Properly sealing of the building envelope is one of the most critical steps in constructing an energy-efficient home. Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the total energy used in the average home, in which air leakage can contribute significantly to energy waste. Eliminating gaps in the building envelope reduces air leakage from areas such as wall joints.
Why Is An Air Barrier Important For Energy Efficiency?
Increased Comfort: A tighter building envelope reduces the amount of unconditioned air, drafts and moisture that can enter the home.
Lower Utility Bills: Air leakage accounts for 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling, hampering the performance of other building systems such as insulation and HVAC. All building systems must perform well together to optimize the energy efficiency of a home.
Improved Air Quality: A tighter building envelope reduces the infiltration of outdoor air containing pollutants, allergens, dust and moisture.
Building Code/Policy Requirements: The energy provisions of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) include detailed prescriptive air sealing measures. The revised provisions include the requirement of an air barrier to prevent air leakage through the building envelope (IECC Section 202). The builder can demonstrate compliance through testing of the home via blower door test, or through a certified third party inspection.
Learn more about air barrier performance
ZIP System Sheathing Increased Energy Efficiency
- Passes the stringent testing standards required to be classified as an air barrier assembly (ASTM E 2357).
- Provides a continuous air barrier through simple installation.
- Seals panel joints and gaps, eliminating drafts and protecting the effective R-value of insulation.
- Eliminates rips, tears and fastener penetrations, which degrade performance of traditional housewrap systems.
Annual Estimated Savings* In Heating & Cooling Dollars
| Location |
Annual Savings |
| Duluth, MN |
7-20% |
| Syracuse, NY |
7-20% |
| Springfield, MO |
7-21% |
| Atlanta, GA |
8-23% |
*Ranges based on the assumption that walls can account for between
18 and 50 percent of total leakage of the building.
Common Problems With Housewrap Installation
- Tears, holes and gaps are common in housewrap installations. Past research has indicated that 70 percent of builders fasten housewrap with staples, introducing holes in the housewrap allowing air to move through the barrier.
- Less than 10 percent of builders tape or seal overlapping sheets of housewrap, introducing gaps that allow air to move between panels and degrading effective R-value of insulation.
- Top and bottom edges of housewrap are often neglected, allowing air to move freely behind the wrap system until it finds these gaps to move in or out.
*Results from a 3rd party air barrier leakage testing report. Test was performed according to ASTM E283.
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