In our first post we discussed the importance of getting it right the first time. The key to this is having proper detailing, which consists of having the proper components and materials installed in the proper way, paying particular attention to the transitions between the different components and materials.
Proper detailing requires an understanding of the different components and systems that make up a building envelope. These are divided up into four main functions which protect the structure and interior of a building (listed in order of importance):
1. Weather Barrier – This barrier consists of the cladding and, most importantly, the layers located behind the cladding. It also serves to shed any rain that gets behind the cladding system and prevent it from getting into the wall assembly or building interior (There is always a little bit that gets through during heavy rains).
One of the most important aspects of the weather barrier is to have proper lapping. This means that when you have one component above another, the upper is lapped over the lower. This ensures that water sheds outward instead of being directed behind the lower component.
2. Air Barrier – This barrier serves to prevent air flow through the wall or roof systems between the interior and exterior of a building. During Canada’s cold winters, airflow through wall and roof systems can be devastating. This is due to the warm, moist interior air that, while travelling to the exterior, can deposit moisture within walls, roofs and attics as it cools. This moisture can then result in seen or unseen moisture damage and organic growth. (photo of organic growth within wall from Hanson residence if you have one)
3. Vapour Barrier – The vapour barrier serves to prevent the flow of moisture vapour through materials. In cold weather this vapour can condense within assemblies resulting in moisture damage and organic growth.
4. Thermal Barrier – The thermal barrier serves to regulate the temperature between the inside and outside of your building. It is also the key to having a comfortable building and reducing heating and cooling costs. If gaps are present in the insulation due to poor installation, it is possible for condensation to form on interior surfaces of walls in the winter.
All of these barriers are important to ensure a well functioning building envelope that will properly separate the interior of a building from the exterior environment and control the flow of water, air, moisture vapour, and heat. It is very important that all of these layers are properly installed and detailed to be continuous. In essence if you are looking at a drawing of a section cut through your building showing your walls, roof, and foundation, you should be able to draw a seperate line for each of these barriers that is continuous around the entire building.
It takes patience and dedication to ensure detailing is done right to provide continuity of these systems.
At Taylor Construction, we love the work that we do. We hire people who also love what we do. We only work with sub trades and subcontractors who love the work that they do. In this way, everyone working on our projects is devoted to their craft and in taking the time and care to do it right. This, combined with a dedication to do everything right the first time, is how we ensure all of our work is installed and detailed properly. Our goal is to have completed projects that perform properly well beyond the end of the warranty period. We don’t just want you to be happy with our work as long as we are on the hook. We want you to be happy for the life of the products that we install.
If you would like to work with us to ensure that your next project is properly detailed click the button below to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
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