Research & Programs

Air Sealing Guides for Multifamily Masonry, Steel & Wood Construction

The Air Sealing Guides from SWA provide practical, field‑ready details to help project teams improve building performance, durability, comfort, and code compliance across three common construction types: wood‑framed, steel‑framed, and masonry multifamily buildings.

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About the Guides

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These guides illustrate typical conditions found in multifamily construction and outline step‑by‑step air‑sealing strategies with installation notes, sequencing, and trade responsibilities. Though each guide is construction‑type specific, all emphasize the same core goal: creating continuous, well‑executed air barriers that minimize leakage between units, between units and common areas, and between units and outdoors.

These resources are ideal for architects, contractors, energy consultants, field supervisors, and QA teams looking for proven, code‑aligned air‑sealing practices to achieve:

Superior energy efficiency
Improved indoor air quality and comfort
Reduced noise transfer and odors between units
Long-term durability and fewer moisture issues

Best Practices

Across wood, steel, and masonry buildings, there are fundamental air‑sealing best practices:

Seal small gaps with caulk; larger gaps with foam.
Use low‑expanding foam at windows and doors.
Select temperature‑appropriate sealants (e.g., high‑temp for flues and pipes).
Clean surfaces before sealing to ensure proper adhesion.
Prioritize high‑leakage areas such as penetrations, transitions, chases, and soffits.
Assign clear trade responsibilities to ensure complete, verifiable installation.
Integrate air sealing with drywall, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and envelope workflows.