DRAPER, Utah (February 17, 2026) — HydroBlok, a pioneer in lightweight, waterproof construction systems designed to simplify installation while improving performance and durability, is introducing an “Outside-In Wellness” concept for construction specification that starts at the exterior envelope, where moisture management and thermal consistency can support long-term indoor comfort.
HydroBlok’s exterior wall system features HB One Backer CI, a 4-in-1 exterior wall system designed for stucco and stone veneer assemblies that simplifies the wall assembly by combining the secondary water-resistive barrier, insulation, lath and scratch coat into a single high-performance board.
In the past, indoor air quality (IAQ) promises were addressed in built environments with interior finishes, filtration and material selections. Now, wellness benefits for homeowners can be influenced significantly earlier during the construction process.
Moisture-related conditions are common in housing. A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory review of published studies estimates about one in five homes experience water damage or dampness, and about 50% of homes show dampness or mold. A technical paper in Oak Ridge National Laboratory/ASTM conference proceedings reports that 90% of wall failures are due to water intrusion.
“Long-term comfort must be protected at the wall assembly to mitigate moisture as a priority at the jobsite,” said Colin House, CEO of HydroBlok. “Builders and developers can now realize moisture control, thermal consistency and indoor air quality while designing the exterior envelope. Healthier buildings will be designed from the outside in — not layered on — at the end.”
Jeff Knighton, owner and principal architect at Knighton Architecture, noted specifying exterior assemblies with fewer failure points can help protect long-term comfort and reduce risk over the life of the building.
“As an architect, I depend on solutions that bring peace of mind. With advanced moisture management, superior energy efficiency, and industry-leading reliability, my buildings are specified with products that offer long-term comfort and security,” Knighton said. “The HB One Backer CI system by HydroBlok provides consistent thermal performance and a simplified exterior approach,” he added.
Brad Robinson, owner and CEO of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling, said wellness-focused homebuilding depends on decisions made behind the walls — starting with the envelope.
“Wellness is not a feature you add at the end. It is a framework that has to be built in from day one, starting with the envelope,” Robinson said. “When the exterior assembly manages moisture and performs consistently, you protect comfort, durability, and the quality of the indoor environment long before finishes or filtration come into play.”
Wellness-driven expectations continue to reshape development and design decisions. The Global Wellness Institute estimates wellness real estate reached $548.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about $1.1 trillion by 2029, reflecting a broader shift in how health, comfort and risk are being priced into buildings.
A state-of-the-science review published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2024 found positive associations between residential dampness or mold exposure and poorer mental health outcomes, while noting limitations in the current evidence base.
HydroBlok said these findings reinforce the value of preventing damp conditions through better moisture management and fewer failure points in the building envelope.
HydroBlok panels are evaluated under ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-5559, which outlines conditions of use and code compliance for the product.
To learn more about HydroBlok, visit www.hydroblok.com.
About HydroBlok
Founded in 2009, HydroBlok is a pioneer in lightweight, waterproof construction systems designed to simplify installation while improving performance and durability. Through a focus on engineering-driven innovation and practical jobsite efficiency, HydroBlok is redefining how modern wall systems are designed, installed and trusted by builders and contractors nationwide. For more information, visit
