Hot to Retrofit a Building Envelope

A "building envelope" is the barrier between the occupied space in a building and the outside. Depending on the building's design, the envelope might not enclose attic and porch space. With those exceptions, "building envelope" is a recently coined phrase that means "inside." Building envelopes are retrofitted to prevent heat from leaking outside. These retrofits don't necessarily involve installing a new roof, but they might. Usually the siding comes off, new insulation and a new vapor barrier are installed and the doors and windows are replaced.

Hot air blower
Infrared camera
Building permits
Caulking, expanding foam sealant or foam panels
Fiberglass, foam or cellulose insulation
6-millimeter-thick polyethylene sheets
Energy-efficient replacement windows and doors
New siding or stucco
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Conduct an energy audit and evaluate the condition of the roof before beginning. Energy audits use hot air blowers and infrared cameras to find air and heat leaks.
- 2
  Apply for and obtain all necessary building permits before beginning construction.
- 3
  Seal all interior air leaks around chimney, plumbing and electrical penetrations of the envelope, around electrical outlets and behind moldings with caulking, expanding foam sealant or foam panels.
- 4
  Remove all windows and doors and remove the building's siding.
- 5
  Reinsulate all exterior walls and unheated attics with fiberglass, foam or cellulose insulation. Insulate unheated attics.
- 6
  Rewrap the structure and seal the exterior walls with 6-millimeter-thick polyethylene sheets.
- 7
  Reframe door and window openings where necessary and install energy-efficient windows and doors.
- 8
  Install new siding or stucco and repaint the structure.

How to Refurbish a Cinder Block Home

The Best Size & Shape of a Bedroom

Remodeling Plans