Building Science

Building science is a term which is being heard more frequently as architects, builders, manufacturers and contractors strive to meet the criteria of houses working as a system. A house is an enclosure that is meant to function as an environment separator. The understanding of the physics of how heat, air and moisture move in this encapsulated enclosure contributes to the house being healthy and safe, durable, comfortable and efficient.

The fairly new professional discipline of Building Science was developed to address problems in performance and durability of homes. It is a blend of construction technology, material science, physics, meteorology, engineering and design. It must also take into consideration occupant use and behavior. Building Science plays the critical role in recognizing how changes in components and functionality affect the role of the various materials and mechanical systems which are critical for the house as a system.