
In some cases, a sump pit and pump system will be required in addition to the perimeter drain. One example of a perimeter foundation drain is weeping tile placed in trench complete with gravel ballast backfill, also known as a french drain. ĭrainage around the perimeter of the foundation must be provided to prevent long-term underwater submersion of the waterproofing membrane. Additional waterproofing products such as sheet-applied membranes, liquid membranes, cementitious waterproofing, and built-up systems are also viable options. Waterproofing the foundation is typically completed by applying a liquid applied asphaltic damproofing.

The transfer of thermal energy through the foundation can be controlled by providing insulation between the interior and exterior environments however, in some cases the foundation insulation is neglected to reduce construction costs. However, the foundation must also be designed to control the transfer of moisture and thermal energy into the interior space.

Typically, some combination of reinforced concrete walls, slabs, and footings constitute the structural components of the foundation. The foundation is the structural component that transmits the loads from the building to the underlying substrate. The connections and compatibility between these elements is critical to ensure that the building envelope functions as intended. The building envelope includes the materials that comprise the foundation, wall assembly, roofing systems, glazing, doors, and any other penetrations. To make the building look attractive while still performing support and control functions.

“These walls trap moisture and are almost impossible to dry out. “Most walls are built with toxic materials and end up being vapor retarded or, in many cases, what we refer to as ‘vapor-closed,’” adds Lucas Johnson, a Seattle-based consultant for 475 High Performance Building Supply. It can absorb moisture up to 35% of its net weight against 65% of relative humidity, which Andrew Legge, founder of Havelock Wool, cites as one of the standout properties of the material. Natural wool is a renewable material that's readily available and has a number of inherent, eco-friendly properties that make it a viable contender for building insulation. Made of wood, Gutex fiberboards also allow diffusion as they regulate the interior relative humidity to absorb and release up to 15 % of their weight in moisture – without the loss of insulation capacity.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS PRO
The companies say the insulation is constructed using non-toxic materials, and uses existing and new technology to generate an airtight and energy efficient building envelope that delivers comfort and healthier air without the risk of rot, mold or other maintenance and health concerns.Īlong with the natural wool insulation, the wall system places Pro Clima membranes on either side of the wall cavity to provide an air-tight vapor open to the outside (up to 36 perms) while the Intello Plus, a reinforced membrane that replaces standard blow-in insulation, provides the air tight vapor barrier to the inside (0.17-13.2 perms). The Smart Wall enclosure system is made from durable and sustainable products for a healthy home, including Havelock Wool sheep’s wool insulation, Pro Clima membranes and Gutex insulation board. The company has now partnered with 475 High Performance Building Supply to launch a new product, the Smart Wall enclosure system. Havelock Wool garnered attention in the building industry last year for its innovative use of natural sheep's wool for home insulation.
