Planning glossary
Enclosure
The connected layers that separate indoor and outdoor conditions, including water, air, vapor, and thermal control decisions.
Example
A wall finish is only one layer of an enclosure; roof, wall, window, and foundation transitions must connect.
Related concepts
Water-control layer
The materials and transitions intended to drain or block liquid water as part of the enclosure.
Read definitionR-value
A measure of thermal resistance under stated conditions; a product label is not the same as whole-assembly performance.
Read definitionThermal bridge
A more conductive path through or around insulation that changes whole-assembly heat flow.
Read definitionUse the term in context
Definition boundaryThis planning definition is not a substitute for the definition in an adopted code, standard, contract, manufacturer instruction, or professional document. Confirm the controlling meaning for the project.