The term "materials" refers to all the physical substances that are assembled to create the interior and exterior of a building. Today most buildings are constructed from a multitude of materials, each with very specific functional demands and complex assembly requirements. For instance, an exterior wall assembly contains materials that keep the rain and wind out, thermally insulate the inhabitants from exterior temperatures, structurally support the building and the associated enclosure system, and provide desired interior and exterior finishes.
The differences in the properties of inside and outside atmospheres, dictate the choice of materials for construction of wall. The properties of the materials selected for the purpose determine the desired end-effects. The service life of a material is determined by the properties of the material and the conditions of the environment to which it is subjected.
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