HEATING , VENTILATION & INSULATION
VENTILATION - HOW TO GET IT RIGHT AND ADD YEARS OF LIFE TO YOUR PROPERTY
Matthew Castles , technical manager at Cedral UK , provides some insight into this aspect of facades .
Cladding is a popular option for home exteriors , but getting the ventilation right is crucial . Ventilation is a vital element of any rainscreen cladding system and taking time at the start of a project to address the ventilation issues , could add significantly to the longevity and overall performance of the building . The advantages of installing a ventilated wall include increased energy efficiency , reduced structural movement of the building and extended lifetime of the facade . In warm weather , ventilation is necessary to prevent the cladding – and subsequently the building – from overheating , while in colder , damper weather it will stop the build-up of moisture and condensation .
Some problems that can occur without correct ventilation :
• Differential movement of the cladding boards
• Bowing and cracking of the planks
• Temperature inside the cavity affecting the timber or aluminium framing
• Moisture affecting timber battens behind the planks
• Premature coating failure & delamination
74