The building envelope

Figure 2-1 Heat moves out of a house in all directions

Figure 2-1 Heat moves out of a house in all directions

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The building envelope is the shell of the house, comprising the basement or crawl space walls and floor (i.e. the foundation), the above-grade walls, the roof, and the windows and doors. The envelope separates our indoor environment from the weather outside. To maintain our indoor environment, the envelope must control the flow of heat, air and moisture from the inside to the outdoors.