Share on facebook
Tweet
Email
Share on Linkedin
Build Podcast | Episode 160: Top 5 Mistakes Builders Make (and how to fix them)
This week, Matt goes solo to highlight five common construction mistakes made by Texas builders and offers practical solutions to improve building quality.
- 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. - 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. - "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. - 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. - 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!
Huber Engineered Woods
Sponsors
Episodes
Why Every Custom Builder Needs a Building Science Consultant | Build Show Podcast Ep. 222
Episode 222
Building science consultants focus on preventing building problems through early involvement, analyzing building enclosures, climate-specific design strategies, and risk management. Thank you to sponsor Huber Engineered Woods. Watch episodes on social media.
Why Building to Code Isn't Enough — The Build HD Standard Explained | Build Show Podcast Ep. 221
Episode 221
Jim Gunn discusses the Build HD standard with Matt Risinger, emphasizing water management, air control, structural performance, and durability. Building to code alone is not sufficient for lasting homes.
Energy Efficiency - I Do Not Think That Word Means What You Think It Does | Build Show Podcast Ep 216
Episode 216
Matt Risinger and Kristof Irwin of Positive Energy discuss how HVAC design, building science, and enclosure performance work together to create healthier, more durable, and energy-efficient high-performance homes. The conversation covers comfort, humidity control, indoor air quality, ventilation strategies, and the importance of integrated design and testing.
Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 215
Episode 215
Matt Risinger talks with Jason Todd of TimberHP about the growing role of wood fiber insulation in high-performance construction. Todd explains how wood-based insulation products fit into modern wall assemblies, offering vapor-open performance, thermal control, and compatibility with airtight building strategies. The discussion covers manufacturing, supply chain challenges, and how these materials compare to foam and mineral wool in durability and environmental impact. They also touch on prefabrication, evolving building codes, and the shift toward low-carbon materials in residential construction.