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Build Podcast | Episode 167: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality in New Construction
Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas. Sean emphasizes the importance of moving ductwork into conditioned spaces, using AeroBarrier and AeroSeal technology, and installing dedicated dehumidifiers to control humidity. He reveals that 90% of the 140 homes he inspected in 2024 had mold in the ductwork, even in new homes, due to poor moisture control. Sean recommends dedicated return and supply duct configurations for dehumidifiers and suggests a separate attic dehumidifier for homes with spray foam insulation. They also cover air quality monitoring, humidity control strategies, and redundancy for long-term performance.
Thank you to episode sponsor Allura. Learn more at https://allurausa.com/.
Resources:
- “Ping Pong Water” by Dr. Joe Lstiburek (Building Science Corporation)
- Florida Solar Energy Center Study on Dehumidifier Installation Methods
- Positive Energy (HVAC Design & Building Science Consulting)
Find Sean Harris on the Web:
- Website: https://iaqtexas.com/
- Instagram: @aerosealofaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAQTexas/
Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:
- Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
- Instagram: @risingerbuild and @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 Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!
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