Engineered Building Enclosure Systems
Remove Complexity by Delivering Durability & Beauty
By Karine Galla, Director, Product Management for Sto Corp.
(Editor’s Note: Karine Galla is Director, Product Management for Sto® Corp. She has more than 20 years of experience in product marketing in EIFS, stucco, air and water-resistive barriers, and other materials. Galla has a master’s degree from the University of Lyon, France, and holds AWCI’s EIFS Doing it Right and Building Envelope Doing it Right certifications, as well as the ISO Internal Lead Auditor certification from Georgia Tech.)
From the moment an architect’s pen hits the sketchpad, a complex equation begins to take shape, one that must reconcile performance with aesthetics, and pragmatism with artistry. Once the decision makers settle on a look, they then need to make key decisions on the different components of the wall assembly, such as weatherproofing and insulation, based on the desired performance of the building.
Rather than treating each requirement as a separate challenge with its own solution, designers can specify an integrated building enclosure system from a single manufacturer. This streamlines coordination, reduces complexity, and simplifies the construction process for contractors and installers.
Designing for Durability: The Control Layers
A building’s façade is constantly bombarded by rain, wind, snow, UV rays, temperature changes, and more. The building enclosure’s durability is dependent on having effective components in place, which is why it is necessary to go well beyond the exterior wall and analyze the control layers. They interact to both protect the building from the exterior elements and create a comfortable interior for its occupants.
Smartly engineered building enclosure systems contain all of these control layer components in an integrated, tested system. As a single solution, the individual layers work in concert with each other to deliver a holistic approach.
Creating Continuity: The Air & Moisture Barrier
Properly designed air and moisture barriers control the leakage of air and moisture into and out of the building envelope. They create a line of demarcation between conditioned air and unconditioned air.
To create a tight seal and promote energy efficiency and management of moisture, continuity is the key. Any breaks in the air and moisture barrier can promote unwanted air flow, a compromise in comfort for the people occupying the building, potential damage to materials from unwanted moisture build-up, and decreased energy efficiency.
In traditional building designs, these control layers are often separate components from different manufacturers, which can introduce complexity and increase the risk of failure. In contrast, integrated systems feature a continuous, high-performance barrier that minimizes thermal loss and moisture intrusion.
Continuous Insulation for Thermal Performance
The thermal barrier control layer is commonly achieved using insulation and provides crucial control that impacts occupant comfort and energy usage. When the insulation is continuous and is placed on the exterior of the substrate, the thermal barrier lowers the detrimental effects of thermal bridging, where highly conductive or otherwise non-insulating material penetrates the insulation layer and transfers heat.
Consider the benefits of exterior continuous insulation as a component of a building enclosure system. The continuous insulation maximizes a building’s efficiencies and reduces energy consumption. It also prevents condensation or a dew point within the walls by keeping the temperatures stable inside the wall cavity.
The First Line of Defense
With the building’s façade, aesthetics is paramount. However, the façade is also the first line of defense against any forces acting on the building. It needs to be strong and durable to resist these forces, in addition to having a pleasant appearance. Engineered enclosure systems help mitigate these forces through a combination of resilient materials, smart design, and protective coatings. Some systems even provide anti-ballistic benefits, resisting hail, wind-driven debris, and other impact-related threats.
The Power of One: A Systems Approach
Specifying a single-manufacturer, all-inclusive building enclosure system that is comprised of all control layers for the building’s exterior translates into smarter, more efficient management of the many variables in the design, specification, and construction process.
Code compliance and fire testing are important considerations, too. NFPA-285 is a system-level fire test. This means an entire assembly with all control layer components undergoes testing to determine if fire can transition to the interior, potentially move laterally across the building, or migrate vertically from floor to floor. Using a building enclosure system that has passed NFPA-285 testing provides peace of mind, because the entire solution is deemed compliant before it is installed.
On the job site, hiring a single subcontractor to install the combined air barrier, insulation, and façade, all components of a building enclosure system, saves both money and time. Having less to schedule in advance lowers the risk of delays that might interfere with other contractors’ schedules.
The result? A more resilient, efficient, and visually compelling building, ready to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.
