Ventilated facades: the system that has revolutionised modern residential construction.
The ventilated façade has become one of the most common architectural solutions in both new construction projects and renovation work.
Thanks to its ability to combine energy efficiency, aesthetic versatility, technical durability and interior comfort, it is now increasingly used in all types of properties, from detached houses in rural areas to luxury buildings in city centres.
Do you know exactly what a ventilated façade is and what advantages have made this technique a common feature of so many current construction projects? We explain this in today’s new blog article.
What are ventilated façades and how do they work?
A ventilated façade is one of the possible cladding systems that can be installed on a building. It consists of a supporting wall, an insulation layer applied from the outside, a ventilated air chamber and a self-supporting exterior cladding.
The air chamber acts as a heat exchanger: the cavity between the building wall and the external cladding allows air to circulate, dissipating heat in summer and reducing heat loss in winter. It also facilitates the removal of moisture and condensation that may penetrate, thus protecting the building envelope.
The main components are therefore:
- Load-bearing wall: This is the main structure of the building.
- Air chamber: The space between the load-bearing wall and the exterior cladding, allowing air to circulate freely.
- Insulation layer: An insulation layer is usually installed between the load-bearing wall and the air chamber.
- External cladding: This is the top layer that protects the internal components and determines the aesthetics of the building.
Why we use rear-ventilated façades in so many cases
There are three main reasons why we so often use rear-ventilated façades:
- to achieve homogeneous thermal behaviour without thermal bridges
- to ensure controlled ageing of the building’s external façade
- to have a solution that facilitates the execution of complex architectures
Compatibility with various materials (ceramic, stone, composite materials, wood-based materials, etc.) makes this technique particularly attractive for renovation or extension projects where the final appearance and durability are key requirements.
The main advantages of this technique
1.- Improves thermal insulation and energy efficiency: the ventilated façade has very efficient continuous insulation, which facilitates compliance with technical building regulations and the maintenance of the energy performance certificate.
2.- Regulates humidity and improves durability: Ventilation of the cavity prevents condensation and protects the structure, extending the life of the façade.
3.- Provides acoustic comfort: The combination of chamber and insulation reduces sound transmission, which is important in urban environments.
4.- Low maintenance: The cladding can be replaced without interfering with the structure, spot repairs are easy to carry out and only simple regular maintenance is required.
5.- Fire behaviour and regulations: Today, regulations require specific criteria regarding fire behaviour and fire resistance, which these façades must meet depending on the height and use of the building.
Conclusion
As you can see, installing ventilated façades in modern buildings significantly improves energy efficiency without compromising on aesthetics or technical performance.
It is true that the correct implementation of this process requires extensive expertise. Therefore, we recommend that you always consult professionals such as those who work with us to carry out these projects with the utmost reliability and quality. In these cases, the design of the anchoring, the thickness of the insulation and the choice of materials are crucial in order to achieve the maximum benefit in both the short and long term. For a project of this kind, place your trust in specialised professionals such as the staff at gHouse, who will carry out this technique with maximum guarantees.
If you are looking for architectural firms in Mallorca for the construction of a new house or for the renovation or refurbishment of an existing house, you now know where to find us.
