It’s an IAQ Deep Dive…part two! Matt welcomes Sean Harris back to the studio to continue their discussion indoor air quality improvements for existing homes, focusing on mold prevention, HVAC upgrades, filtration, and dehumidification—especially in hot, humid climates like Texas. Sean emphasizes that mold issues often stem from leaky ductwork in unconditioned spaces, poor ventilation, and high humidity, leading to compromised air quality. Instead of cleaning mold, he recommends removing contaminated materials and improving source control.

For HVAC systems, Sean suggests keeping ductwork in conditioned space, using MERV 13+ filters, and installing a ventilating dehumidifier to maintain humidity below 50%. He warns against running HVAC fans continuously, as this can pull humid air into the system, worsening mold issues. He also recommends in-room HEPA filtration (isuch as IQAir or Austin Air) over whole-home air purifiers.

They discuss (and advise against) gimmicky air purification methods like UV lights and ionizers, which can create harmful byproducts. Instead, homeowners should monitor IAQ with smart sensors, track humidity, and optimize their home’s ventilation and filtration. Sean emphasizes "optimization over maximization"—cost-effective solutions like air sealing, replacing moldy ductwork, and using high-quality air filters rather than full HVAC overhauls.

Both Matt & Sean encourage homeowners to prioritize practical, science-backed IAQ improvements for a healthier living environment.

Thank you to episode sponsor Mbrico. Learn more at mbricotiledecks.com.

Find Sean Harris on the Web:

• Website: https://iaqtexas.com/
• Instagram: @aerosealofaustin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAQTexas/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt welcomes fellow Build Expert, Travis Brungardt, to discuss the brand-new Build Original Series® Prairie Sun & Timber, which follows Travis as he builds a hybrid high-performance home blending Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and traditional framing. Travis outlines the project, noting that the upper level utilizes SIPs for insulation and strength, while the walkout basement level is conventionally framed with ZIP-R9 panels for flexibility. 

Throughout the series (and build itself), a key focus is air-sealing and moisture control. To prevent common SIPs failures like ridge rot, Travis applied PROSOCO Cat 5, a liquid-applied WRB, continuously from foundation to ridge, ensuring an airtight and waterproof structure. Matt & Travis discuss SIPs challenges, particularly running electrical wiring. Instead of the traditional method of melting wire chases, Travis framed a service cavity inside the walls, making installations easier. 

Matt and Travis emphasize the benefits of hybrid construction’s, proper air-sealing techniques, and ways to maximize performance while maintaining flexibility. Check out the first two episodes of Prairie Sun & Timber on thebuildshow.com. 

Find Travis on the Web:

• Build Original Series®: Prairie Sun & Timber
• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas. Sean emphasizes the importance of moving ductwork into conditioned spaces, using AeroBarrier and AeroSeal technology, and installing dedicated dehumidifiers to control humidity. He reveals that 90% of the 140 homes he inspected in 2024 had mold in the ductwork, even in new homes, due to poor moisture control. Sean recommends dedicated return and supply duct configurations for dehumidifiers and suggests a separate attic dehumidifier for homes with spray foam insulation. They also cover air quality monitoring, humidity control strategies, and redundancy for long-term performance.

Thank you to episode sponsor Allura. Learn more at https://allurausa.com/.

Resources:

• “Ping Pong Water” by Dr. Joe Lstiburek (Building Science Corporation)
• Florida Solar Energy Center Study on Dehumidifier Installation Methods
• Positive Energy (HVAC Design & Building Science Consulting)

Find Sean Harris on the Web:

• Website: https://iaqtexas.com/ 
• Instagram: @aerosealofaustin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAQTexas/ 

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ 

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt interviews Paul Atherton, CEO of High Spire, about how builders can create generational wealth by leveraging their construction businesses for real estate development. Most builders sell their companies for 1-2x earnings, which isn’t enough to pass down wealth. Instead, Paul outlines three wealth-building pillars: operating a profitable business, investing in real estate, and adding value to assets.

Builders have a competitive edge in real estate because they understand construction costs, materials, and labor, allowing them to budget more accurately than traditional developers. We can invest in land development, adaptive reuse projects, and value-add properties, turning older commercial spaces into high-yield investments. Paul stresses the importance of cap rates, IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and strategic financing; he recommends builders aim for 25% IRR on projects and seek off-market deals.

For those new to investing, Paul advises strengthening branding and marketing, setting anti-goals to maintain work-life balance, and networking with commercial brokers and private investors. Builders should analyze 20 real estate deals per month to understand market trends. While High Spire offers capital investment opportunities, the goal is to help builders become self-sufficient real estate investors.

With real estate offering long-term appreciation and cash flow, builders who reinvest wisely can secure financial freedom for future generations. For expert coaching and funding, visit HighSpire.com.

Thank you to episode sponsor Sugatsune. Learn more at sugatsune.com.

Resources:

• Visit highspire.com for coaching and investment opportunities

Find Paul & Highspire on the Web:

• Instagram: @highspireofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Highspire/61557059785564/ 
• LinkedIn: Highspire & Paul Atherton

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ 

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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This week on the Build Podcast, Matt welcomes Justin Pratt from Builders Firstsource (BFS) back to the ROCKWOOL studio to explore the future of home sales, particularly whether traditional model homes are obsolete. Rising construction costs and changing buyer expectations have made 3-D digital tools a cost-effective and efficient alternative.

With over 398 pre-vetted home plans at BLDRPlan.com, builders can license ready-to-build designs that integrate seamlessly with BFS’s advanced building technologies.

The Home Configure system from BFS allows builders to showcase homes digitally, enabling buyers to explore layouts, customize finishes, and visualize their homes in 3D—all without stepping into a physical model. This streamlines the sales process, eliminates costly last-minute changes, and speeds up construction. By integrating prefabrication and digital modeling, the BFS READY-FRAME® system has been proven to reduce build times by 40%.

What’s next from BFS? They are set to launch a real-time pricing module, similar to automotive “build & price” tools, allowing buyers to see accurate costs for their selections.

Thank you to episode sponsor Viewrail. Learn more at viewrail.com.

Resources:

• BLDR.com
• BLDRPlan.com.

Find Justin on the Web:

• Instagram: @justinpratt3
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-p-86a7568/ 

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ 

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt is solo this week for an in-depth discussion on spray foam insulation, focusing on the differences between closed-cell and open-cell foam and the benefits of creating a conditioned attic space. Traditionally, HVAC systems and ductwork are placed in unconditioned attics in the South, leading to energy loss, duct leakage, and humidity issues. By using spray foam insulation at the roofline, homeowners can effectively seal and condition their attic, improving efficiency and reducing moisture problems.

Matt highlights Owens Corning Ultra-Pure Natural Polymers closed-cell spray foam as his preferred insulation choice, citing its high R-value (~R7 per inch), low VOC emissions, excellent air sealing, and moisture resistance. Unlike open-cell foam, which can allow vapor to pass through, closed-cell acts as a Class II vapor retarder, preventing moisture accumulation at the roof deck. This is crucial in humid climates where improper insulation can lead to condensation issues, a phenomenon known as "ping pong water" that can cause long-term damage to the roof structure.

For humidity control, Matt advises builders to install dehumidifiers or controlled air supply in conditioned attics to maintain proper moisture levels. He also stresses the importance of hiring experienced spray foam contractors, ensuring the correct thickness and installation quality.

Another key topic is roof durability and leak prevention. Matt recommends using full peel-and-stick underlayment beneath metal or tile roofs for long-term water protection. He debunks the myth that spray foam prevents leaks, explaining that small, intermittent leaks can go undetected, leading to hidden rot over time.

Tune in for everything you need to know (and more!) about spray foam insulation.

Thank you to our episode sponsor Aquor Water Systems. Learn more at aquorwatersystems.com.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ 

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Live from the ROCKWOOL studio, Matt and Steve explore how to design and construct homes optimized for extreme health, focusing on mold resistance, superior indoor air quality (IAQ), and moisture control. They discuss essential strategies such as building tight, well-ventilated homes to prevent mold growth, using high-performance dehumidifiers, and implementing advanced HVAC systems with MERV 13+ or HEPA filtration. Matt and Steve highlight the importance of managing bulk water through proper site grading, overhangs, and pitched roofs while also considering leak detection systems and waterproofed mechanical rooms.

For improved air quality, Matt and Steve emphasize eliminating duct board, minimizing flex duct, and opting for metal ductwork, which is easier to clean and prevents microbial growth. They also discuss alternatives to standard drywall, such as fiberglass-faced drywall, American clay plaster, or traditional lath and plaster to reduce mold risk. Additionally, ductless HVAC systems, like mini-splits, can further enhance IAQ by eliminating dust-collecting ductwork.

The episode also touches on cost considerations, with case studies showing how clients with severe allergies or mold sensitivities have significantly benefited from controlled indoor environments. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner looking to create a healthier home, this episode provides expert insights into mold-resistant construction, high-IAQ design, and smart moisture management. Listen now for a deep dive into building science solutions for extreme health.

Thank you to episode sponsor MBRICO. Learn more at mbricotiledecks.com.

Find Steve on the Web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/stevebaczek
• Instagram: @stevenbaczekarchitect
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevenbaczekarchitect9431
• Website: https://stevenbaczekarchitect.com/info/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• TikTok: @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Find Jeremy on the web:

• Instagram: @rishermartin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisherMartin/ 
• Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/rishermartin-fine-homes-pfvwus-pf~2046903330? 
• Website: https://www.rishermartin.com/ 

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt does a deep dive into foundations and why one foundation might be a better choice than another, depending on your location.

Many foundation styles came about because of frost-line differences. Northern builders might have a 3-foot frost line, which means it's necessary to dig below the frost line to avoid freeze-to-thaw issues in the wintertime. In other parts of the country, there might be a 1-foot frost line so a crawlspace makes the most sense. Finally, in the South and parts of the country with almost no freeze-to-thaw issues, slab on grade works great with a foundation embedded 12 - 18 inches into the existing soil.

Matt considers how a foundation should be done when keeping ducts inside the conditioned space of a home. He focuses on crawlspaces versus slab on grade, with an emphasis on HVAC systems inside the conditioned envelope.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• TikTok: @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

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

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

This week, Matt goes solo to highlight five common construction mistakes made by Texas builders and offers practical solutions to improve building quality.

1. Ductwork in Hot Attics
   Placing ducts in unconditioned attics leads to inefficiency, mold growth, and energy loss. Builders should relocate ducts into conditioned spaces using techniques like closed-cell foam insulation or innovative Rheia duct systems.
2. Cardboard Sheathing
   Flimsy, paper-based sheathing lacks durability and fails to resist air and water infiltration. Durable materials like plywood, OSB, or Huber ZIP-System sheathing offer superior performance and longevity.
3. "Houses Need to Breathe" Myth
   Air leaks degrade indoor air quality and cause microbial growth. Builders should create airtight homes with proper ventilation systems, such as ERVs or HRVs, and incorporate dehumidifiers for moisture control.
4. Poor Stucco Installation
   Improper stucco systems fail when exposed to irrigation. Using resilient materials and ensuring proper drainage can prevent structural degradation and water damage.
5. Steel Windows and Doors
   Non-thermally broken steel frames cause condensation, leading to damage. Thermally broken frames, wood-clad windows, or triple-glazed options are better choices for Texas’s climate.

Matt emphasizes sustainable building practices and learning from past mistakes to Know Better. Build Better.™ He encourages builders to adopt modern techniques to improve energy efficiency, durability, and customer satisfaction.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• TikTok: @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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