Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this episode of the Build Show Matt Risinger puts housewrap performance to the test to see if wet framing lumber can actually dry through modern weather barriers. Drawing on hard lessons from rainy Pacific Northwest builds and past mold issues, Matt explains why permeability matters and why builders should always verify moisture levels before closing in walls. Using a moisture meter, he compares dry lumber, soaked 2x4 samples, and boards wrapped in different materials—including a low-perm wrap, a high-perm peel-and-stick, a fluid-applied membrane, and even a sealed Ziploc bag. After nearly two weeks outdoors, the results reveal which wraps truly allow drying and help prevent hidden moisture problems.
0:00 - Can Wet Framing Dry Through WRBs?
0:46 - Why Old Vapor Barriers Failed (The Mold Problem)
1:40 - Understanding Wood Moisture Content
2:20 - Establishing the Baseline: Kiln-Dried vs. Wet
2:53 - The Soak Test: Creating "Wet Framing"
3:51 - The Contenders: FastFlash vs. Housewrap vs. Blueskin VP100
4:30 - The Control: The "Ziploc Bag" Simulation
6:05 - 13 Days Later: The Drying Results
6:55 - The Ziploc Result: Visible Condensation & Mold Risk
8:58 - Test 1: Standard Housewrap Performance
9:20 - Test 2: Blueskin VP100 Performance
9:56 - Test 3: Prosoco FastFlash Performance
10:24 - Conclusion: Choosing the Right Perm Rating
Don't forget to watch Matt's recommended video:
Vapor Barriers: Need one or not? See the link below: youtube.com/watch?v=q8fOMBlfh3A
0:00 Intro
1:40 PERM Test
Watch full episodes of Matt Risinger on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
facebook.com/buildshownetwork
instagram.com/risingerbuild
buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
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 Arclin, Huber, & Pella 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.
arclin.com
huberwood.com
pella.com
In this episode of the Build Show Matt Risinger puts housewrap performance to the test to see if wet framing lumber can actually dry through modern weather barriers. Drawing on hard lessons from rainy Pacific Northwest builds and past mold issues, Matt explains why permeability matters and why builders should always verify moisture levels before closing in walls. Using a moisture meter, he compares dry lumber, soaked 2x4 samples, and boards wrapped in different materials—including a low-perm wrap, a high-perm peel-and-stick, a fluid-applied membrane, and even a sealed Ziploc bag. After nearly two weeks outdoors, the results reveal which wraps truly allow drying and help prevent hidden moisture problems.
0:00 - Can Wet Framing Dry Through WRBs?
0:46 - Why Old Vapor Barriers Failed (The Mold Problem)
1:40 - Understanding Wood Moisture Content
2:20 - Establishing the Baseline: Kiln-Dried vs. Wet
2:53 - The Soak Test: Creating "Wet Framing"
3:51 - The Contenders: FastFlash vs. Housewrap vs. Blueskin VP100
4:30 - The Control: The "Ziploc Bag" Simulation
6:05 - 13 Days Later: The Drying Results
6:55 - The Ziploc Result: Visible Condensation & Mold Risk
8:58 - Test 1: Standard Housewrap Performance
9:20 - Test 2: Blueskin VP100 Performance
9:56 - Test 3: Prosoco FastFlash Performance
10:24 - Conclusion: Choosing the Right Perm Rating
Don't forget to watch Matt's recommended video:
Vapor Barriers: Need one or not? See the link below: youtube.com/watch?v=q8fOMBlfh3A
0:00 Intro
1:40 PERM Test
Watch full episodes of Matt Risinger on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
facebook.com/buildshownetwork
instagram.com/risingerbuild
buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
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 Arclin, Huber, & Pella 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.
arclin.com
huberwood.com
pella.com
