Find out what ventilated facades are, understand how they help modify projects and check out the main benefits of this innovation! Are you looking for options that offer more security and add value to your projects? So, you need to know the enormous versatility of ventilated facades.

Although they are still little known, more than 40 architectural projects across the country have already tested and attested that this type of coating is beautiful and durable. To help you identify the best options, we have created this complete content with all the important information about ventilated facades. Check out!

Table of Contents

What are ventilated facades?

It is a system whose plates are fixed by means of a metallic structure instead of the traditional plaster with adhesive mortar. This puts it at the forefront of the building’s structure as an extra cladding.

It is worth noting that ventilated facades do not take that name by chance, as there is a space (minimum of 7 cm and maximum of 50 cm) between the cladding and the wall. Thus, an air chamber is built, generating the “chimney effect”, which thermally isolates the interior (from the cold or heat) and the exterior of the work, increasing comfort and saving energy.

The “chimney effect” happens when cold air enters at the bottom and hot air is removed at the top. Thus, continuous ventilation in the vertical direction offers greater thermal comfort and reduces the need for electricity in the building. Another advantage of the “chimney effect” is that air circulation helps to eliminate pathological manifestations caused by humidity problems.

However, the greatest benefit for the owner is safety, as the ventilated facades are industrialized systems designed and assembled with up to 10 years of warranty from the supplier companies — a very different business model from the traditional adhered system.

Finally, architectural flexibility is another novelty, as the panels that make up the ventilated facades have no height or size limitations, in addition to allowing for innovative volumes.

How did ventilated facades come about?

Ventilated facades were created in Scandinavia in the 1940s, helping to improve the thermal performance of buildings. The main objective of this creation was to contain the icy winds of the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish winter, which is quite rigorous.

In 1980, the English added an aesthetic function to the creation and incorporated more acoustic quality. Thus, ventilated facades began to add new concepts, and the British became the biggest exporters of this type of construction.

Currently, investments in technologies for ventilated facades are still being made with new coating options capable of being integrated into the structure and fitting systems more securely, among several other innovations.

How is the composition of ventilated facades

The fastening system for ventilated façades is much simpler than that for bonded ones, as it does not require the application of roughcast, plaster, adhesive mortar and grout.

The final cleaning is done with a damp cloth as it is a dry installation. In other words, much more practical than that performed with acids and hydro jet.

The ventilated facade can be used both in new works and renovations (retrofit), and each system is designed according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project in question.

Ventilated facades are sustainable solutions, such as the Tauste Supermarket application in Campolim (SP). In general, the execution process is quick, as the coatings and mechanical anchors are prefabricated materials. Below, check out the components that support the ventilated façade panels:

· An applied layer of insulating material attenuates heat transfer along the elements to which it is applied. Although its use is optional, it is highly indicated

· The base, which essentially serves as fixing support and must be protected with a layer of thermal insulation to avoid problems related to humidity (it can also be painted with water-repellent additives)

· The coating material of your choice. The panels are fixed to the support structure by means of metallic fittings

· A sub-structure whose main objective is to aid in the fixation of the layers. It can be visible or hidden, depending on the fastening systems used, coatings and anchoring devices

· The previously mentioned air chamber will guarantee the space for circulation and water drainage. It is located between the support base and the panels of the ventilated façade, allowing for natural ventilation. It must have a minimum thickness of 2 cm (the greater the measurement, the better the “chimney effect”)

· The joints, which will be installed between the plates or panels, can be horizontal or vertical. The joint will depend on the fastening structure and the spacing between the plates or panels.

What should a ventilated facade project look like and what are the installation steps?

The first step should be planning, with details on fixing and modulating the plates. Afterwards, the prefabrication should be planned, with details and information about the coverings cut and other points.

Installation should only be done after the executive project is ready and approved, thus reducing costs, time and the need for labor. It is important that the execution is always carried out by qualified and specialized professionals, as it will be necessary to install the fastening components and align them with the facade plumb. You may take assistance from Blue World City.

As ventilated facades can have different coatings (porcelain, ceramic, fiber cement, phenolics, etc.), it is important to evaluate the energy efficiency requirements of the project carefully.

Other details that deserve attention are the metallic devices used to support the system and other components, such as structural sealants, which may be necessary to fix the panels, varying according to the coating used.

What are the Advantages of Ventilated Facades?

Based on what we saw, you can get a good idea of the advantages that architects and contractors identify in the use of ventilated facades, right? But let’s analyze in detail the main positive points of this type of construction.

1. Aesthetic appeal

Starting from the obvious, which jumps out at anyone looking at a building with a ventilated façade, it is worth mentioning that the project acquires an irresistible aesthetic appeal.

Not to mention that the structure is different from what we see in buildings today. Thus, it is possible to create an interesting effect, which immediately catches the attention of people on the streets.

Another interesting point is that this system removes some barriers to creativity, such as:

Not have limitations on the height of the building
Allow the use of large-format porcelain tiles and slabs
Enable the creation of volumes without having to make fillings or complex structures
Allow composition with other elements, such as brises and glass, for ventilation or concealment of air-conditioning machines

This is precisely why ventilated facades are so often used in retrofit projects, giving a “new face” to buildings while making them more efficient and sustainable.

2. Durability

The systems are designed for maximum performance, offering between 200 and 300 times more clamping area than simple clips or metal inserts.

3. Warranty

In general, a 10-year warranty is offered for the services rendered in materials, design and installation.

4. Security

There are few companies in the market capable of delivering reports from independent laboratories, attesting that the offered solution complies with Brazilian regulations on winds and impacts. Portobello is one of them. All works are insured by an insurance policy and registered by a Brazilian technician.

5. Easy work management

Managing all aspects of a work is a very complex service and demands full knowledge of the technical team. The complete solution sales model consists of a single supply contract that already includes materials, design, installation, inspection and warranty.

6. Easy maintenance

The panels of the ventilated facades are independent, which facilitates maintenance, allowing for faster repairs, changes and checks. Eventual projection or installation defects are covered by a 10-year warranty.

7. Fast installation

The ventilated façade allows for installation in at least four times less time than the traditional method. This is because it is a high-productivity dry industrialized system.

8. Thermal comfort

The “chimney effect” of natural air circulation inside the façade isolates the internal environment from the external environment, reducing air conditioning consumption by up to 20%.

9. Breathing system

The façade system allows the dispersion of steam from inside the walls, which eliminates moisture in the buildings.

This means that ventilated facades also help to improve the conservation of the structure and reduce the problems caused by humidity.

10. Water tightness

Another important advantage is that when properly dimensioned, the system manages to control the entry of rainwater and eliminate infiltrations — one of the most common causes of facade deterioration.

In addition, there is the possibility of idealizing a facade with solutions for reusing rainwater, which is capable of making a project even more sustainable.

11. Ease of cleaning

Considering the high durability of this type of facade and the low degree of water absorption, the cleaning of the plates can be carried out by rainwater itself, reducing the accumulation of dirt and inhibiting the fixation of chemical products, such as compounds, paints and even graffiti.

12. Sustainability

Ventilated facades are good solutions for sustainable projects, especially due to the use of recyclable and ecologically correct materials in their manufacturing process and the lower generation of waste during construction.

In addition, as we have seen, they offer more energy efficiency to buildings thanks to their “chimney effect”, which generates continuous ventilation and improves thermal comfort inside buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning and other devices, which reduces energy consumption.

It is still possible to combine other solutions capable of making the project even more sustainable, such as the reuse of rainwater.

13. Other advantages of ventilated facades

In addition to all these benefits, ventilated facades also have many others, such as:

· Use of the space between the plates and the wall for hydraulic or electrical installations or for the addition of materials that provide greater thermal or acoustic comfort

· Wide variety of colors, shapes and textures

· Less noise

The ventilated façade system is extremely versatile aVentilated Facades: 13 Benefits for your Project