In this video, Matt Risinger delves into the three nonnegotiable principles of a wellbuilt home that ensure longevity, safety, and comfort. He starts by emphasizing water management, the cornerstone of durability, detailing the essential control layers behind your home’s exterior. From proper sheathing materials to best practices for sealing windows, doors, and penetrations, Matt outlines how to prevent water intrusion and avoid costly issues like mold and rot. Next, he tackles HVAC placement, explaining why all equipment and ductwork must remain within the conditioned envelope of the house. By avoiding mistakes like running ducts through unconditioned attics or placing furnaces in garages, you can maintain efficiency, improve air quality, and ensure a healthier living environment.

Finally, he highlights the importance of air sealing and blower door testing, advocating for tight construction to control airflow and moisture. Matt offers achievable airtightness goals for Southern and Northern builders, while debunking the myth that houses can be “too tight.”

Throughout the video, Matt provides actionable tips, material recommendations, and references to related educational content. Builders, remodelers, and homeowners alike will gain valuable insights to elevate their projects and meet modern standards for highperformance homes.

For more on building science and detailed tutorials, check out the Build Science 101 & 201 series on our website. Don’t forget to follow Matt on social media for ongoing construction tips and project updates!

Roll on Housewrap
   • Roll On Housewrap? Prosoco RGuard Sy...  

Crawlspaces: Good and Bad
   • Crawl Spaces : Good vs Bad  

Sign up For Build Show Live 2025 updates
https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/regi...

Special thanks to my buddy Sean Harris who provided several of the pictures of ductwork with problems in hot humid Austin attics

Get your BUILD SHOW Gear Here
https://buildgearstore.com/

Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: https://apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FXNg4X

Sign up for our twiceweekly newsletter:
https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter

To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:
https://www.buildproductions.com

Want to learn more about building? http://thebuildshow.com/
The Build Show on Instagram:   / thebuildshow  

Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polyguard, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

https://www.bldr.com/
https://polyguard.com/
http://www.Huberwood.com
https://www.Viewrail.com
https://www.Rockwool.com