COMcheck 101 Training: Envelope General Requirements

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Air Leakage

• Manufactured window and door assemblies (in the building envelope) have the following maximum allowable infiltration rates (most windows and doors are labeled and meet this certification). If in doubt (or if there is no label), ask the manufacturer for product literature.

Windows (cfm per square foot of window area)	Sliding Doors (cfm per square foot of door area)	Swinging Doors (cfm per square foot of door area)
0.3	0.3	0.5

Exception: Site-constructed windows and doors (need to be sealed properly)

• Caulking and sealants

Joints, penetrations, and all other such openings in the building envelope must be sealed, caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped or covered with moisture vapor-permeable wrapping material.

Why is proper sealing important?

Sealing the building properly reduces air movement into and out of the building. Uncontrolled air movement negatively impacts the heating and cooling systems, resulting in higher initial and on-going maintenance costs.

Additional Resources

AEDG Implementation Recommendations: Moisture and Air Infiltration

Building Envelope Air Leakage Failure in Small Commercial Buildings Related to the Use of Suspended Ceiling Tiles

Areas for Air Leakage

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