Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The first episode of Build Science™ 401 frames the building envelope as one continuous, integrated system where air, water, vapor, and thermal layers must stay aligned—especially at foundations, penetrations, and transitions. Using a real-world ICF foundation, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek explain how built-in insulation, rebar, keyways, and monolithic pours work together, alongside smart water management strategies like bagged footings, insulated gravel under slabs, perimeter drains, and ICF-compatible waterproofing. They bust common below-grade myths, showing through blower door testing that the ground can effectively act as an air barrier and that overcomplicating under-slab air sealing often doesn’t improve performance. The discussion also clarifies vapor barriers versus vapor retarders, concrete drying behavior, and risk-based decision making. The core message: details vary, but physics doesn’t—durability and performance come from continuity, compatibility, and assemblies that do multiple jobs well.
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Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FXNg4X
Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:
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To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:
buildproductions.com
Want to learn more about building? thebuildshow.com
The Build Show on Instagram: instagram.com/thebuildshow
Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Huber, Pella & 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.
bldr.com
Huberwood.com
pella.com
Viewrail.com
The first episode of Build Science™ 401 frames the building envelope as one continuous, integrated system where air, water, vapor, and thermal layers must stay aligned—especially at foundations, penetrations, and transitions. Using a real-world ICF foundation, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek explain how built-in insulation, rebar, keyways, and monolithic pours work together, alongside smart water management strategies like bagged footings, insulated gravel under slabs, perimeter drains, and ICF-compatible waterproofing. They bust common below-grade myths, showing through blower door testing that the ground can effectively act as an air barrier and that overcomplicating under-slab air sealing often doesn’t improve performance. The discussion also clarifies vapor barriers versus vapor retarders, concrete drying behavior, and risk-based decision making. The core message: details vary, but physics doesn’t—durability and performance come from continuity, compatibility, and assemblies that do multiple jobs well.
Get your BUILD SHOW Gear Here -
build-gearstore.com
Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FXNg4X
Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:
buildshownetwork.com/newsletter
To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:
buildproductions.com
Want to learn more about building? thebuildshow.com
The Build Show on Instagram: instagram.com/thebuildshow
Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Huber, Pella & 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.
bldr.com
Huberwood.com
pella.com
Viewrail.com
