Special Friday Blog Series Part 2

Friday, June 9th, 2017 by Joy Padgett

This is Part 2 of our Special Friday Blog Series.

Every Friday this month, we’re covering an industry-specific term you may have heard from your local utility company, home energy assessor, or weatherization contractor. BUT, do you understand what these terms mean? If you’re like I was 5 years ago, you probably don’t. But that’s okay! Weatherization Plus wants ALL of our customers to be able to make an informed decision when it comes to improving the “comfortableness” of their home.

Today we are going to talk about the “building envelope”. What is the building envelope? What problems are encountered in this area? Let’s look at the definition of “building envelope”.

According to Sustainability Workshop, the building envelope is “the physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building. Components of the envelope are typically: walls, floors, roofs, fenestrations and doors. Fenestrations are any opening in the structure: windows, skylights, clerestories, etc.”

Commonly observed issues with the building envelope include drafts, gaps around exterior doors and windows, cold floors and exterior walls, and gaps around plumbing and electrical penetrations. Some of these issues are easy for the average person to see….or feel as the case may be. However, the ramifications of issues with the building envelope can become muddled depending on who you’re talking to. Moreover, the remedy is often misdiagnosed.

The great news is that Weatherization Plus can conduct an inspection of your home, show you where the building envelope of your home is faulty AND fix the problems! We serve all of Central Kentucky including the areas in and around Chaplin, Georgetown, Paris, Lexington, and Shelbyville!