Protecting the Building Envelope

While it’s true that water, wind and ice pose significant challenges to any structural design, building science has come a long way in the defense against these elements and their potential to cause mold, rot and decay. When it comes to constructing high-performance building envelopes, there are a growing number of products architects and specifiers can choose from to create rainscreens and protect their building’s aesthetic and structural integrity. That’s why it's so important to understand thoroughly how these various materials can stand up to Mother Nature’s worst and protect the health and energy efficiency of the interior environment for occupants.

The American Society for Testing Materials reports that “about 90 percent of all building problems are associated with water in some way.” This statistic highlights the need for deliberate and comprehensive moisture management strategies for exterior wall assemblies and products that can stand up to the elements.