What the envelope includes
Walls, roof, floor, windows, doors and the joints between them all matter. Insulation slows heat flow, an air barrier stops leaks and a vapour control layer limits moisture movement. All three must work together.
Mistakes can cause condensation and mould.
In Alberta, wide swings in temperature test every joint and seal in a building.
Ask a qualified person to review any suspected moisture problem before you close up walls.
Air leakage
Gaps around doors, windows, penetrations and the junction of wall and roof let in cold air. Drafts make people uncomfortable and force heating systems to work harder.
Simple sealing of gaps often has a good return.
Common leak points include electrical boxes in exterior walls, plumbing and duct penetrations, and the top of partition walls.
Doors and windows
Poorly fitting doors and old glazing are common weak points. Our doors and hardware team can adjust, replace or add weatherstripping and closers, and improve entrances with vestibules.
Entrance design matters in winter for retail and clinics.
Thermal breaks and quality frames reduce cold surfaces and condensation at windows.
Planning a renovation
When walls are open, it is the best time to add insulation or seal the air barrier. Coordinate with mechanical work, since tighter buildings need correct ventilation.
Always check what the landlord owns. In leased buildings, the envelope may be their responsibility.
Document what is behind finished walls with photos before closing them. Future work, including repairs, will be easier.
Verify the work
Inspect before covering, and consider testing air tightness on larger projects. Our site supervision checks details at each stage, since hidden gaps are costly to fix later.
Winter inspections with a thermal camera can reveal missing insulation or leaks quickly.
Questions we hear
Will tighter buildings need more ventilation?
They need controlled ventilation, since leakage no longer supplies fresh air by chance.