Barrier wall system
The term ‘barrier wall’ is used to refer to a system of external wall assembly that maintains weather-tightness by preventing the intrusion of air, water and vapour. Barrier walls rely on the integrity of the outermost surfaces and construction joints, and are considered a cost-effective alternative to cavity or solid wall assemblies.
The cladding material should be impervious to the elements. Common examples of barrier wall systems include:
- Single-skin metal wall panels.
- Solid-metal wall cladding.
- Precast concrete panels.
- Insulated metal-wall panels.
- Exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS).
The exterior cladding in a barrier wall system serves as the main drainage plane – the element exposed to the weather. This differs from a cavity wall system where the main drainage plane and defensive line against bulk rainwater penetration is inside the cavity.
Careful installation of a barrier wall is crucial as the joints between facing units must be well sealed. The gaskets and caulking must be installed so that no water and/or air vapour can leak inside the cavity and damage the building envelope. There are often complex interface details that require specialist installation by professionals.
Although barrier wall systems often have a lower initial cost, this should be considered alongside the fact that they require a relatively high level of routine maintenance to remain effective over time as continued exposure to wind and rain can degrade the seals and lead to failure. Typically, they tend to be installed makes them more accessible should inspection or repairs be required.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.