Building Enclosure

The building enclosure is the component (typically comprised of an assembly of numerous materials and layers) of a building that acts as an environmental separator between the indoor and outdoor environments. The thermal, air pressure, and rainwater boundary lie within the confines of the enclosure. A building enclosure controls heat flow, air flow, water vapor flow, rain penetration, groundwater effects, the transfer of light and solar radiation, noise and vibrations, contaminants, environmental hazards and odors, insects, rodents and vermin, and fire. A building enclosure provides strength and rigidity and must be durable, aesthetically pleasing and economical.