General construction: how buildings go together
Air sealing the building envelope
Air sealing stops uncontrolled air moving through the building shell. It saves energy, reduces drafts and helps control moisture. Here is where leaks happen and how they are found and fixed.
Air sealing stops uncontrolled air moving through the building shell. It saves energy, reduces drafts and helps control moisture. Here is where leaks happen and how they are found and fixed.
Why air leakage matters
Air carries heat, moisture and noise. A leaky shell wastes conditioning energy, lets humid air condense inside walls, and makes rooms uneven in temperature. Insulation without air sealing underperforms.
Where buildings leak
- Joints between wall and floor, wall and roof, and wall and foundation.
- Window and door openings.
- Penetrations for pipes, wires and ducts.
- Recessed lights, attic hatches and chimney surrounds.
How sealing is done
A designated air barrier layer is chosen, such as a membrane, sheathing with taped joints, or sealed drywall, and continuity is detailed at every junction with tapes, gaskets and sealants. See air barrier materials and the sealant compatibility checklist.
Testing
A blower door test depressurizes the building and measures leakage; smoke or thermal imaging finds the leaks. Test before the finishes cover the fixes, when repairs are cheap.
Seal tight, ventilate right
A tight building needs planned ventilation. See ventilation and indoor air.
Quick answers
- Is air sealing the same as a vapor barrier? No. Air sealing stops air movement; a vapor control layer limits vapor diffusion. One product can sometimes do both, but they are different jobs.
- When is the best time to air seal? Before insulation and finishes cover the joints.
- Does a tight house cause bad air? Only without ventilation. A tight shell is combined with controlled ventilation.
Keep reading
- Air barrier materials buying guide
- Sealants compatibility checklist
- Insulation types and where they go
- Ventilation and indoor air basics
Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.
Questions people ask
Is air sealing the same as a vapor barrier?
No. Air sealing stops air movement; a vapor control layer limits vapor diffusion. One product can sometimes do both, but they are different jobs.
When is the best time to air seal?
Before insulation and finishes cover the joints.
Does a tight house cause bad air?
Only without ventilation. A tight shell is combined with controlled ventilation.
Sources and further reading
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