Building tight, durable homes doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require getting the details right, especially around wall penetrations. Even small gaps around ducts, hose bibs, wiring, and line sets can weaken an otherwise good air-barrier system if they’re not sealed properly.

In this live, studio demonstration, RDH Building Science specialist James Bourget will break down a full wall mock-up to show how air-barrier gaskets work—and why they’re often a more dependable option than tapes, sealants, or self-adhered membranes. Participants will see step-by-step installations for a range of common penetrations and how gaskets tie into typical membrane sequencing.

Drawing on real job-site challenges, this session will walk through practical strategies for planning penetrations, installing components, and standardizing details so air- and water-control layers remain continuous. You’ll see installation examples both before and after sheathing membranes go on to understand how gaskets can handle everyday construction variability and those inevitable late-stage penetrations, without compromising performance.

This session is ideal for builders, architects, and trades looking for simple, buildable ways to improve airtightness, reduce rework, and extend the life of the enclosure. The goal: give you a clear, visual understanding of how gasketed penetrations can help you deliver tighter, higher-performing homes with less hassle.

By the end of this course, trainees will be able to:

1. Discuss why wall penetration detailing is important for maintaining building enclosure air and water control layer continuity.
2. Identify common wall penetrations and the corresponding gasket‐based strategies demonstrated in the mock‐up, including hose bibs, conduits, low‐voltage wiring, and heat pump line sets.
3. Explain the effective sequencing of wall penetration detailing that enhances buildability and accommodates on‐site variability.
4. Describe how purpose‐built gasket systems improve airtightness, reduce reliance on ad‐hoc sealing methods, and support more reliable, durable enclosure performance.

PRESENTED BY: James Bourget | RDH Building Science

*This course was developed with the support of