The Build Show Podcast

Hosted by Matt Risinger

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Episodes

234

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Follow Matt Risinger on the Build Show Podcast as he discusses Building Science, Craftsmanship, & Best Practices for Building & Remodeling. Matt is a Builder who specializes in Architect Driven & Fine Craftsmanship Work.

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60 recent

September 4, 202646 min

Why Mold Lawsuits Are Coming Back for Homebuilders

Matt Risinger examines the growing number of mold-related lawsuits involving homebuilders and connects today’s problems to changes in building practices and energy efficiency. He explains how tighter homes, oversized HVAC systems, poor moisture control, vented attics, and inadequate air sealing can contribute to elevated indoor humidity and condensation. Risinger also discusses lessons learned from earlier building failures involving bulk water and flashing, along with practical approaches for builders and homeowners to identify moisture problems. The discussion covers HVAC design, dehumidification, water management, building commissioning, moisture measurements, and the importance of keeping building assemblies dry. Referenced in this episode: Watch Forensic Files — Season 7, Episode 37, “Breaking the Mold,” covering the Austin, Texas mold case discussed by Matt: https://youtu.be/QhRfeDavAhQ?si=qlPlSfr0Mk8GVr8o . 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 .

August 7, 202618 min

What To Expect At Build Show LIVE 2026

Build Show LIVE returns for its third annual event in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together builders, architects, engineers, and construction professionals for three days of in-depth education, hands-on learning, and networking focused on building better homes. From business strategy and project management to advanced building science, AI tools, high-end custom homes, and foundational training for new builders, the event offers specialized learning tracks led by experienced builders and industry experts. Attendees can explore dozens of classroom sessions, connect with leading manufacturers, tour active job sites, and gain practical knowledge that goes beyond code to improve the durability, performance, and quality of their projects. Whether you're an experienced custom builder or just entering the industry, Build Show LIVE is designed to provide actionable insights, valuable connections, and the latest best practices shaping the future of residential construction. Check out the Build Show LIVE Education by category and be sure to sign up for classes in your participant center. Advanced & Specialty Building Science Business & Operations Foundations (101) High-End Building 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 .

July 31, 202626 min

Spray Foam Insulation Pt 2 Myths Busted

Matt Risinger continues his deep dive into spray foam insulation, part two, sorting the genuine benefits from the marketing hype. He unpacks common myths—claims that foam pays for itself, blocks sound, or solves every building problem—and explains why cavity insulation alone doesn't guarantee air sealing. He covers the real risks of open cell foam in humid attics, addresses whether spray foam is banned in Europe (it isn't, though regulations are tightening), and shares practical hybrid approaches combining closed cell foam with other insulation types for cost and performance balance. This episode is a continuation of our discussion on spray foam insulation. If you haven't seen Part 1: "Spray Foam Insulation: Hype vs. Reality," be sure to watch it first for the full context: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/8214 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 .

July 24, 202640 min

The Future of Home Building: AI, Digital Twins & Smarter Workflows

Matt Risinger is joined by Ryan and Ty from Digs to explore practical ways artificial intelligence is improving residential construction. Rather than focusing on AI hype, the conversation centers on how builders can use connected project data, digital twins, and construction-specific tools to streamline estimating, organize documentation, simplify homeowner handoffs, and improve warranty support. The discussion also looks at how better information management can strengthen the client experience, support long-term home maintenance, and create lasting value for builders and homeowners alike. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella. To learn more visit: 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 .

July 17, 202627 min

Spray Foam Insulation Hype vs Reality

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. 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 .

July 10, 202631 min

Building Science 101: Understanding Vapor Control

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

July 3, 202632 min

Three Keys To Winning In The GC Business | The Build Podcast Friday Flashback

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

June 26, 202646 min

The Perfect Wall? What Builders Need to Know About Mineral Wool

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

June 19, 202633 min

Why Every Custom Builder Needs a Building Science Consultant

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

June 12, 202636 min

Why Building to Code Isn't Enough — The Build HD Standard Explained

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 .