What do current standards require around fenestration to reduce infiltration?

Current standards emphasize the importance of flashing and air sealing around fenestration to effectively reduce infiltration. Flashing is designed to direct water away from the building envelope, preventing moisture intrusion that can lead to structural damage and mold growth. Properly installed flashing at joints, such as where windows and doors meet walls, ensures that water does not penetrate these vulnerable points.

Air sealing complements the function of flashing by minimizing unintended airflow through gaps and cracks. This is crucial in maintaining energy efficiency within a building, as it helps to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. Air sealing measures might include the application of caulk, foam, or other materials around the fenestration to ensure a tight seal.

In contrast, the other options do not focus on the specific requirements related to reducing infiltration at fenestration. Grading and sealing, insulation and caulking, and ventilation and screening have their merits in other contexts but do not address the direct need for properly managing water and air movement around windows and doors as effectively as flashing and air sealing do.