Matt Risinger takes a balanced, evidence-based look at spray foam insulation, separating common misconceptions from practical building science. He compares open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, explains where each performs best, and discusses topics including air sealing, vapor control, indoor air quality, installation risks, and long-term durability. Matt also explores how spray foam compares with fiberglass, mineral wool, and other insulation options, while outlining situations where hybrid insulation assemblies make more sense. Rather than promoting or dismissing spray foam, he focuses on proper installation, climate-specific design, and choosing the right insulation strategy for high-performance homes. This episode is presented without a sponsor to provide an unbiased discussion.

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principles that improve durability, moisture management, and long-term building performance rather than relying on outdated rules of thumb.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Origin Series, Matt Risinger sits down with architect and builder Jim Gunn of SouthPass Design | Build to explore the path that led him into the design-build world. Gunn reflects on growing up around engineering and construction, his winding route through college, architecture school, and early career experiences, and how those influences shaped his approach to residential design and building. The conversation examines the relationship between architects, builders, and homeowners, highlighting the advantages of integrating design and construction under one roof. Risinger and Gunn also discuss budgeting, project management, and the value of involving builders early in the design process while previewing the upcoming Build Show Live demonstration home.

Matt Risinger sits down with Jordan Smith of Smith House Co. to discuss the evolving role of inspections, permitting, and building codes in custom residential construction. Smith explains how code compliance impacts everything from framing and mechanical systems to scheduling and client expectations, especially as energy codes and inspection requirements become more demanding. The conversation explores the relationship between builders and inspectors, the importance of documentation and communication on site, and how experienced builders navigate gray areas between minimum code standards and higher-performance construction practices. They also touch on regional differences in enforcement, inspection delays, and the challenge of balancing craftsmanship, efficiency, and compliance throughout the building process.

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with Jordan Smith to work through the full spectrum of residential HVAC mechanical systems — from the bare minimum to the over-engineered. The conversation moves quickly from what not to do (single-stage compressors with flex duct in unconditioned attics) to what actually performs: separate air handlers per floor, dedicated dehumidification, and ERV systems for continuous fresh air. For two-story homes, both agree that zone dampers are a dead end and that two independent systems are the only real solution. The middle-ground sweet spot they land on is dual single-stage units paired with at least one dehumidifier and a basic fresh-air intake strategy. A recurring theme is that equipment brand matters far less than installer quality — a well-installed Goodman beats a poorly installed premium unit every time.

Matt Risinger welcomes Kristof Irwin of Positive Energy for a deep discussion on the relationship between HVAC design, moisture management, and high-performance construction. Irwin explains how modern homes require a systems-based approach, where airtight enclosures, ventilation, and properly sized mechanical equipment all work together to improve comfort and indoor air quality. The conversation also covers humidity control, energy modeling, and the growing need for testing and verification as building standards evolve. Matt and Kristof discuss how builders, architects, and HVAC professionals coordinate early in the design phase to avoid performance issues later in construction.