Building Science for Building Enclosures

By John F Straube Ph.D. and Eric F.P. Burnett Ph.D.

Building Science for Enclosures, Second Edition is an indispensable resource tailored for building professionals, including engineers, architects, and technical specialists involved in the design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and renovation of buildings and their enclosures. This advanced text focuses on predicting and understanding the hygrothermal (heat, air, and moisture) response of building enclosures, such as walls, windows, roofs, and below-grade construction.
While the book covers common topics like the "Perfect Wall", the fundamental enclosure control layers, and calculating enclosure R-values, it also delves into more advanced concepts, making it a comprehensive guide for both novices and experienced professionals. Some of the advanced topics include: Thermal Bridging: Understand the principles and impacts of thermal bridging on building performance.Surface Temperatures and Condensation: Learn to predict surface temperatures and manage surface and interstitial condensation.Interstitial Condensation: Master the science behind air leakage and vapor diffusion condensation within building enclosures.Moisture Physics: Gain insights into the moisture physics underpinning models such as WUFI, a widely used hygrothermal modeling tool.Air Pressure: Study complex air pressure patterns in buildings and their implications for enclosure performance.Air Barriers and Airtightness: Both the science and practise of control air flow within (convective looping) and through (windwashing and leakage) are coveredRain Penetration Control: Get extensive coverage on controlling rain penetration, testing, and driving rain loads on enclosures.The text transitions from fundamental physics and material science in earlier chapters to practical applications suitable for all climate regions. It includes worked example calculations of heat flow, vapor diffusion, air leakage condensation, and drying through building enclosures. These explanations and examples are enriched by the authors' combined professional enclosure consulting experience of over 50 years.
The second edition has been significantly expanded, with over 200 additional pages of information, many new and updated drawings, and hundreds of new references. While the text primarily uses SI units, it provides all necessary conversion factors and includes some IP units for convenience.
Key Features: Comprehensive Coverage: From basic principles to advanced applications, this book covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding building enclosure performance.Practical Examples: Worked example calculations help readers apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.Expert Insights: Benefit from the authors' extensive experience in enclosure consulting and forensic investigations, ensuring practical and relevant information.Updated Content: The second edition includes new drawings, references, and expanded content, making it a valuable update for those who own the first edition.Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to deepen your understanding or a student eager to learn, Building Science for Enclosures, Second Edition is an essential addition to your library. It equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to design, build, and maintain high-performance building enclosures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1069338109
• ISBN13: 9781069338105
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: John Frederick Straube
• Length: 612 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"