Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies

Reinforced concrete walls, slabs, and footings that support the house and control moisture/heat transfer.

Using insulation to prevent thermal energy transfer through the foundation.

Protecting the foundation from water damage using asphaltic or other membranes and perimeter drains.

A drain around the foundation to prevent water accumulation, protecting the waterproofing.

A system of components that make up the exterior of a house from exterior cladding to interior sheathing.

A system of layers that protect the house from the elements, including shingles, vapor barrier, and insulation.

Glass panels in windows, doors, and skylights that allow light in.

A structure that opens and closes to provide access to a room.

The ability of a house to retain heat in winter and stay cool in summer, through well-sealed outer doors.

How well a building's exterior resists temperature changes, moisture, dust, and wind, ensuring durability.

An imaginary line created by two points, used to define how shapes and spaces can be balanced or asymmetrical.

Balanced arrangement of equal forms and spaces on either side of a central plane or axis.

Creating emphasis in a design by using variations of size, shape, and placement of design elements (shapes or spaces).

Unifying movement through patterned repetition or alteration of design elements.

A line, plane, or volume determining scale and organization in a design.

Strengthening or expanding on a design idea through a series of refined steps.

The entire exterior surface of a building, including walls, doors, and windows, that encloses the interior spaces.

To keep water out and allow for thermal control within the building.

The building envelope can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing while still fulfilling its primary functions.

Can lead to moisture infiltration, mold, wind damage, high energy costs, and maintenance problems.

Experts are crucial for designing a building envelope that considers site conditions, solar exposure, and other factors.

Design, construction, manufacturing, and testing of systems and materials are all important factors to consider.

Selecting and specifying compatible materials and component systems is important for a successful building envelope.

Proper installation techniques are essential for achieving a strong and effective building envelope.

The ability of a building to prevent unwanted air from entering or escaping, reducing energy loss and improving indoor air quality.

Measures taken to prevent excessive moisture from entering a building, protecting building materials and maintaining indoor comfort.

A material used in building construction that resists the passage of water vapor, preventing moisture from entering the building.

Windows and doors that are carefully sealed to the surrounding walls to prevent air leakage and moisture intrusion.

To act as a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, protecting building occupants and improving energy efficiency.

A set of guidelines that promote sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Methods and technologies that reduce energy consumption in buildings, leading to cost savings, lower emissions, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Materials used to seal around windows and doors, creating a barrier against humidity and moisture.

Pipes, wires, and ducts that penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings must be sealed to prevent air leakage.

A tightly sealed structure, using membranes, sheets, and fillers to block moisture and create a barrier against the elements.

A layer of material that prevents vapor from penetrating into the building.

A building envelope design where the structure is primarily open, with elements selectively added to control external forces.

A building envelope design where the structure is tightly sealed, with limited, controlled openings to the outside.

The movement of heat and air through the building envelope, influenced by material properties and design choices.

Climate, culture, and available materials influence the design of a building envelope.

A material that reduces heat flow through the building envelope, preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

A measure of a material's resistance to heat flow. Higher R-value means better insulation.

When heat flows easily through parts of a building envelope, like metal studs, reducing the overall insulation effectiveness.

Heat transfer through direct contact between molecules, like holding a hot mug.

Heat transfer by the movement of fluids like air or water. Imagine a hot air balloon rising.

Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, like feeling the sun's warmth.

The ability of a single building material to resist heat flow. Thicker materials have higher resistance.

The combined thermal resistance of all the materials in a building assembly, like a wall or roof.