EP244 Envelope, HVAC, and Humans: Solving the IAQ Puzzle with Brantley May (October 2025)

Quotes by Brantley:

"Most moisture problems are a three-way dance—envelope, mechanicals, and the occupants."

"Skim the light, don't blast it. The right flashlight technique makes the invisible visible."

"If you only understand one piece of the system, you're solving 1/3 of the problem."

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—from envelope leaks and interstitial space connections to mechanical design and operation issues. He explains the value of "flashlight technique" (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—manometers, blower doors, pressure pans, thermal imagers, moisture meters, anemometers/flow hoods, data loggers, and even a backup sling psychrometer—plus his new favorite screening instrument, the InstaScope, which provides real-time readings on particulates, mold/pollen, bacteria/virus, VOCs, and CO₂. 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, "red-pen" continuous air/thermal barrier checks, and long-term monitoring to verify theories—especially 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—envelope failure, mechanical failure, and occupant behavior—so 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)—maybe even submitting a short BryX talk next time.

Brantley's 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.