Attic Sealing and Top Plate Sealing
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Air Sealing Drywall to Top Plate
Air seal drywall to top plates at all attic/wall interfaces to minimize air leakage.
Install drywall then seal the seam from the attic side with caulk, foam, or drywall adhesive (but not other construction adhesives).
OR
Before installing drywall, install caulk or other sealant or a foam gasket to the face of the top plate then install the drywall. If this method is used, make sure the sealant or gasket remains intact during the drywall installation.
What is a top plate?
Top plates are very leaky.
Top plates are where a variety of building materials come together.
Top plates are a focal point in almost every energy audit and air sealing job we perform. Imagine your home. Think about the rooms right below the attic. The room most likely has drywall walls and ceiling that meet flush together. Everything looks completely sealed off and connected.
Now think about the walls of the home. There is wood framing behind the drywall. The drywall is attached to the framing of the walls and the joists of the attic for the ceiling. Take a look at this connection from above when looking down at it from the attic space. Clearly there is a gap between the wood and the drywall!!
Now for a look at what the gap does for air leakage. Tremendous amounts of cold air pouring through them!
