Mistakes on construction sites are the daily bread if you lack knowledge and skills. What if you don’t ensure proper ventilation of the facade? What is a ventilated facade?
We have already written about mistakes during foundation insulation or the wrong grade of concrete for pouring the ceiling. However, a business card is not what you can’t see, but what you can see at first glance when you arrive at our property. A nice facade is the key to a good presentation of our house.
However, the facade can also be spoiled. We are not talking about the visual aspect here – this is always a matter of taste. However, the lack of proper ventilation of the facade can make the money we invested a waste. A relatively new construction concept – ventilated facade – can come to the rescue. What is it, what are the effects of its use and why might it be a better option than traditional insulation? We will try to answer these questions in the following text.
What is a ventilated facade?
A ventilated facade is a cladding system used on the exterior of a building. It provides airflow between the insulation layer and the exterior cladding of the building. In the construction of such a facade there is a ventilation gap, which allows air to flow freely. This is the key to proper drainage of moisture that accumulates in the wall layers.
A properly constructed ventilated facade provides higher thermal efficiency of the building, which translates into lower costs for heating or cooling the building. The versatility of finishing the facade cladding brings a wide choice of materials to match the style of our building.
Construction of a ventilated façade
A ventilated façade consists of several layers, of which the key one is the ventilation gap. A ventilated facade system in this way not only drains moisture, but also protects our walls from soaking. This prevents condensation, which protects ventilated facades from mold growth, while also protecting the thermal insulation layer from moisture damage.
The ventilated facade system is composed of:
substructure (it can be a wood, aluminum or metal substructure or stainless steel);
insulation layer (usually Styrofoam or wool);
outer layers (decorative and weatherproofing).
The ventilated façade system consists of a frame, known as a grid, to which polystyrene or wool is attached. The grid system creates a gap of about 3 centimeters for constant air circulation. The whole is covered by the exterior cladding, which can be made of composite panels, ceramic panels, wood-like HPL panels, fiber cement panels, plastics, wood (planks) or stone or architectural concrete. It is this layer that gives our facade its final appearance.
Installation of a ventilated façade
The installation of a ventilated facade itself is not complicated, which is why it is so highly regarded in the construction industry. Ventilated facades are fixed with anchor and threaded rod or on profiles. First, a grid is installed, which can be made of steel or aluminum (especially in masonry buildings), and then wool or Styrofoam is laid between the system strips in a controlled manner. In many cases, a wood substructure system is used, especially in houses made of just this material.
It is important to use thermal insulation spacers, which eliminate the risk of thermal bridges, so we reduce potential heat loss. Then the finishing element is fixed according to taste and the chosen material. Thus, the construction of a ventilated facade is simple yet effective.
How much does a m2 of ventilated facade cost?
The cost of a ventilated facade depends on several factors that affect the final price of implementation.
Factors affecting cost:
type of exterior cladding – composite panels, ceramic or stone have different prices, which directly affects the final cost;
Labor cost – depending on the region and the contractor’s experience, the price for installation may vary;
Thermal insulation – the choice of wool or Styrofoam affects the cost of the entire system;
The complexity of the project – the more non-standard the building (for example, with many kinks or irregular shapes), the higher the cost of installation.
The average cost of a ventilated facade ranges between PLN 250 and PLN 400 per m², but can be higher if exclusive materials such as natural stone or high-end composite panels are used.
Example costs depending on the material used:
Composite panels: PLN 250-350/m2
Ceramics: 300-400 PLN/m2
Wood: 350-450 PLN/m2
Natural stone: 400-600 PLN/m2
It is worth remembering that an investment in a ventilated facade is an expense that pays off in the long run thanks to lower building maintenance costs and greater durability of the entire system.
What if you don't provide adequate facade ventilation?
Ventilated facades are designed so that there is a gap between the insulation layer and the facade cladding to allow air flow. It allows excess moisture to escape, protecting our walls from the effects of moisture accumulation. And what are these effects? Moisture that has no way to escape begins to settle on structural elements, which promotes the development of mold and mildew, but also – in the long term – accelerates the corrosion of building materials.
This degradation not only affects masonry, which cannot be seen, but the lack of proper ventilation can damage our facade. The materials used for the facade, especially wood and thin-coat plaster, are more susceptible to deterioration.
Problems that result from inadequate ventilation often become apparent relatively quickly. Streaking and peeling plaster, blistering, cracking. Repair can involve a large cost if the problem is ignored.
It is impossible to avoid the broad topic of insulating our home. A facade that accumulates moisture loses its insulating properties. As a result of this, our house requires “stronger” reheating, which translates into rising heating costs in winter, but also cooling costs in summer. Moisture in insulation materials causes them to weaken significantly, the whole system loses efficiency, and this is not what the idea of energy-efficient buildings is all about.
Ventilated facade vs. traditional house insulation
Traditional insulation is cheaper to install, but also quicker to implement itself. However, it is the ventilated facade that provides us with better regulation of humidity due to the constant exchange of air. The aesthetic aspect also speaks in favor of a ventilated facade – this is where we can find a wide range of finishes. A ventilated facade is also a leap to higher energy efficiency, which in the case of an energy-efficient home, will be of great importance.
The final choice of facade should be based on individual needs and the specifics of the building. Experienced contractors of the Energy Project will help you choose the best option, and if necessary – perform the installation of a ventilated facade in a professional and correct manner.
More and more builders are choosing to use ventilated facades as a type of finishing and insulation because of their numerous benefits, such as durability, energy efficiency and aesthetics. In residential and commercial construction, ventilated facades are gaining recognition as a modern, functional and environmentally friendly solution. Thanks to their versatility and thermal efficiency, they can meet the requirements of both those seeking savings and those who insist on the highest quality finishes.
By investing in a ventilated facade, you not only increase the value of your property, but also take care of the environment and the comfort of the residents. By choosing this solution, you are sure that your home will be protected from the negative effects of moisture, and its appearance will remain attractive for many years.
Q&A
Which wool for a ventilated façade?
For a ventilated façade, rock mineral wool can be used, as well as glass wool with the appropriate medium density to achieve the required resistance class. The ventilated facade can also be insulated with appropriately selected polystyrene foam.
What thickness of mineral wool on a ventilated facade?
The thickness of mineral wool should depend on the specifics of the building, requirements and climatic conditions. The standard thickness of mineral wool on a ventilated facade ranges from 10-20 cm. Usually the form of insulation boards is used, but wool in the form of rolls also finds supporters.
What is ventilated cladding?
This is the outer layer of a ventilated facade, which is separated from the insulation by an air gap. It can be made of a variety of materials including planks, architectural concrete or composite panels. The ventilated cladding protects our insulation from weather conditions, such as wind action, hot air or rain and snow.
Where will a ventilated facade work?
This type of facade can work well in any construction – from new to old buildings, masonry, reinforced concrete or frame construction. Its design was created to ensure durability, moisture protection and energy efficiency. Thanks to the versatility of this solution, the ventilated facade system can be used in both residential and commercial buildings.
