A Tight Building Envelope Is Essential to Prevent Water Damage

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

The most important role of the building envelope is control of the flow of air, water, and humidity

The first line of defense in preventing rain damage is a functioning building envelope. Also called a building enclosure, it consists of all the components of the outer shell of a building and is designed to be a physical barrier against the elements. Typically, this includes the

• Roof
  
• Walls
  
• Windows
  
• Outer doors
  
• Foundation
  
  

The Envelope Has 3 Basic Functions

Not only does the enclosure prevent moisture from entering, but it is also an integral part of the support structure, especially for commercial properties. These buildings tend to have more of a skeleton frame, so the outer walls are often even more important to structural integrity than for residences.
It’s also the part of the building everyone sees, so aesthetics plays a key role. With today’s focus on energy savings, a pleasing exterior must also include a finish that is energy efficient.
However, the most important role of the building envelope is control of the flow of air, water, and humidity. In order of importance, the enclosure should focus on

Presenting a barrier against rain damage
Preventing unwanted airflow but still providing some ventilation
Improving heating and cooling efficiency

A Damaged Building Enclosure Is a Direct Path to Water Damage

Cracks in the foundation, shifting walls, and roof damage can all allow moisture intrusion. While energy efficiency is important, nothing overrides how much damage a tiny amount of moisture can do.
Surprisingly, the leading cause of rain damage from a bad envelope in Swannanoa, NC, is installation errors or bad materials. Therefore, it’s critical that you choose a reputable contractor when having a commercial building erected.
Over time, all building envelopes will develop small openings that allow water damage. This can cause black mold to grow, further damaging building materials. Once you suspect the enclosure has allowed moisture intrusion, you need a professional flood cleanup company to inspect for leaks and hidden damage. They can tarp and board the building to prevent further damage, locate and fix the leaks and then restore your building to its ideal condition.