Regardless of the material the house is built from, sooner or later the owner has to think about the option of finishing the facade. The ventilated facade is one of the most popular systems today. It protects the walls from the negative external impact of moisture, improves the thermal insulation characteristics of the structure, and radically and for the better changes the exterior. There are many options for arranging such structures, but each of them is based on basic technology. We will talk about it in the article.
Advantages and disadvantages of ventilated facades
Today, the ventilated facade is a very popular design. This fact can be explained by a number of its advantages:
- Increased level of noise and sound insulation due to the multi-layer structure.
- The variety of filling and cladding materials provides the opportunity to choose the design and price.
- High savings on home heating. Perfect for buildings with thermostatically controlled radiators.
- Installation speed. The structures can be installed at any temperature. The system is easy to lay and assemble.
- Possibility of use for the arrangement of facades of multi-storey buildings and structures.
- Resistance to negative environmental factors: precipitation, temperature changes, icing, strong winds, etc.
- Fire safety. The system is made of non-combustible materials, so it does not ignite when in direct contact with fire.
- The service life of a facade laid according to all the rules reaches 50 years or more.
The ventilated facade does not require special care. If necessary, repair and restoration work of such a coating does not take much time and does not require serious investments.
Conditional disadvantages of ventilated facades can be considered a fairly high price for building materials and services of craftsmen (if you do not make the coating yourself). In addition, you need to initially choose high-quality insulation, otherwise after a couple of years of operation it may shrink.
Types of buildings
If the installation of a ventilated facade is carried out for a two- or more-story building, you may need scaffolding.
Ventilated facades are used for the following types of houses:
- timber;
- wooden;
- prefabricated houses made of sandwich panels
- aerated concrete.
The simplest option is to install a facade for a one-story frame house. You don’t need to put up scaffolding for this, all work is carried out using a simple stepladder or ladder.
Design features of ventilated facades
If we take a section, then a ventilated facade is a multi-layer system of layers of insulating barriers with a mandatory ventilation gap in the range from 30 to 50 mm between them. It is the gaps that ensure air circulation and eliminate stagnant processes. It turns out that the ventilated facade not only insulates the building from the outside, but also protects surfaces from the negative effects of moisture, temperature changes, the formation of mold, fungal formations. In other words, it significantly extends the service life of the building.
The design of a ventilated facade includes five main components:
- a substrate or system on which all layers of the facade “pie” are held;
- thermal insulation materials;
- fabrics with protection from blowing and moisture;
- gaps for ventilation of the entire system;
- decorative cladding.
For insulation in facade structures, as a rule, ordinary mineral wool is used. This material combines such qualities as low thermal conductivity, resistance to moisture, and non-flammability. The wool perfectly holds its shape throughout its entire service life.
Particular attention should be paid to the ventilation gap. It is the one that performs the most important functions:
- compensates for deviations in the dimensions of walls and other materials from the specified norm;
- does not allow precipitation to penetrate into the layers of plaster, brick and other materials from which the walls are made;
- forms a kind of drainage that removes water to the outside;
- keeps all parts of the structure dry;
- neutralizes the pressure difference due to wind pressure.
The optimal gap size is 2 cm. However, it is impossible to comply with this parameter everywhere, so the acceptable size is up to 10 cm.
In essence, the operation of the gap is based on the laws of physics. Thus, cold air goes down, and warm air goes up, this is how ventilation is provided, ventilating the liquid outside.
We create a framework
The main parts of the structure are the base or frame. All other elements rest on it, so it is worth taking care of the quality of the starting work. The frame is made of different materials, mainly wooden beams, stainless steel or galvanized profile. The first option is cheaper, but is used very rarely. The fact is that before laying, the wood must be carefully treated against decay. It is also important that the beams are the same.
Professionals still advise to build a foundation from galvanized or stainless steel. The materials are strong, light, durable, and easily hide minor surface irregularities without preliminary plastering.
Membranes and their necessity
It has already been said above that steam that collects outside the house needs to be removed. This is why vapor-impermeable membranes are laid under the foundation during installation. However, the same material should be laid on top of the insulation later. The second purpose of the membrane is wind protection.
Facing
For cladding the finished facade “pie” you can use absolutely any option you like. The main thing to consider is that the entire structure and walls of the house must withstand its weight. Usually ventilated facades are finished with the following materials:
- siding panels;
- fiber cement;
- metal cassettes;
- porcelain stoneware;
- artificial or natural stone.
Several basic rules for installation with stages
Self-installation of a ventilated facade requires some knowledge and skills. It is also necessary to follow the sequence of work stages and a number of nuances. If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to invite a master and help him at all stages of the work. This option will be cheaper and more reliable in terms of the final quality of the structure.
At the preparatory stage, several basic tasks should be carried out:
- old decorative finishes are removed from the walls;
- the strength and integrity of the foundation is checked;
- if the strength is insufficient, the old coating on the damaged area is removed and a new layer (plaster) is applied;
- all elements without exception that will interfere with the installation of the new structure are removed;
- the surface is cleaned of dust, dirt, leaves and other debris;
- It is recommended (optional) to cover the surface with a primer with an antiseptic effect.
This stage ends with the acquisition of all necessary tools and materials for further work.
Next we proceed to the formation of the ventilation structure:
- We make markings for the base. It is very important to observe strict geometry – to arrange the elements evenly in relation to the surface of the earth and to each other. To do this, it is worth using a building level, plumb lines, a laser ruler. The last option is considered optimal. We begin with the fact that from any edge you need to measure 15 cm and draw the first line.
- We install the base. Holes are drilled along the lines, the depth of which should match the dimensions of the dowel for fixing the profiles.
- We lay out the membrane. It is laid on the wall without gaps, it is better if there is an overlap of at least 10 cm. For reliable fixation, you can treat the applied edges with tape.
- We place the insulation. The material is laid tightly, the gaps at the joints can be up to 2 mm.
- Another layer of membrane. Just like the first one, it is laid with an overlap. All three layers of the “pie” are fixed with dowels with large heads. At least 3 units per 1 layer of insulation.
- Laying the profile. Each profile is fixed on brackets. Special rivets are used for a reliable connection. It is at this stage that the ventilation gap is provided.
A few significant “buts”
Professional installation of ventilated facades is carried out by special construction organizations that have permits to carry out this type of activities. The fact is that it is not recommended to install a ventilated facade without a preliminary project. Very often, this leads to violations of both technological requirements and the structure itself. In addition, after complete installation, it is impossible to assess the correctness of its installation and the level of functionality.
The system itself is easy to install and can be installed in a wide temperature range. However, in this case there are limitations, for example, the capabilities of the human body. The builder will not be able to work outside at very low or high ambient temperatures.