connections greatly benefits one's mental health. For us, hitting the mountain bike trails is a brilliant way to energise both body and mind. As builders, we often feel the pressure to complete projects by Christmas. But let’s rethink this. It’s an arbitrary date, and rushing can lead to stress and mistakes. At our company, we take a firm stance by telling clients upfront: “You will not be in by Christmas.” It’s about managing expectations and emphasising the importance of a mental break for us all. We then discussed alcohol which is something many people struggle with at this time of year. Excessive consumption can worsen anxiety and mood swings. We're not suggesting you forgo drinks altogether, just to recognise how it affects your overall well-being. Matt, for instance, found taking a break from alcohol a personal revelation, and Hamish shared how understanding his own reactions helped him enjoy the holidays better. Finally, let’s not forget about the diversity within our industry. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and that’s okay. Wishing colleagues a good holiday, rather than 'Merry Christmas', can be more inclusive. It's a small gesture to acknowledge and respect the different cultures we work with every day. We hope you find these insights helpful as you step into this holiday period, and we’re wishing a restful and joyous time, however you choose to spend it! Cheers, Matt and Hamish. LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

One of our biggest goals for this podcast is to push the boundaries of conventional industry practices and challenge people (including us) to look outside their bubble. That’s why we were so excited to sit down with Jasmine and Logan from the Go Company this week.  The Go Company started with a simple but brilliant idea: providing portable hygiene packs for women in trade. These packs ensure that no female tradesperson has to endure the embarrassment or inconvenience of lacking essential sanitary products during work hours.   The packs, whether it's the elegant Luxury Box or the practical Go Bag, hold essentials like tampons, pads, and hand sanitisers, all packed discreetly into a small, first-aid sized kit. Affordably priced, these packs are built to be easily accessible while promoting a supportive working environment for women. Menstruation doesn’t get discussed in male dominated fields like construction because of discomfort or ignorance, or both. This means women are often left without the facilities they need for their period and can be forced into very uncomfotable situations. Even the two of us were shocked by some of the personal stories Logan and Jazz share in this episode.  Thankfully though, the Go Company is working hard to equip women with these basic necessities and to defeat the taboo that surrounds them. Beyond their products, Go Company also facilitates discussions between employers and their employees, to make things easier on all sides.  While the Go Company initially targeted the construction industry, the vision extends much further. There’s potential and need for their products in schools, sports events, front-line worker environments, and even the army. It’s an ongoing mission to normalise and expand the availability of sanitary resources, and every workplace could benefit from joining this movement. So if you’re a business owner or someone in a position to influence workplace norms, don’t let this conversation end here. Equip your facilities with Go Packs, discuss openly, and help create spaces where everyone is supported and respected. LINKS: Website: www.thegocompany.com.au [https://www.thegocompany.com.au/] Instagram: @girlsonlycompany [https://www.instagram.com/girlsonlycompany/] Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]