Rear-ventilated facades

Structure and Technology of rear-ventilated facades

Today, rear-ventilated facades are amongst the most popular facade systems. In addition to their functional safety, architects chiefly value the design possibilities provided by the use of rear-ventilated facades. The system allows for a variety of facade claddings. The design can thus be individually harmonised with the characteristics of the building. Material combinations of various cladding materials can also be easily implemented. FVHF is particularly concerned to highlight the technological advantages of rear-ventilated facade systems, which include the structural division of insulation and weather protection materials. These systems are thus less susceptible to damage than other facade systems. In addition, fire, noise and lightning protection requirements can be implemented easily and creatively.

With the FVHF Guideline Planning and Constructing Rear-Ventilated Rainscreen Façades, the FVHF provides a practice-oriented guide for builders, planners and workers.

imollaFVHF Guideline Planning and Constructing Rear-Ventilated Rainscreen Façades Сatalog
 
The system components of rear-ventilated facades are described in DIN 18516-1 Cladding for external walls, ventilated at rear, Part 1: Requirements, Principles of Testing.

External wall cladding
A large range of materials are available for cladding rear-ventilated facades. Durability, fastness to light and frost resistance are basic requirements for meeting the increasing demands on facade longevity. Tried-and-tested materials include HPL and fibre-reinforced resin composite panels, fibre and wood cement boards, ceramic stoneware, copper, titanium zinc, aluminium composite Technologypanels, aluminium boards and bricks. Furthermore, carrier panel systems can be used for individual applications with roughcast, glass, natural stone, ceramics or metals.

Rear ventilation
The insulation components (thermal insulation, fire protection) and the cladding (weather protection) are structurally separated in the rear-ventilated facade system. The ventilated space between the components regulates the humidity within the building structure: any humidity is reliably removed via the ventilated space. Damp external walls dry out quickly. This also ensures an optimum indoor climate.

Insulation
The two-layer system of the ventilated facade structurally separates the weather protection and insulation functions. Mineral insulation materials of thermal conductivity groups 032 or 035 are commonly used for ventilated facades for any building height and purpose. The requirements of the Energy Saving Regulations are thus easily met, since this system allows the installation of any required insulation material thickness. A subsequent increase in thickness is also possible under certain circumstances.

Substructures
The substructure is the static link between the structural external wall and the facade cladding. Aluminium and wood, or a combination of the two, are potential materials for the support structure, with aluminium being used in the majority of cases. Aluminium substructures can be adjusted in three dimensions and are attached to the building structure free from stress. Any unevenness and wall projections can be offset for perfect horizontal and vertical alignment. Aluminium support structures can also be effectively integrated into the lightning protection system, even if the cladding is non-conductive.