In this episode, Michael Rubino sits down with Brantley May, a Building Scientist and Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant with a specialty in Mycology. Certified by the McCrone Research Institute and the Oshner Medical Center, Brantley is trained in the examination and identification of fungal spores and pollen via microscopy.

Brantley holds certifications from the Building Performance Institute as a Building Analyst, Building Envelope Professional, and Infiltration and Duct Leakage Expert. He also has extensive credentials in mycotoxin identification, water damage, odor control, structural drying, infectious disease control, and energy efficiency issues, and is currently a student of Mechanical Engineering.

As a state-licensed mold assessor, Brantley carries the credentials to teach and proctor exams for other professionals seeking state accreditations in mold and environmental services. His expertise bridges the gap between building performance and occupant health — uncovering root causes of moisture, ventilation, and contamination issues that often go undetected.

In this episode, we cover:
The role of building science in indoor environmental health
Common construction flaws that lead to hidden mold growth
The dangers of moisture intrusion and poor ventilation
Why testing and building forensics matter for long-term health
Brantley’s top recommendations for homeowners and contractors

Whether you’re building, renovating, or troubleshooting, this conversation will change how you think about your home’s health.

📌 Resources & Links:
Guest: Brantley May — @brantley.iaq
EnviroHealth: https://www.envirohealth.co

Notable Timestamp Highlights
00:00 — Intro to Brantley May & building forensics
01:20 — Common moisture issues in different climates
03:44 — Hidden mold in “clean” homes
07:14 — Spray foam attic pros & cons explained
12:44 — Why most spray foam attics fail in humid climates
15:44 — Chemical off-gassing & ROI concerns
17:50 — Tight homes & ventilation needs
22:34 — Ideal ACH & fresh air intake strategies
28:31 — Why ERVs don’t work well in humid climates
31:33 — Vented attic pros
36:07 — Vented attic cons & condensation risks
40:19 — Retrofits vs. new builds: where to start
43:24 — The soffit-blocking insulation mistake
47:17 — Common HVAC system failures
49:39 — Why proper sizing is critical for humidity control
53:04 — Duct balancing & pressure issues
55:14 — Why most HVAC techs don’t address air quality
57:45 — How to work with Brantley

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