Expertise»Building Materials»Building Enclosures

Keep the water out! We help develop enclosures that will protect your investment for the long haul.

Building enclosure systems are all that stand between your facility and the harsh elements. These systems must protect buildings and the considerable investment that goes into them. They demand specialized knowledge from practical experts who understand each building enclosure component, along with the interconnectedness of the enclosure system as a whole.

For more than 50 years, SME’s Building Materials Group has been investigating, repairing and rehabilitating building enclosure systems including window systems and wall cladding, vapor and air control systems, roofing systems, and more. We use our expertise to help facility owners address and resolve the complex issues associated with these systems, while safeguarding against leaks, condensation, energy loss and premature deterioration. We help project teams develop enclosures that will protect the Owner’s investment for the long haul.

Interested in joining our Building Materials team?

Proudly recognized as a 2024 Zweig Best Firm to Work For, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. View our open positions for engineers, consultants, and more.

Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx)

BECx is an Owner’s quality assurance and validation process that proactively addresses potential building enclosure problems during the design and construction phases of a new build project, before those issues become costly problems.

During this process, our building enclosure specialists review the materials, details and construction procedures affecting the performance of a building’s enclosure.

We identify potential problems and recommend realistic, cost-effective solutions before construction takes place. BECx helps increase the reliability and performance of your building enclosures, helping to prevent premature deterioration or failures.

Management and Planning

SME's Building Materials team helps facility managers and owners properly plan for the maintenance and preservation of building enclosures throughout a facility’s lifecycle. We deliver expert insights and advice on the development of programs for ongoing maintenance and physical plant renewal, regulatory compliance, and changes in building use. We help prioritize and budget your capital expenditures, allowing you to protect and maximize your investments.

Waterproofing

All waterproofing systems deteriorate over time. In fact, 70% of construction litigation relates to water intrusion through the enclosure. Our practical experts help investigate sources of leaks in existing facilities and provide facility managers and owners with expert assessments, solutions, and cost-effective strategies for rehabilitation, restoration and mitigation of future moisture-related problems.

Vapor Retarders

Vapor retarders are one of the most misunderstood components of an enclosure. When used incorrectly, vapor retarders can cause an increase in moisture-related problems, which may lead to mold or premature deterioration of walls and other building enclosure components. SME’s Building Materials experts understand the science behind vapor barriers, and we work closely with facility owners and managers to design and implement effective vapor barrier solutions.

Air Barriers

16% of a building’s total energy consumption is lost due to uncontrolled air leakage, making air barriers a critical component in an effective building enclosure system. We understand how air barriers work in conjunction with other building enclosure systems, and work closely with architects, engineers, contractors and facility owners to plan for, design and install air barriers to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of an enclosure’s air control systems.

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Group Leader

Amanda Cassidy, RA, SMSI, CDT
Senior Project Architect | Assistant Group Leader