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To meet high performance energy efficiency targets, a Building Envelope Specialist needs to know the materials and tools for the job - their properties, their weak points and how to troubleshoot.

The most common materials that a Building Envelope Specialist works with may include the following:

• Insulations of all types - mineral wool and fibreglass, rigid foam boards, spray foam, cellulose and others;
• Air barriers of all types - polyolefin 'housewrap', airtight drywall, smart air and vapour barrier fabrics, liquid applied and atomized sprays;
• Vapour barriers and retarders - polyethylene, VDR paints and smart air / vapour barrier fabrics;
• Sealants and membranes - caulking, acoustic sealant, peel-and-stick membranes, tapes, low expansion foam insulation and others;
• Flashing materials - galvanized steel and aluminum, vinyl and PVC;
• Window and door units - exterior opening units for various locations in a building, including attic hatches.
  

The common tools that may be used for this kind of work include:

• Construction safety PPE
• Carpentry tools;
• Ladders and scaffold;
  
• Metal brake bending machines;
• Fasteners and equipment for attaching barrier materials - staplers and nail guns;
• Drywall and paint installation equipment.