Types of Exterior Wall Systems
There are several major types of exterior wall systems used in construction. Each has its own advantages and use cases depending on the project needs and budget.
Brick Veneer
A brick veneer system uses an inner structural wall made from materials like wood or metal framing with an air gap behind a decorative outer layer of brick or stone. This provides the aesthetics of real masonry at a lower cost than solid brick. The air gap helps prevent moisture issues. Brick veneer can be installed over nearly any wall type and is very durable with low maintenance.
Curtain Wall
Curtain wall systems are commonly used on commercial buildings like office towers. They consist of panels of glass, metal panels or other materials mounted on a light semi-rigid framework. The panels function as a non-load bearing skin mounted in front of a building’s structural frame. Curtain walls provide ample glass for natural light and are easy to remove and replace panels as needed. Their lightweight nature makes them suitable for tall structures.
Concrete/CMU
Concrete block or concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls are durable, provide good soundproofing and fire resistance. They can be left unfinished or faced with other materials like stucco. CMU construction is economical for larger commercial buildings but can be more challenging to work with than framing due to the heavyweight blocks.
Wood Frame
Wood framed wall used in Exterior Wall System are the most common for lower-rise residential construction in North America. They use dimensional lumber like 2x4 or 2x6 boards vertically and horizontally to form a rigid frame that can be quickly assembled. Exterior finishes include siding, stucco or brick veneer. Wood framing is flexible, renewable and permits easy running of utilities but has lower fire resistance than other options.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
SIPs use rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two structural facings like oriented strand board (OSB). They offer excellent thermal properties and air tightness. Entire wall sections are assembled in a factory and installed quickly on site. SIPs require special tools and connections for doors and windows but deliver energy efficiency and speed of construction.
Exterior Wall Functions and Considerations
Beyond their structural roles, exterior walls have critical functions related to weather resistance, energy efficiency, aesthetics, acoustics and more. The following factors must be considered in any wall system choice:
Moisture Management - Wall assemblies need to manage moisture from rain, snow, humidity and even interior sources to prevent damage. Features like drainage planes, flashings, vapor barriers and drainage cavities are incorporated.
Thermal Performance - Insulation levels and eliminating thermal bridges are important for occupant comfort and reduced energy costs both in heating and cooling. Wall R-values will depend on the climate zone and local building codes.
Air Barrier - All walls require a continuous air barrier plane to block infiltration of unconditioned air for improved comfort and efficiency. The barrier location can vary in different materials.
Water Management -Proper design shedding water away from the wall plane and any penetrations from above is vital to prevent water ingress issues over time. Roof overhangs or other defenses are needed.
Aesthetics - The type of finish material used affects visual appearance which may be a design priority depending on the building style and function.
Durability - The wall system needs to withstand weathering, impacts and normal wear for the intended lifespan of the structure with minimal maintenance.
Sound Absorption - For multifamily buildings and other noise sensitive spaces, wall assemblies can be specified or enhanced for sound transmission class (STC) ratings.
Available construction methods vary somewhat depending on the wall material chosen but commonly involve some pre-fabricated wall panels or layered buildup. Successful installation requires proper substrate preparation, flashing installation, sealing of joints and connections and strict quality control during construction. Proper inspection ensures the entire assembly performs as intended.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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