{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP244 Envelope, HVAC, and Humans: Solving the IAQ Puzzle with Brantley May (October 2025)","description":"Quotes by Brantley: \u201cMost moisture problems are a three-way dance\u2014envelope, mechanicals, and the occupants.\u201d   \u201cSkim the light, don\u2019t blast it. The right flashlight technique makes the invisible visible.\u201d   \u201cIf you only understand one piece of the system, you\u2019re solving 1\/3 of the problem.\u201d   Indoor environmental specialist Brantley May joins the show to unpack how he investigates moisture, mold, and air-quality problems through building forensics. Starting as a mold remediator in his family business, Brantley shifted to assessment work and now runs national investigations that pinpoint root causes\u2014from envelope leaks and interstitial space connections to mechanical design and operation issues. He explains the value of \u201cflashlight technique\u201d (skimming light across surfaces to reveal early hyaline mold) and why good eyes, a light, and critical thinking are still the most important tools in the bag.   Brantley walks through his toolkit\u2014manometers, blower doors, pressure pans, thermal imagers, moisture meters, anemometers\/flow hoods, data loggers, and even a backup sling psychrometer\u2014plus his new favorite screening instrument, the InstaScope, which provides real-time readings on particulates, mold\/pollen, bacteria\/virus, VOCs, and CO\u2082. Investigations culminate in a report and protocols for the envelope, mechanicals, and remediation, often requiring tight coordination across multiple trades. He stresses pre-drywall inspections, \u201cred-pen\u201d continuous air\/thermal barrier checks, and long-term monitoring to verify theories\u2014especially on complex modern designs where vented attics and interstitial spaces end up unintentionally connected.   A major theme: cross-disciplinary literacy. Most condensation\/humidity problems stem from three interacting factors\u2014envelope failure, mechanical failure, and occupant behavior\u2014so HVAC pros must understand building science, and envelope pros must understand HVAC. Brantley shares how training (BPI, IICRC), mentorship, microscopy work (McCrone\/Ochsner), and relentless curiosity shaped his practice. Watch for him at industry events (HVACR School Symposium, Build Show)\u2014maybe even submitting a short BryX talk next time.   Brantley\u2019s LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brantley-may-b3988283\/   His company: EnviroHealth.co   His Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/brantley.iaq\/   McRone Institute: https:\/\/mccroneinstitute.org\/   Instascope: https:\/\/www.instascopeair.com\/   Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification: https:\/\/iicrc.org\/   Building Performance Institute: https:\/\/www.bpi.org\/   Building Science Summer Camp:  https:\/\/buildingscience.com\/events\/twenty-fifth-annual-westford-symposium-building-science   National Home Performance Conference: https:\/\/building-performance.org\/events\/national\/     This episode was recorded in October 2025.   ","author_name":"Building HVAC Science","author_url":"https:\/\/www.buildinghvacscience.com","html":"