Ventilated facade is a general term for facade structures which have a uniform ventilation gap between the facade cladding and the thermal insulation layer, improving the structure’s moisture safety.
Ventilated facades are characterized by many different system components from different vendors. This can make it difficult for the designer to achieve all the goals set for the structure.
To make the designers’ work easier, Paroc has published
a design guide for well-insulated ventilated facades. The objective of the guide is to present guidelines for designing the ventilation of facades of different heights and for choosing the right wind protection and thermal insulation products.
Ventilated facades designed for different climate zones
The guidelines were determined using numerical simulations and analyses performed by VTT. Recommended values presented in dimensioning tables are mostly based on the yearly average moisture load and wind conditions in different climate zones.
“The perspective of the new design guide is diverse. It looks at different types of facade solutions in buildings of different heights, in three different European climate zones”, says
Susanna Tykkä-Vedder, Application Manager, Timber & Frame Constructions.
“Most importantly, the guide promotes the design of safe and functional buildings.”
Moisture control is an important part of the building design phase, as well as fire safety. Selecting the right insulation material is essential.
Stone wool is a fire safe insulation material for ventilated facades
The “chimney effect” in the air gap is a mechanism that improves the facade’s thermal and moisture behavior. However, in the event of a fire, it may contribute to the quickest route for fire spreading, representing a significant risk to the upper floors of the building. Therefore, it is always recommended to use non-combustible materials in ventilated facade systems.
“Paroc’s stone wool is a safe insulation material for facades in all respects. As recyclable material it is also a sustainable choice”, Tykkä-Vedder says.
Design guide for well-insulated ventilated facades (pdf)
