ulkoseinä

Ulkoseinä is the exterior wall of a building, forming the outer boundary between interior spaces and the outdoor environment. It serves several roles: it bears structural loads, provides weather resistance, contributes to thermal and acoustic performance, and shapes the architectural appearance. The exterior wall is part of the building envelope and works together with the roof, foundation, and openings such as doors and windows.

A typical outer wall consists of a structural frame (wood, steel, or concrete), an insulation layer, an air and vapor barrier, and an outer cladding or façade. The cladding protects the structure from moisture and weather while allowing for design expression. Common cladding materials include brick, concrete panels, timber siding, metal panels, and composite materials. In cold or humid climates, the wall assembly is designed to minimize heat loss and control moisture, with performance often described by U-values and airtightness requirements.

Construction types vary: timber-framed walls with cavity insulation are common in lightweight construction, while solid or cavity masonry walls are used in heavier constructions. The choice of materials and detailing affects durability, maintenance needs, and fire safety.

Maintenance and retrofitting focus on sealing joints, repairing or replacing damaged cladding, and improving insulation or airtightness when needed. External retrofits, such as adding insulation or updating weather barriers, can significantly improve energy efficiency and extend the life of the building envelope.