DBV Rainscreen Facade Product Technical Guide
OVERVIEW
Rainscreens / Ventilated Facades
The need to adhere to ecological and improve cost-efficiency is becoming an increasingly important part of the planning and construction of buildings . Energy savings , energy efficiency labor costs and aesthetics are important criteria about which decisions have to be made . Facade structures must fulfill high demands in terms of long-term requirements such as protection from the elements , thermal insulation , durability and low maintenance , design elements , fire protection , soundproofing as well as ecological requirements . The decision to incorporate a rainscreen / ventilated facade in the design of the building makes it possible to take all of these aspects into account in a more optimal way .
A conservative approach to the use of natural resources and the comfort and wellbeing of the building ’ s occupants as well as the reduction of long-term cost factors ( e . g . building costs , service life , maintenance costs ) are further advantages of rainscreens / ventilated facades . Moreover , when it comes to appearance and design considerations , rainscreens / ventilated facades open up a multitude of possibilities . Energy generation systems ( solar thermal and photovoltaic ) can also be incorporated in the design . In terms of building physics and from a technical as well as cost efficiency point of view , a rainscreen / ventilated facade provides an optimum solution for the outer skin of a building , not only in new construction but also in renovation projects .
The main advantages of drained and backed ventilated rainscreen facade
• Greater protection from the elements provided by the cladding
• Higher functionality in terms of building physics – thermal insulation stays dry thanks to ventilation
• Higher energy efficiency through use of insulating materials suitable for rainscreens / ventilated facades plus innovative substructures make it possible to achieve almost any desired R-value
• Simpler solutions comprising adjustable substructures for use on uneven supporting surfaces
• A comfortable indoor climate thanks to a vapor diffusion coefficient that decreases from inside towards the outside
• Cooling effect in summer thanks to the temperature barrier effect of the ventilation cavity – excess heat is dissipated through this cavity
• Thermal insulation in winter thanks to the increased heat transition resistance of the ventilation cavity
• Sustainable method of construction thanks to longer life , lower maintenance and separate layers ( easier demolition and recycling )
• More reliable fire protection through the corresponding choice of system components and building materials classes
• Soundproofing : the high noise absorption characteristics of mineral wool insulation in conjunction with thick cladding is capable of achieving a higher noise reduction factor
• Lightning protection : metal substructures and cladding can serve as a natural lightning conductor , or can be connected to separate lightning conductor systems
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