Latest Articles
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Building Envelope Basics: Why Drainage Planes Matter Behind Exterior Cladding
Modern exterior cladding is designed to protect buildings from the elements, but no cladding system is completely waterproof. Wind-driven rain, changing weather conditions, and normal building movement can allow small amounts of water to penetrate behind siding, brick, stone, or other façade materials. This reality is why today’s building envelope…
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Building Envelope Basics: Air Barriers vs. Weather-Resistive Barriers
As building codes continue to evolve and structures become more energy efficient, understanding the role of each building envelope component has never been more important. Two of the most commonly discussed systems are air barriers and weather-resistive barriers (WRBs). Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes within a wall…
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Building Envelope Basics: Understanding the Four Control Layers
Modern buildings are designed to do much more than provide shelter. They are expected to improve energy efficiency, manage moisture, enhance occupant comfort, and withstand years of environmental exposure. Achieving these goals requires more than selecting quality building materials—it requires designing a building envelope that functions as a complete system.…