After Drywall

  • Seal electrical switch, outlet, and circuit breaker boxes to drywall with caulk or foam.
  • Seal light fixture boxes, medicine cabinets, and bath and kitchen ventilation fans to drywall with caulk or foam.
  • Seal all duct boots to floor or drywall with caulk, foam, or mastic.
  • Seal any plumbing or electrical wire penetration through drywall with caulk or foam.
  • Seal gaps at whole house fan with spray foam or housewrap tape (ensure louvers function properly).
  • For attic hatches and kneewall access doors, weatherstrip and include a tight latch. Add rigid insulation.
  • For attic pull-down stairs, make stairs airtight using latch bolts and weatherstripping. Add an insulated cover.
  • Seal between a masonry chimney and the attic framing using sheet metal or other noncombustible sheet goods and high-temperature (450°F), fire-rated caulk.
  • Seal around the metal flue of combustion equipment using a UL-approved metal collar and high-temperature (450°F), fire-rated caulk.
  • Use only UL-approved airtight, IC-rated recessed light fixtures (that meet ASTM E283 requirements); seal between fixture and drywall with caulk.