The Build Show Podcast

Matt Risinger explores one of the most misunderstood topics in building science: vapor control. Sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods, the episode explains why managing moisture is less about stopping vapor and more about preventing condensation inside building assemblies. Using a replay from the Building Science 101 series with Steve Baczek, Matt breaks down how vapor moves through walls, roofs, and floors, why climate and material selection matter, and how builders can make smarter decisions about vapor retarders and air barriers. The conversation focuses on practical building science principles that improve durability, moisture management, and long-term building performance rather than relying on outdated rules of thumb.

Huge thanks to our episode sponspr, Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at:

 

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https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
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Happy 4th of July Build Show Friends! This week, we’re throwing it back to one of the greatest hits of Season 5. Matt will be back next week with an all-new episode. Enjoy! —— Matt goes solo this week to share hard-earned wisdom from his 30-year construction. He outlines three foundational principles that have shaped his success—and helped him recover from serious setbacks. 1. Understand Building Science Matt emphasizes the importance of knowing how climate, materials, and design affect building durability. Lessons from Portland’s mold crises taught him that “if it can’t dry, it’s going to die.” Builders must master rain control and moisture management to prevent failure and reduce liability. 2. Stop Bidding He shares a cautionary tale of a low-bid roofing contractor whose shoddy work and fake insurance cost him over $30,000. Instead of free estimates and competitive bidding, Matt now uses pre-construction agreements to ensure clients are committed—and to get paid for his time. 3. Avoid Debt Matt recounts going hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt during the 2008 recession, even struggling to pay for groceries. He urges builders to stay lean, avoid speculative projects, and budget personally AND professionally. Matt’s advice: “Fire Chuck”—his nickname for the debt he couldn’t get rid of for years. Matt concludes with a reminder that profit is essential, not shameful. Builders must prioritize long-term sustainability, financial health, and client trust to thrive in a competitive industry. 

Thank you to our episode sponsors ROCKWOOL & Pella. Learn more at: rockwool.com and pella.com

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork
https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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Matt Risinger sits down with James Bourget and Dan Edelman to explore exterior insulation, with a focus on mineral wool and stone wool assemblies for high-performance homes. The conversation looks at how continuous exterior insulation affects durability, moisture management, vapor permeability, fire resilience, insect resistance, and long-term building performance. James shares building science insights from his work with RDH, while Dan discusses practical installation methods, material characteristics, and real-world applications across different climate zones. Matt, James, and Dan also challenge common assumptions about wall assemblies, discuss the “perfect wall” concept, and examine how exterior insulation can support energy efficiency, resilience, and healthier building envelopes. 

Huge thanks to our episode sponosr, NuvoH2O. Learn more at: https://nuvoh2o.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork
https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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On this episode of the Build Show podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with James from RDH Building Science to unpack what a building science consultant actually does. Rather than focusing on litigation and failure investigation, the conversation centers on bringing consultants in early to prevent problems before they start. They cover building enclosures as systems, condensation and dew point analysis, climate-specific design strategies, and how risk management benefits both builders and homeowners. The discussion also touches on wildfire-resistant window testing, including tempered glass and frame performance under fire conditions.

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com

 

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork
https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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On this episode of the Build Show podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with Jim Gunn of South Pass Design Build in San Antonio, Texas — the builder behind the Build Show's live tour house. The conversation centers on the newly developed Build HD standard, a streamlined framework that builds on code to prioritize water management, air control, structural performance, and durability. Jim explains how the standard helps translate complex building science into clear expectations for trades and design decisions, from mechanical room placement to monopoly framing using Huber ZIP System sheathing. The two dig into why building to code alone isn't enough, and how thoughtful systems thinking from the design phase forward leads to homes built to last. 

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella. Learn more at: https://www.pella.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork
https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.