Ventilated or light-wet (putz) facades?

Ventilated Facade vs. Traditional Insulation – Which to Choose?

Every investor starting a construction project faces numerous dilemmas regarding the realization of the building. One of them is what to use for the facade? This is a very important issue often raised by the Investor themselves and by the Architects of the building because the appearance of the facade largely determines the final look of the building.

The aesthetic aspect often plays a key role, although it should be emphasized that the facade greatly influences the comfort of the building’s residents. The method and quality of facade execution determine the interior temperatures of the building, the air and wall moisture levels, the formation of mold, and financial aspects related to: heat loss during heating, cleaning costs, facade maintenance, etc.

There are many ways to execute the facade. The light – wet facade, commonly known as putz, remains the most popular. Leading manufacturers here include: Ceracol, Ceresit, STO, Opotiroc, Terranowa. As an alternative, we propose ventilated facades. The most popular types of ventilated claddings are: wood-like HPL panels (Trespa, Fundermax, Krono, Prodema), fiber-cement (Equitone – Euronit, Cembrit, Swisspearl, Cerdal), concrete (Concreate, Fibre C), composite (Alucobond, Etalbond), others like wood shavings ( Cetris), or ventilated plaster (on Fermacel, Aquapanel panels).

Ventilated facades represent a modern solution in contemporary construction, combining aesthetics with functionality. In its characteristics, a ventilated facade is distinguished primarily by a system that allows free air exchange between the insulating layer and the outer facade cladding. This protects the wall from cold and heat, and removes moisture, preventing corrosion of building materials or insulation. In the article, we will discuss the issues related to ventilated facades as a modern solution in residential construction.

Each solution has its own arguments, and it’s not advisable to suggest that one system is better or worse than another. Each Investor has different expectations and priorities, and the decision on facade material should be made according to their expectations.

Both solutions: ventilated facade and light – wet facade are entirely different. They are united only by the same idea – insulating the building. They differ in appearance, execution method, materials used, possible execution time, method of implementation, durability, execution cost, etc.
The choice of facade should be decided at the construction project stage. Unfortunately, this is not always achieved. The absolute final deadline is the completion of the building’s shell, i.e., without windows, sheet metal work, or any insulation on the building. This is due to the use of different insulating materials for both systems, different facade projections, and the use of substructures for ventilated facades, etc.

What is a ventilated facade?

As the name suggests, a ventilated facade has ventilation. This means that there is a 2-3 cm ventilation gap between the insulation and the panel. In this so-called chimney, there is continuous air circulation, which has a significant impact on the comfort of living inside the building.

High temperatures in summer cause the outer layer to heat up. In ventilated facades, this heats up the panel. This does not affect the indoor temperature of the building because the heat accumulated in the panel does not penetrate the thermal insulation layer; instead, it is dissipated by circulating air in the ventilation gap and blown out through appropriately designed ventilation openings.

We get the exact opposite effect in winter when the frost stops at the panel and does not penetrate directly to the thermal insulation layer. In a building with a ventilated facade, there are no large temperature fluctuations, making living in them more comfortable.

Another advantage is the elimination of condensation on the inner side of the external partition. Humidity from the building is removed through ventilation, preventing condensation. This is a huge plus as it eliminates the formation of mold and fungi, which are hazardous to the health of the building’s residents.

It is also worth noting that ventilated facades are insulated with wool (Rockwool Ventimax F, Panelrock F, Wentirock F, Ursa kdp 2v, Isover MultiMax, Super Vent Plus, etc.), not with styrofoam, which does not allow water vapor to pass through, creating a sealed so-called thermos. Walls insulated with wool simply breathe.

What are the benefits of a ventilated facade?

• Wall breathability: Reduces the risk of condensation.
• Better thermal insulation: Compared to other facade technologies.
• Constant temperature and vapor pressure: Achieves required heat parameters.
• Thermal comfort: Cooling in summer, retaining heat in winter, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Durable construction: Allows for replacing parts without needing to replace the entire system.
• Resistance: To wind, fire, and corrosion.
• Improved facade finish: Aesthetic appearance.
• Quick installation and cleaning: Efficient and easy maintenance.

Ventilated facade operation in different seasons

In summer, hot air rises and is replaced by cooler air, preventing the building from overheating. In winter, humid air is blown out, reducing the risk of moisture in the partitions and improving the building’s thermal and acoustic insulation.

Traditional Plasters.

Currently, the market offers a wide variety of facade plasters such as: mineral, silicone, silicate, silicon-silicate, etc. Depending on what you expect from your facade, choose the right one. For example, mineral plaster is the cheapest but also the least durable, requiring repainting every 3 years to maintain its aesthetic appearance. Acrylic plaster is more durable than mineral plaster but is also the most prone to mold formation, making it unsuitable for facades in wooded areas. Silicone plaster is much more resistant to environmental conditions, does not dirty easily, but does not allow air and moisture to pass from the building, making the indoor climate less friendly. Silicate plaster is self-cleaning, with dust particles washing off with rain, is vapor-permeable and comfortable for residents, but is unfortunately more expensive than the previously mentioned options.

Rockpanel Chameleon ventilated facade

An important aspect when choosing a facade is its appearance. Plastered facades, known as “lamb” with various granulations, come in a wide palette of colors from pastel shades to very intense colors. Today, there are also various effects that can be achieved on such a facade, such as glitter, painted stone imitations, wood imprints; decorative cornices or stucco can also be used.

Ventilated facades on modern buildings.

Ventilated facades offer completely different possibilities. Numerous manufacturers offer various types of facade claddings, from fiber-cement facade panels such as Euronit – Equitone, Cembrit, Swisspearl, Cedral, to wood-like HPL panels, smooth or printed with any pattern, such as Trespa, Fundermax, Krono, veneered facade panels Prodema, wooden facade boards, compressed stone fiber panels Rockpanel, concrete panels such as Concreate, Fibre C, or finally stone on the facade, composite such as Alucobond, Etalbond, ceramic facade panels, and many others. Each manufacturer offers a rich color palette of basic patterns. It is also worth mentioning unique claddings such as chameleon panels that change color depending on the viewing angle, lumen panels from Trespa’s collection, each color in several finishes, gloss panels imitating glass, or rock panels with a stone texture. There are also custom panels with any selected print, pattern, curved panels, and many other solutions.

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And this is just the beginning of possibilities, as we haven’t even mentioned the options for installing facade panels. These can be flat facade panels, but this doesn’t mean they have to be boring. They can be facade claddings arranged, for example, in a brick pattern. You can also build spatial facades with them, perforate the facade panels, illuminate them, decorate with rivets, create movable elements, shutters, etc. The only limitation is the designer’s imagination.

Another important feature to mention is the implementation process of a ventilated facade. Ventilated facades are a long-term design and engineering project. Such a facade cannot be executed without installation documentation outlining the substructure layout, panel layout, rivets, details, etc. A precise execution project is also necessary to calculate the amount of materials needed for facade works.

Of course, material requirements must also be anticipated for plaster facades, but they do not need to be as precise as for ventilated facades, as these materials are more readily available, and it is possible to order more easily with shorter delivery times.

Ventilated facades need to be considered very carefully. Each panel manufacturer starts producing a specific panel after receiving the order. There is no such thing as stock inventory. You can’t buy panels ‘off the shelf’, nor return them if you order too many. Therefore, two very important questions arise for each investor: ‘execution time?’ and ‘costs?’ price.

The execution time for an order of facade panels varies, from the shortest 2 weeks at Rockwool for Rockpanel panels, 2-3 weeks at Equitone – Euronit, through 3-5 weeks at Trespa, Max Exterior, to even 12 weeks for concrete facade panels Fibre C.

Due to the long waiting period for materials, it is not possible to order too little and then wait for a few more pieces. Additionally, each manufacturer has so-called minimum order quantities, and ordering a few pieces, or even quantities below 100m2, involves additional costs for the facade panel itself and additional transport costs. On the other hand, ordering more facade panels is also not economical, as facade panels are expensive, and it doesn’t make sense to pay for material that will not be used.

After the ordering phase, we proceed with the work. Light – wet facades, due to the use of a large amount of building chemistry, such as adhesives and plasters, require installation at temperatures above +5°C. Ventilated facades can be executed almost all year round, as mechanical methods of installing panels and substructures are used.
When choosing a facade, it is also worth considering which one is more durable. A ventilated facade is characterized by excellent performance during the building’s operation. The panels are washable and most have an anti-graffiti coating (e.g., Euronit Natura PRO, Euronit Pictura, Rockwool Rockpanel wood-like, etc.). Cladding facade panels are impact-resistant and do not require additional care, painting, or impregnation (except for natural wood, which needs to be impregnated every 3 years). Most manufacturers provide a warranty for their material for 10 years, and some even for 30 years.

Trespa facade panels.

Plaster facades have very varying durability, depending on the chosen type of plaster. For example, mineral plaster gets dirty fairly quickly and can develop mold or fungi, requiring repainting every few years. Silicate plaster is resistant to such dirt and does not require maintenance. There are also plasters that are highly resistant to all kinds of dirt, used in the renovation of monuments, and can remain unrenewed for up to 30 years.

The final feature to mention, which interests investors, is the cost of a ventilated facade. And here the topic becomes vast… The cost in both systems depends on many factors, such as whether the building is tall or short, where it is located, e.g., near the sea or in a forest, whether it has a complex structure, which materials will be used, during which season, summer or winter, the installation is planned, etc. Each facade requires individual consideration and pricing, so only estimated costs for both projects can be provided.

For instance: light – wet facades have a minimal cost starting from about 200 PLN per m2 (price includes materials and installation). Ventilated facades have a minimal cost starting from about 380 PLN net per m2 (price includes materials and installation). Of course, it’s hard to discuss the upper limit, as the possibilities are truly vast, and some individual solutions may unfortunately prove costly.

Summarizing the choice between ventilated and light-wet facades.

• Advantages: it is cheaper than the ventilated method; provides good thermal and acoustic insulation; is resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions; allows the use of different types of plasters and colors; is easy to repair and renew.
• Disadvantages: does not provide ventilation between the insulation and the cladding, which can lead to condensation and mold growth; requires careful execution and the use of appropriate materials to avoid cracks and delamination of the plaster; can be difficult to match to the existing facade during renovation.

In summary, the choice of facade method depends on individual preferences, financial capabilities, and technical conditions of the building. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before making a decision.

Ventilated facades are a system that works well in both new and renovated buildings. m3ziolek specializes in the installation of ventilated facades, offering innovative solutions and high-quality work.

What is a ventilated facade and what does its construction look like?

The building’s facade performs several functions, especially protection against external influences. One of the most interesting solutions is the ventilated facade, where there is an empty space between the cladding and the insulation. This eliminates the problems of thermal bridges and condensation. m3ziolek provides professional installation of this type of facade, which translates into the durability and energy efficiency of the building.

The ventilated facade system consists of: • substructure – metal, aluminum, or wooden, • insulating layer – styrofoam or mineral wool, • external cladding.

Advantages of ventilated facades

Ventilated facades offer many benefits, such as better thermal insulation, elimination of thermal bridges, and reduction of condensation. Additionally, with m3ziolek, you can count on aesthetically pleasing and durable execution, increasing the value of the property.

Where can ventilated facades be used?

The application possibilities of ventilated facades are practically unlimited. This type of facade is suitable for both new and old buildings, including masonry, reinforced concrete, or skeletal structures. Not long ago, this system was mainly used in luxury buildings and larger investments. Today, ventilated facade claddings are commonly appearing even in residential construction. This is due to the numerous advantages of this solution, such as durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.

Which facade cladding to choose?

Choosing the right ventilated cladding for a ventilated facade depends on several key factors, such as the type of facade material and the building’s load-bearing structure. In small buildings, such as single-family houses, lightweight claddings made of plastic (so-called siding), wood, or profiled sheet metal are most commonly used. For heavier claddings, such as stone, concrete, or fiber-cement panels, appropriate substructures must be used.

What are the most commonly used materials in the ventilated facade system:

• Fiber-cement panels: Characterized by high durability and resistance to weather conditions.
• HPL laminated panels (high-pressure decorative laminate): Offer a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing for unique visual effects.
• Metals: Such as aluminum or stainless steel, which are durable and give a modern look.
• Natural stone: Adds elegance and prestige to the building.
• Architectural concrete: Popular in modern designs, providing a raw, industrial look.
• Ceramic cladding: Resistant to weather conditions and easy to maintain.

The richness of colors, shapes, thicknesses, and textures of cladding panels ensures unique visual effects for the entire facade. This allows available claddings to achieve almost any architectural style. Designers often use the principle of mixing textures, creating interesting and varied facades. On a single building, there can be, for example, fiber-cement panels imitating concrete and wood-like HPL panels, giving the facade a unique character.

Choosing the right facade cladding is crucial for the aesthetics, durability, and functionality of the building. Therefore, it is worth consulting with experts to choose the best solution tailored to individual needs and technical conditions. m3ziolek offers a wide range of materials and professional advice at every stage of project implementation.

Ventilated facade installation step by step

What does the installation of a ventilated facade involve? The installation and system of a ventilated facade consist of:

1. Construction and fastening of the grid – It starts with the construction of the grid (lattice) from boards or system battens (steel, aluminum). This grid is then attached to the wall. The grid layout can be horizontal or vertical, depending on the way the covering is laid.
2. Installation of insulating materials – Next, insulation boards such as mineral wool or styrofoam are placed between the grid elements. These boards are fixed using special connectors or dowels, without the use of glue.
3. Creation of a ventilation gap – It is important that a 3-centimeter gap is created in the structure between the insulation layer and the cladding, ensuring proper ventilation.
4. Installation of finishing elements – In the final step, the selected finishing elements, such as boards, tiles, or panels, are installed.

Thermal insulation spacers are also important elements, helping to eliminate the risk of thermal bridges in the structure.

Price of ventilated facade installation

The cost of installing a ventilated facade may vary depending on the chosen materials and the complexity of the project. m3ziolek offers competitive prices and comprehensive support at every stage of project implementation.

Feel free to contact us for individual quotes and to clear up any doubts you may have in choosing the best facade system for your needs.