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Drywall is relatively cheap and a very common finish layer for most buildings. Contractors who work with drywall as a specialty are fast, efficient and usually focus their work exclusively on that product - the faster they get at installing, the more money they can make.

Important Considerations for Air Tight Drywall:

• Possible to provide an air barrier using standard materials and conventional building techniques.
• May withstand wind pressures.
• May survive construction abuse, have a long life, and be repaired over time.
• May block entry of air pollutants from wall cavity.
• Although recognized by National Building Code (NBC), not all code officials and trades are familiar with the Airtight Drywall Approach (ADA).

Be cautious in planning for Air Tight drywall - some consider gypsum board to be a 'sacrificial finish layer' - over its lifetime, it will see scratches, pin holes, dings and dents. It may crack with the settling, shrinking and expanding of wood frame components. This must be considered as an issue for keeping an air tight layer in tact for the long run.