Polyurethane is a closed-cell or open-cell foam insulation material that contains a low-conductivity gas in its cells. 1.8-2 pound polyurethane foam has the highest R-value of readily available insulation used in homes and buildings. The higher the R-value of an insulation product, the more effective the insulation properties. R-value is the term given to thermal resistance to heat flow. The Florida summer can really test a building's envelope. Moisture control is essential in Florida's hot and humid climate especially during the “dog” days of summer when it rains every afternoon. In order to achieve these objectives, all building enclosure systems must include a solid structure, a drainage plane, an air barrier, a thermal barrier, and may include a vapor barrier. The dimensions, performance and compatibility of materials, fabrication process and details, their connections and interactions are the main factors that determine the effectiveness and durability of the building enclosure system.Ĭommon measures of the effectiveness of a building envelope include physical protection from weather and climate (comfort), indoor air quality (hygiene and public health), durability and energy efficiency. The physical components of the envelope include the foundation, roof, walls, doors and windows. The last thing a buyer wants to happen is to purchase a condo then get hit with large assessment.Control of air includes air movement through the components of the building envelope (interstitial) itself, as well as into and out of the interior space which affects building insulation greatly. Understanding this process can be overwhelming and that’s why we recommend assistance from a quality Realtor and home inspector. The KEY is to ask questions and obtain verification on work completed by a reputable company. If there has been a history of any of the above mentioned details, get more details on the corrections. roof leaks, moisture intrusion around windows/doors/openings, fungal growth, etc). When considering purchasing a condo in a high rise building one should inquire with the seller or the Homeowner’s Association to verify whether there’s been a history of moisture intrusion (i.e. The good news is that it’s being fixed, hopefully by a reputable company who knows how to correctly repair/replace the items, followed a detail plan, and most likely created by a reputable architectural firm. This can often be tell tale signs there was a failure in the building envelope and/or siding system. Just look for older buildings (5-10 yrs) that are newly wrapped with scaffolding and white fireproof material that resembles a giant tarp, sometimes labeled Tyvek or firewrap. One can find examples of building envelope failures while driving through the city. Seattle and the surrounding areas are not immune to poor building envelope systems. So, why is this important to me as a condo owner or potential buyer? Well, if the building envelope was not installed property and/or has begun to prematurely fail, it can lead to a whole host of problems including, but not limited to, moisture intrusion, wood rot and fungal growth. The installation materials and methods used in the building’s construction will determine how heat, air and moisture travel through the structure. These systems should work together by providing a barrier between the interior of the structure and the exterior environmental elements such as rain and moisture. The building’s envelope acts like a mailing envelope by protecting the structure from rain, sleet or snow…so the saying goes.Ī building’s envelope includes the walls, siding, flashing, roof, foundation and so forth. A standard package mailing envelope is used to protect the interior contents from moisture, wind and damage while in transit. One can think of a building envelope as being similar to envelopes used to mail packages through the postal service. In Condo Inspection, Condo Ownership, Home Buying, Real Estateįarren West is the owner of Key Inspection Services and is a contributor to the Seattle Condo Blog.
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