Zones 3, 4, & 5

A monolithic layer of protection for holes in walls

A tight air barrier is the best way to build an energy-efficient house. Outside the sheathing are many chances to make it better.

Water and air leaks in a building shell are difficult enough to detail on simple buildings. Complex structures can cause headaches for builders, remodelers, and architects who don't pick up their pens and trace at the design stage.

It's easy to air seal the middle of the wall where there are no gaps, cracks, or joints. The edges are a different story, especially when one edge is wood and the other is concrete.

Rain is the biggest water threat that houses face, but there are some slow and steady mechanisms that can snowball on you, too

Regular walls just won't cut it anymore. Higher-achieving energy codes mean higher-performance walls, airtightness targets, and home energy rating system (HERS) scores. Here are six improvement targets to shoot for.