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
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.