Seaverson is manager of restoration at Kalamazoo, MI-headquartered StructureTec ( a total building envelope consulting firm. By implementing a periodic maintenance program, the service life of the building envelope can be increased and the cost of future restoration/replacement projects can be decreased.īuilding Systems Requiring Ongoing MaintenanceĮric J. With construction costs increasing annually and the amount and extent of deterioration multiplying, the cost of a comprehensive building envelope restoration project significantly increases. For existing buildings, as maintenance is deferred, water infiltration into the wall system can go unnoticed for long periods of time, with building components continuing to deteriorate. For new buildings, unreliable building envelopes can allow water leakage from the beginning, requiring significant effort to correct deficient components. Though it can be an expensive process to construct and/or maintain a comprehensive and reliable building envelope, the consequences of not having one are even higher. The functional performance of the building envelope is dependent on the correct specification of the individual components that make up the cladding system, the manufacturing quality of these components and the standard of installation.
Regardless of the type of system, flashing must be reliably integrated to prevent or capture and manage leakage.
#Components of the building envelope skin
In single-stage systems, any water leakage (or condensation) behind the exterior skin typically becomes trapped and prematurely deteriorates the system. Examples of single-stage systems are roof membranes and insulated metal panels. If weep holes (openings in the masonry to allow water to drain) are covered with sealant, water can back up in the cavity behind the brick, potentially causing more problems.Ī single-stage system relies on the exterior “skin” to prevent leakage without a secondary system to manage water leakage. The brick veneer is the primary barrier, but because water readily migrates through masonry, a secondary waterproofing membrane and flashing system are provided to capture and divert water back to the exterior. An example of a dual-stage system is a brick masonry veneer wall.
A dual-stage system includes a primary barrier with a secondary waterproofing system. There are two types of building envelope systems: dual stage and single stage. The building envelope must be properly designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent water and air infiltration through the envelope, and prevent moisture condensation within the envelope system(s). However, it is often the most neglected portion of a building. The envelope is a complicated and integral entity of a building. When looking at these components from a weatherproofing perspective, it is important that each component be taken into consideration to prevent moisture or air from migrating into the building. If you would like to learn more, call GCI Consultants, LLC at 56.The building envelope consists of all exterior components of a building - roof, walls, below-grade waterproofing, windows, skylights, and so on. We can identify problem areas in both building types and offer solutions to strengthen the building envelopes. If you are developing a new home, or if you have an existing residence that you would like to make more energy efficient, GCI Consultants offers services for both new construction and existing buildings. In order to keep your home or commercial property energy-efficient, saving you money on utility costs, and safe from excess moisture that can lead to dangerous mold, you may need a building inspection.
On top of the threat of heat loss and drafts, buildings without properly sealed envelopes are at risk for excess moisture. Our goal is to uncover hidden problems before they can cause expensive damage. We evaluate how the building’s physical components function together. CTL conducts field inspections, evaluations, surveys, testing, and laboratory analysis, as needed. To keep your home or office insulated from outdoor elements, the building envelope must be properly sealed to form an airtight environment. UNCOVER CRITICAL BUILDING ENVELOPE PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY LEAD TO COSTLY DAMAGE AND REPAIRS. The foundation, roof, floor and wall systems are all components of the building envelope, and they are the keys to an energy-efficient and comfortable building.
When looking at these components, it is important that each is taken into consideration to prevent moisture or air from migrating into the building. The panel component may not exist in envelope assemblies with solid structural elements like masonry or concrete walls. In older homes and buildings, you may feel drafts, which are a result of poorly insulated building envelopes. Description: The building envelope consists of all exterior components of a building roof, walls, below-grade waterproofing, windows, skylights, and so on. The building envelope is the area between the interior and exterior components.