ABSTRACT
The exterior surfaces of your house protect you and the interior of the building from the elements. The building envelope is a major portion of the investment in your house, and as such, should receive a large amount of your attention. The choices you make when building the envelope last for a very long time. Every decision affects the performance of the house; the amount of solar gain that can be collected and stored, the overall energy requirements of the house and the durability of your investment in the house. ‘Fixing' the envelope after construction is a costly endeavour and best avoided.
