What key factor influences the effectiveness of air sealing?

The effectiveness of air sealing is significantly influenced by the location of air leaks within a building. Air leaks can occur around windows, doors, walls, and various penetrations in the building envelope. Identifying and targeting these specific leaks is crucial because they can vary widely in their impact on a building’s energy efficiency and comfort levels.

By focusing on the areas where leaks are present, effective sealing materials can be applied to prevent uncontrolled air movement, which leads to energy loss and drafts. Properly sealing evident and hidden leak sites—like electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and framing joints—provides a substantial enhancement in reducing air infiltration.

While factors such as environmental conditions and the time of year may impact the sealing process in terms of application effectiveness or drying time, they do not directly correlate with the intrinsic effectiveness of the air sealing itself. Similarly, the color of the sealant, while potentially relevant for visual purposes or product specifications, does not influence how well the sealing material performs its function in stopping air leaks. Therefore, focusing on the precise locations of air leaks is the fundamental aspect of maximizing the benefits of air sealing in multifamily buildings.