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Field Manual

Building Envelope One-Pager

A single-page reference for the pre-wire and rough-in decisions that affect motorized shading, exterior sensors, and facade automation. Covers pocket depths, conduit sleeves, and waterproofing requirements for each envelope opening.

What This Standard Covers

  • Pocket depth and width requirements for recessed motorized shading at windows and doors
  • Conduit sleeve requirements through window and door frames for motor wiring
  • Exterior sensor positions for sun, wind, and rain-based automation triggers
  • Waterproofing and conduit seal requirements at all envelope penetrations
  • Power supply location and wiring topology for grouped shading zones
  • Integration wiring requirements for connection to home automation and lighting systems

Who It Is For

  • Window and door contractors installing frames before motorized shade hardware arrives
  • General contractors coordinating shade rough-in with framing and exterior finish trades
  • Architects specifying motorized shading and envelope automation in construction documents
  • Interior designers selecting shading systems before the pocket dimensions are framed

When To Use It

  • Before window and door frame installation to verify pocket dimensions are correct
  • During rough-in when conduit sleeves must be placed through frames
  • Before exterior cladding to confirm sensor positions and penetration seals
  • At pre-drywall walk to verify all shade motor conduit runs are accessible

Read or Download the PDF

The full standard, including specifications, diagrams, and field references, is in the embedded PDF below. Read it inline or download it for your jobsite folder.

Your browser does not display embedded PDFs. Download Building Envelope One-Pager (PDF).

Field Notes

The most common envelope automation problem is a pocket that is too shallow. The shade and the motor both have to fit, and the framing contractor needs to know the exact dimensions before the opening is built. This one-pager gives them those numbers.

Exterior sensors add a layer of complexity because they penetrate the weather barrier. The conduit seal and the sensor housing selection matter. A wind sensor that lets water track back through the conduit will show up as a moisture problem in the wall, not an AV problem.

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