BUILDING ENVELOPE

ABE 162 – AB PLANT AND LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL ENGINEERING
BUILDING ENVELOPE

❖ The building envelope is the physical barrier between

the exterior and interior environments enclosing a
structure.
❖ Generally, the building envelope is comprised of a
series of components and systems that protect the
interior space from the effects of the environment like
precipitation, wind, temperature, humidity, and
ultraviolet radiation.
 Components of Building Envelope

❖ a. Walls
❖ b. Roofs
❖ c. Foundation/ Floors
❖ d. Windows and Doors
Figure 1: The components of the building envelope
 Walls

❖ Walls within the building envelope serve multiple functions, including providing
structural support, thermal insulation, moisture control, and air tightness.
❖ Depending on their design and placement, walls can be either load-bearing,
which support the structure above, or non-load-bearing, which primarily
function as partitions.
❖ In addition to structural roles, walls help maintain indoor temperature by
insulating against heat loss or gain and also serve as an air barrier to minimize
energy loss.
❖ Effective moisture control within walls is essential to prevent water intrusion,
which can lead to mold and structural damage.
❖ Walls contribute to soundproofing by minimizing noise transmission from the
outside, enhancing interior comfort.
 Roofs

❖ Acts as the topmost layer of the envelope, shielding the building from external
weather conditions like rain, wind, and sunlight, while also contributing to the
internal climate control.
❖ A well-constructed roof prevents water intrusion by channeling rain through
drainage systems, thus protecting the building from leaks and moisture damage.
❖ Roofs also play a significant role in thermal performance by providing insulation
that reduces heat transfer between the inside and outside. Materials such as rigid
foam, fiberglass, or reflective coatings can be used to enhance insulation. This
minimizes energy consumption for heating and cooling systems.
❖ Roofs are designed to ventilate the building to prevent excess heat or moisture
buildup, which can lead to structural problems or decreased air quality. Roof
vents, ridge vents, and attic fans are some of the elements that contribute to this
aspect of the roof as part of the envelope.
 Foundation/ Floors

❖ Itprovides structural support and stability while

contributing to insulation and moisture control.
❖ As the base of the structure, it anchors the building to
the ground, distributing loads and preventing settling or
shifting.
❖ The foundation also helps to prevent moisture from
entering the building by incorporating waterproofing
techniques, such as drainage systems and vapor
barriers, that protect against groundwater and soil
moisture.
 Windows and Doors

❖ Serving as both access points and connections

between the interior and exterior while balancing
energy efficiency, security, and comfort.
❖ Properly insulated window and doors frames and
seals help prevent air leaks, ensuring the building
remains comfortable and energy-efficient.
❖ Additionally, window and door positioning and
shading control solar gain, reducing the need for
artificial heating or cooling.
Functions of a Building Envelope
 Thermal Regulation

❖Helps in maintaining indoor temperature by

preventing heat loss or gain.
❖In cold weather, a well-insulated building
envelope helps trap heat generated inside,
reducing the need for heating systems. In
summer, it keeps excess heat out, minimizing
the need for air conditioning.
 Moisture Control

❖Moisture control is crucial for maintaining

healthy living environments and preventing
damage to buildings, which often involves
managing indoor humidity levels and proper
ventilation.
❖Effective moisture control can help prevent
mold growth, reduce allergens, and enhance
overall air quality.
 Airflow Management

❖ Ensures proper sealing to avoid drafts and energy loss.

❖ This reduces energy consumption by ensuring that heated or
cooled air remains inside the building.
❖ It also prevents moisture-laden air from entering, which can
lead to condensation, mold, and structural damage.
❖ Controlled ventilation systems, integrated into the building
envelope, allow for fresh air exchange without compromising
energy efficiency. This ensures a balance between
maintaining indoor air quality and minimizing energy losses,
contributing to both comfort and sustainability in the building.
 Structural Support

❖Adds to the physical strength of the building

(internal and external loads and forces).
❖A well-designed building envelope helps
protect the building's structural components
from weather-related damage, such as
moisture infiltration or temperature fluctuations,
which could weaken the structure over time.
Control Layer of Building Envelope
 Air Barrier

❖ The air barrier layer of a building envelope is

essential for controlling indoor air pressure and
preventing outside pollutants from entering the
indoor space.
❖ This layer creates an effective seal that keeps
heated indoor air inside during cold winters and
provides resistance to prevent outdoor wind-driven
moisture from permeating the walls in humid
climates.
 Thermal Barrier

❖A building envelope’s thermal barrier control

layer is essential to any construction project as
it helps maintain the temperature difference
between indoors and outdoors.
❖This is important for comfort reasons and to
protect your structure from mold growth,
condensation, and structural damage due to
extreme temperatures.
 Water Barrier

❖A building envelope’s water barrier control

layer is essential to any building envelope as it
prevents water from entering the walls and
other parts of the structure.
❖Water infiltration can lead to various problems,
including mold growth, rotting structures, and
increased energy costs due to insulation
requirements.
Principles of Building Envelope Design
 Energy Efficiency

❖Energy efficiency is a fundamental objective in

the design of any building envelope, as it aims
to minimize the energy required for heating,
cooling, and lighting. By optimizing how a
building interacts with its environment, the
envelope helps reduce overall energy
consumption and operational costs while
enhancing comfort and sustainability.
 Energy Efficiency

❖ Insulation materials - Effective insulation keeps heat inside during the

winter and outside during the summer, significantly reducing the
reliance on heating and cooling systems.
❖ Air barriers - They prevent unwanted air movement, such as drafts,
which can lead to significant energy loss. By sealing gaps and cracks in
the building envelope, air barriers ensure that conditioned air stays
inside, reducing the workload on HVAC systems and improving overall
energy efficiency.
❖ Windows and doors - Properly selected and installed windows and doors
can drastically reduce the amount of energy required for heating and
cooling by providing better insulation and controlling solar heat gain.
 Sustainability

❖Sustainability in building envelope design

aims to reduce the environmental impact
of buildings throughout their lifecycle. This
is achieved through the use of sustainable
materials and designs that minimize
energy consumption.
 Sustainability

❖Choosing materials with a low

environmental
❖Designs aiming for zero energy usage
❖Recycling and reusing materials
 Durability

❖Durability is essential for the building

envelope, as it needs to withstand
environmental stressors over time
without significant degradation.
Types of Building Envelope Materials
 Insulation Materials

❖Insulationis a critical component of the

building envelope, primarily responsible
for reducing heat transfer and
enhancing energy efficiency.
Insulation Materials

Fiberglass
Insulation Materials

Foam Insulation
Insulation Materials

Mineral Wool
Insulation Materials

Cellulose
 Moisture Barrier Materials

❖Moisture control is vital to prevent

water infiltration and damage to the
building’s structural components.
 Moisture Barrier
Materials

House Wraps
 Moisture Barrier
Materials

Liquid-Applied
Membranes
 Moisture Barrier
Materials

Self-Adhered
Membranes
 Exterior Cladding Materials

❖Exterior cladding provides the outermost

layer of the building envelope, offering
protection, aesthetic appeal, and
sometimes additional insulation.
Exterior Cladding
Materials

Brick
Exterior Cladding
Materials

Stucco
Exterior Cladding
Materials

Vinyl Siding
Exterior Cladding
Materials

Metal Panels
Exterior Cladding
Materials

Fiber Cement
 Roofing Materials

❖The roof is a critical component of the

building envelope, and the choice of
roofing material significantly affects the
building’s energy efficiency and longevity.
Roofing Materials

Asphalt Shingles
Roofing Materials

Metal Roofing
Roofing Materials

Clay and
Concrete Tiles
Roofing Materials

Green Roofs
 Window and Door Materials

Windows and doors are critical components of the

building envelope, impacting natural light, ventilation,
and energy efficiency. Common materials include:

❖ Wood
❖ Vinyl
❖ Aluminum
❖ Fiberglass
END OF LECTURE
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!