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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!
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Episodes
The Science Behind Air Leakage Testing | Build Show Podcast Ep 214
Matt Risinger explores how diagnostic testing with The Energy Conservatory informs high-performance construction, focusing on blower door testing, pressure mapping, and airflow measurement for airtightness and leakage identification.
Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 215
Episode 215
Matt Risinger Talks Wood Fiber Insulation with Jason Todd of TimberHP </h2> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> 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. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> 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. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Episode Sponsors:</strong><br><br> <strong>Huber</strong> — <a href="https://www.huberwood.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.huberwood.com/</a> | <strong>Pella</strong> — <a href="https://www.pella.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.pella.com/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 16px;"> Watch full episodes of Matt on: </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Facebook<br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Instagram<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> Build Show Network<br> <a href="https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger</a> </p> <p style="margin-top: 24px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Don’t miss a single episode of Build Show content.</strong><br> Sign up for our newsletter.
The Tools Behind High-Performance Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 213
Episode 213
Matt Risinger talks with Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser of Tru Tech Tools about how testing, diagnostics, and data-driven tools are transforming modern building performance, from airtightness and airflow to HVAC optimization and construction standards, with support from episode sponsor Pella.
How Builders Use Blower Door Testing to Improve Airtightness | Build Show Podcast Ep 211
Episode 211
Matt Risinger and Building Scientist Sam Myers discuss blower door testing for measuring and improving air tightness in residential construction, emphasizing the value of ownership and operation by builders.
The Truth About Tough Clients and How to Spot Them Early | Build Show Podcast Ep 210
Episode 210
Matt Risinger shares how managing client relationships is key to success in custom home building, highlighting the importance of clear communication, setting expectations early, and recognizing red flags to avoid costly conflicts.
The Origin Series with Bernie Calcote | Build Show Podcast Ep 209
Episode 209
Matt Risinger interviews Bernie Calcote of Melde Construction about his unconventional journey from musician to CEO, the power of company culture, and building high-end custom homes in Austin’s collaborative construction community.
