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What is a Building Envelope

What Is A Building Envelope?

Apr 12, 2024 | Latest

Content courtesy of BC Housing

The building envelope is the barrier between the inside and the outside of a building. It includes the walls, foundation, roof, windows, and doors.

Building Envelope

Understanding the Building Envelope

The building envelope is affected by many parts of a home, including heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical work. How these systems interact with the walls, roof, windows, and doors can change how well the building envelope performs. Even everyday activities inside the home can have an impact.

What Should the Building Envelope Do?

A good building envelope should keep out:

  • extreme heat and cold
  • moisture, whether liquid water or vapour
  • dust
  • wind

To stay durable, the building envelope must also let moisture escape. If water gets trapped inside the walls, the materials can start to rot. Early problems are usually easy and inexpensive to fix. If ignored, the damage grows and repair costs rise quickly

Maintenance and Inspections

Like a car, the building envelope needs regular checks and care. Don’t assume everything is fine just because no one has complained.
Some guides say the exterior of a new building doesn’t need much attention at first. But in B.C.’s coastal climate, many buildings have had early envelope failures. Because of this, it’s smart to start inspections in the first year of occupancy and continue them every year. These inspections should be done by a trained professional.

You can also learn more about the BC Building Envelope Renovation Regulation by clicking here.

Why Choose Westeck?

Westeck is more than a window and door manufacturer. The team focuses on service, guidance, and innovation. They help you choose the right products for your home and stay ahead of new trends and technologies. When you choose Westeck, you’re choosing quality, style, and peace of mind.

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. All major North American and European windows and doors are locally manufactured and proudly displayed in seven well-appointed showrooms including Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland and Bellingham in Washington State. Each window and door is built to order, our customer have the freedom to design and create a product that is unique and personal. Enjoy our latest line of energy efficient windows and doors designed to enhance modern and contemporary architecture.

If you’d like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

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