#Building envelope components install#
#Building envelope components windows#

In essence, there are three ways to have water tightness in your basement: Similar to the points mentioned for the foundation, the basement also requires proper waterproofing to reduce the risks of damaging the structural integrity of the building. However, the following are the core components involved in basement construction. Fluid Applied Waterproofingĭepending on the location of your structure (is it near a train station?) and its basement usage (is it for a car park?), there are numerous factors to consider.

This barrier can come in the form of waterproofing membranes (sheet-applied) or coatings (liquid-applied). The most common method is via positive-side waterproofing, where an impervious barrier is installed between the source of water and the concrete.

#Building envelope components install#

Since moisture from the ground can cause concrete to lose its strength and toughness, the best way to prevent this water migration is to install a form of barrier between the ground and the concrete. Coastal and offshore structures experience extreme chloride attacks. In the presence of oxygen and water, chloride attack corrodes the steel (pitting corrosion) and drastically reduces the strength and durability of concrete. While sulphate attacks the concrete, chloride attacks the steel reinforcements within the concrete. A sulphate attack changes the composition of concrete, decreasing its compaction level and making it prone to cracking, and may ultimately lead to the disintegration of the concrete. The two most harmful chemicals are sulphate and chloride. The biggest issue is that underground water brings in chemicals that are harmful to concrete. It is safe to say that water is one of the main sources of concern when it comes to protecting your concrete foundation. The word ‘foundation’ is synonymous with the word ‘concrete’ because it has become the standard by which most buildings are constructed. A good foundation must remain in position without sliding, bending, overturning, or failing in any other way. The foundation is the single most important part of the building structure because it literally keeps the building from collapsing under its own weight. Once this is done, the construction process is deemed complete, and the building is ready to be furnished. The final stage of construction will be to add the finishing touches – painting, fixtures installation, carpentry, electrical, lighting, plumbing, landscaping, or anything not integral to the structure of the building.

#Building envelope components windows#

Some common aspects include the walls, beams, columns, windows and doors (entrances or openings), curtain walls, roofs, stairs and lifts. The superstructure refers to any part of the building that is above ground level. Once the substructure is complete, only then can work on the superstructure begin. At this stage, construction will typically involve foundations, basements, retaining walls, plinth, abutments, or any other element that is built below ground level. The main purpose of the substructure is to transfer the load of the superstructure to the supporting soil. This usually involves excavation of the soil or unformed rocks to create a new shape for the foundation of the building.įollowing this, the next stage of construction is the substructure. As you can see, the first part of the construction is the earth work.