Build Science™ 401 | Episode 8: Common Above-Grade Wall

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Build Science™ 401 Episode 8 walks through above-grade wall and floor-to-floor transitions, emphasizing how structural framing, drainage, air, vapor, and thermal layers must remain continuous to create a durable, resilient building envelope. Using a real New England home as a case study, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek explain why engineered floor systems, rain screens, ZIP System sheathing, and simple, repeatable details reduce risk and improve performance.

Build Science™ 401 | Episode 9: Passive House Wall Assembly

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Build Science™ 401 Episode 9 uses an early Passive House double-stud wall as a retrospective case study to explain how the four control layers must work together as one integrated system. Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek show how ZIP System sheathing was leveraged to do multiple jobs—water, air, and structure—while redundant sealing, staged insulation, and careful blower-door testing were used to confidently achieve the 0.6 ACH50 requirement.

Build Science™ 401 | Episode 10: Passive House Roof Assembly

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On Episode 10 of Build Science™ 401, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek continue to explore how a home’s exterior envelope must integrate air, water, vapor, and thermal control layers for durability and energy efficiency. Using a 2010 coastal New England passive house as a case study, they examine roof assemblies, insulation placement, ventilation paths, and standing seam metal roofing, emphasizing continuity across transitions and critical details like windows, doors, and double-wall assemblies.

Build Science™ 401 | Episode 12: Flat Roof Assembly

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Build Science™ 401 concludes with Episode 12 where Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek review flat roof design, insulation strategies, vapor profiles, and the importance of coordinated detailing between trades to ensure durability and performance. They cover details of a flat roof, including slope, insulation, membrane protection, drip edges, lack of parapets, and roof overhangs, with practical reasoning for each design choice.