Make the Most Out of Air Sealing

Air sealing is becoming more important as energy codes throughout the country change and requirements become more stringent. The 2012 IECC requires blower door testing and a visual inspection of all new homes to make sure that it meets the air leakage requirements. Currently, Maryland and Illinois are the only two states that have fully adopted IECC 2012, but in 2014 it will become effective in California, Massachusetts, and Washington as well.  North Carolina also has taken parts of the 2012 IECC code and implemented it into their own state energy code. Many other states are set to adopt the 2012 IECC requirements by 2015.

A recent article from Builder Magazine, provides some insight on what areas of a home should be sealed in order to get the biggest return on your air sealing investment. According to the article, Dave Wolf, a senior research and development project leader for Owens Corning Science and Technology has identified the 5 leaks in a house that will have the biggest effect on air infiltration.  

Wolf's research determined that sealing these 5 areas will have the biggest impact: 

1. Recessed lights
2. Duct boots
3. Top plate to drywall at attic
4. Garage wall
5. Band joists

A blower door test and visual inspection will determine if in fact these areas are properly sealed, and if they aren't the builder can correct the issue(s) to comply with 2012 IECC requirements or simply to make the home more comfortable and efficient for the occupant.