Regarding air sealing of sheetrock.
Terrance Kaase| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon
I notice the heavy emphasis on sealing and caulking sheet rock at all joints. I always thought that once the sheet rock is taped and mudded that it would be airtight. What am I missing in my understanding of this newer technique? I live in Minnesota and it is common here to use a poly vapor barrier instead of this caulking method. What should we be doing here in our arctic like climate?
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
Terrance,
Q. "What should we be doing here in our Arctic-like climate?"
A. Every house needs an air barrier, but the air barrier doesn't have to be at the drywall layer. For more information on air barriers, seeQuestions and Answers About Air Barriers.
Your primary air barrier can be at the sheathing layer, or can be established used spray foam, or can be at the drywall layer. It's also possible to have two air barriers. In all cases, you have to pay attention to seams, transitions, and penetrations.
If you choose to follow the Airtight Drywall Approach, you don't have to use adhesive on all framing members. You just have to install caulk or acoustical sealant to seal areas that can leak -- generally at window openings, door openings, and top and bottom plates. For more details, including an illustration showing where caulk is necessary for those following the Airtight Drywall Approach, seeAirtight Drywall.