To meet the new requirements, builders must prioritize airtight construction. Achieving airtight structures can be a difficult task since the typical residence has nearly one mile of exterior joints1 that can leak air.
The air sealing sections of the 2012 and 2015 IECC call out more than 16 locations or components that must be air sealed. The Version 3 and 3.1 Thermal Enclosure System Checklist of the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program has a similarly extensive list.
It’s important to point out that most of the air sealing locations in these lists are not within wall cavities. A commonly held belief is that cavities and insulation are the biggest culprits for air leaks. In fact, studies show that this is not where or even how most air leakage occurs.
Air sealing potential leakage points can reduce air leakage from structures and help builders achieve the new airtightness requirements. But with so much area to cover, air sealing also can become an overwhelming task. However, builders that gain a better understanding of how air moves through structures can develop an effective strategy to target air sealing priorities.
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