Infiltration
NY State code requires that new homes be built and tested to a maximum air leakage rate of 3 air changes per hour at 50 pascals of pressure.
If you are planning on using tradition batt insulation, there are a handful of critical air-seal details that must be followed to ensure a continuous air barrier.
- All penetrations through the building envelope must be sealed. This includes flues, dryer vents, range hood ducts, wiring, plumbing, and electrical boxes. Fire-rated caulk, foam, or approved sealants are commonly used.
- The most critical air seal is where the top wall plate meets drywall at attic ceilings. Gaps here allow attic air to enter wall cavities and leak into living spaces through outlets, trim, and baseboards.
- Additional sealing at door sweeps, attic access panels, pull-down stairs, and similar openings helps prevent drafts, heat loss, and moisture issues while maintaining a continuous air barrier.
Sill Seal can also be used at the top plates that connect to the attic. It will keep cold air from leaking in behind the drywall and out from under the base moldings. 
ZIPsystem – Sheating has waterproof coating, seams are sealed with permanent adhesive tape. 
Gasket Foam is installed along all top wall plates that meet the attic. This keeps cold attic air from leaking in behind the drywall and out from under the base moldings. 
Airsealing Wall Cavities with Caulking.
Below is a useful downloadable whitepaper of further air sealing potential issues and guidance