Maximising Façade Durability with EQUITONE's System

7/31/2022

EQUITONE panels should always be installed on the façade using a rear-ventilated curtain system. This principle has been tried and tested over many centuries in buildings of all kinds.

ventilated facade fiber ciment equitone

Of course, the materials have adapted over time, and some have been recently added. But the structure and its typical components have always remained the same: anchoring base (brickwork/reinforced concrete, timber or truss construction), insulation, rear ventilation and cladding.

Maximising Façade Durability with EQUITONE's System

All weather resistance

The rear-ventilated curtain system offers many advantages:

  • Fulfilment of all building energy standards
  • Improved sound insulation for the building
  • Low susceptibility to damage, thus long service life for the façade
  • Easy removal in case of maintenance to the building or damage to the panel.
  • Permanent graffiti protection possible with EQUITONE [natura] PRO and [pictura]
  • Can be fully disassembled into its constituent parts during dismantling
water on a panel fiber ciment equitone installation

A moisture-free façade

The structural separation of the façade cladding (weather protection) and the insulation (heat and cold protection) allows air to circulate in the rear ventilation space. In this way, not only moisture from the building that passes into the rear ventilation space but also moisture that penetrates the rainscreen is removed by natural vapour diffusion and drainage of the ventilated cavity. Mould formation in the interior is prevented, so the insulation and wall construction remain permanently dry. And an optimal indoor climate is ensured.

criteria rear ventilated facade fiber ciment

Rear-ventilated curtain façades vs. thermal insulation composite systems

The structural separation of the insulation layer and the weather protection is the main distinguishing feature in contrast to other façade systems. Especially in comparison to thermal insulation composite (ETICS) systems, where the two components are combined in a single functional layer. This reduction has a positive effect on cost, but not on quality and sustainability. This table compares the criteria of the two systems.

The tendency towards a rendered façade in relation to cost can still be maintained in the construction of single-family homes. However, in commercial properties, individualisation and image play a much more important role. This is the case in commercial properties such as multi-storey residential buildings, office and administrative buildings, shops, and retail units. But also, in municipal buildings, mainly schools, kindergartens and hospitals.

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Market evaluation of decision makers based on decisive factors

  • -: negative/disadvantageous
  • 0: neutral
  • +: positive/advantageous
  • ++: unique selling point

Source: Prof. Karsten Tichelmann, Testing Institute for Wood and Dry Wall Construction (Versuchsanstalt für Holz- und Trockenbau GmbH) in Darmstadt

Further details on rear-ventilated curtain façades can be found in the detailed planning document EQUITONE Planning & Application.

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