Hotel Breeze, cavity, ventilated facade, high rise building, PV panels

Ventilated Façade

First explored and tested in the early 20th century in Europe, this ‘second skin’ for structures creates a chimney effect, which contributes to elimination of moisture and regulation of heat – that can otherwise affect the building in hot weather.

These solutions can be used to improve performance of both new and existing buildings, in conjunction with cladding products from ROCKPANEL, part of the ROCKWOOL Group.

Read on to learn more about these solutions – popular among architects and contractors for their high quality, aesthetic possibilities and numerous advantages.

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Why do we need ventilated facades?

A ventilated façade system as a whole protects against adverse weather conditions.

As the façade is generally the largest surface area of a building, it’s important to consider the relationship between the internal and external environment – and properly insulate the façade to improve heat regulation.

Among other benefits, systems also help to prevent:

  • Water damage
  • Risk of mould
  • Structural damage

With ‘open-joint’ solutions, rainwater that gets into the exterior barrier of the rainscreen drains through the air gap. This protects the inner layer of insulation from excess moisture.

Calculator and savings

Installing these solutions can boost buildings’ indoor thermal comfort when you choose ROCKWOOL stone wool.

With cooling systems used less, property owners and tenants can also save on energy costs.

Designers have more freedom to build using our materials.

To help make your build more cost-effective, we’ve also created a series of local tools to assist you in sourcing your materials.

Use our ROCKWOOL U-value calculator to determine the thermal performance of the building’s walls and possible cost savings. For more details on technical specifications, visit our ROCKSPEC Specification Toolkit.

Hotel Breeze, cavity, ventilated facade, high rise building, PV panels
The natural ventilation in the air gap and our stone wool insulation contribute to shifting the heat wave in warmer climate country and maintain the ambient temperature inside the building. A continuous insulation layer on the building envelope helps enhance indoor thermal comfort.

Erica Bazzini

Global Product Manager, ROCKWOOL Group

Case Study

 

The challenge

A hospital maternity unit in the UK had to remain open while a structural renovation project to its facade was carried out. 

The Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary had become draughty, noisy and let heat escape after receiving only minor structural upgrades since the 1960s.

Completing the work in a functioning hospital was a major challenge. 

 

The solution

The solution was to install ROCKWOOL rainscreen insulation. Specifically designed for efficient installation, it was the ideal choice for a build that required minimal disruption. ROCKWOOL DUO SLAB is also Euroclass A1 fire rated as non-combustible for optimum fire resilience.

 

The results

The renovation helped create the right internal environment for the hospital – reducing heat loss and saving energy costs, while maintaining full operation of the unit. Excellent acoustic properties also reduced urban noise transfer into the hospital.

Bradford Maternity Unit, Hospital, Healthcare, RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB, Rockpanel Cladding

Sustainability and energy efficiency

We are committed to the safe and sustainable use of materials in the construction industry.1 Our insulation uses one of earth’s most abundant and sustainable resources – stone – to develop innovative solutions for everything we build.

To support sustainable choices, we provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in more than 20 markets for many of our products. All our ventilated façade products in Europe are certified according to European harmonised standard EN13162.

Hotel Breeze, cavity, ventilated facade, high rise building, PV panels

Financial support

Many countries implement tax incentive schemes to encourage homeowners to renovate their building and improve energy efficiency performances. Contact our local offices for more information.

Energy Efficiency, Key, Keyboard, Button

FAQs

Do exterior walls need to be insulated?