What Are the Components of a Home’s Building Envelope?

Not everyone is familiar with the term “building envelope,” but it is a term frequently used in construction. A building envelope is every part of the building that separates the building from the outside, including, the foundation, exterior walls, roof, windows, and doors. 

Purpose of Building Envelope 

The purpose of the building envelope is to keep cold air out in the winter, hot air out in the summer, warm air inside in the winter, and cool air inside in the summer. In addition, the envelope prevents water, rain, snow, or wind from entering the house. 

In conjunction with some other household systems like electrical or ventilation, the building envelope plays a role in the quality of the air inside and, also, the level of humidity. For these reasons, the building envelope would be a big part of any home inspection. 

Relating to Home Inspection 

As it relates to home inspection, the home inspector will look carefully at all the aspects noted above to check a variety of things, some of which we will list below.

Windows

• Are the installed properly?
• Can one feel drafts around them or through them?
• Is there evidence of decay around the windows, inside or outside?

Doors

• Are doors installed properly?
• Can one feel drafts around them or through them?
• Is there evidence of decay around the doors or door jambs, inside or outside?

Roof

• How solid does the roof look?
• Does it have moss growing on it?
• Are there any tiles missing?
• Is there evidence in the attic that the roof leaks?

Foundation

• Does the foundation have any cracks?
• Is there evidence of water damage?
• Is the foundation level?
• Is the foundation solid or does it show areas of crumbling? 

These are just some of what a home inspector looks for, because damage to the building envelope can have far-reaching effects inside the house. 

For a home inspection on the Lower Mainland, give us a call at (778) 788-5301. This is our business and area of expertise.

The Inspectors is a group of very experienced home inspectors who bring reliability and integrity to the practice of home inspection. These inspectors follow closely the established standards of the Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about home inspection, we encourage you to call us at (778) 788-5301.