The facade system principle

Non-bearing rear-ventilated façades have become one of the most successful façade systems in multi-story & high quality residential and commercial construction.

As recent facade market studies have shown, architects and many other experts value this system's multifaceted construction and function potential. In addition to functional safety and design possibilities, the system of non-bearing, rear-ventilated façades makes it possible to select from among the widest variety of facade claddings. Moreover, the use of various cladding materials makes it possible to implement a wide variety of material combinations.

That means façade design can be tailored to a building's specific characteristics, thereby creating façades delivering high technical and aesthetic quality with long service life and low susceptibility to damage.

The interior climate (rear ventilation)

The non-bearing rear-ventilate façade system guarantees optimal interior climate with the following structure:

The components of insulation and siding are maintained separated. The moisture balance in the structure is governed via a rear ventilation space positioned between the components. This reliably moves building and utilization moisture out, with moist exterior walls drying within the shortest amount of time. This guarantees an optimal interior climate.

Insulation

The double-layer system of the non-bearing rear-ventilated facade effectively separates the functions of anti-weathering protection and insulation. The use of mineral insulation material from thermal conductivity groups 040 or 035 is standard for every building height and purpose. The requirements in the German Energy Saving Ordinance are immediately met, for this system makes it possible to install any thickness of insulation that may be required. Increasing thickness at a later time can also be done under certain conditions.

Sub-structure

The sub structure is the static link between the load-bearing exterior wall and the façade cladding. The materials that can be used for the sub-structure are aluminium and wood, or a combination of both. Aluminium is the most common substance used. Aluminium sub-structures can be adjusted in three dimensions and combine with the building tension-free. Unevenness and wall protrusions can be offset to provide vertical and horizontal alignment. Aluminium sub structures can - even with non-conductive cladding - be integrated into the lighting arrester concept with a high degree of efficacy.

The Association

The Association for Materials and Components for Rear-Ventilated Façades (FVHF - Fachverband für vorgehängte hinterlüftete Fassaden e.V.) represents the interests of manufacturers who produce cladding, sub-structures, insulation materials and elements for fixing, fastening and connecting rear-ventilated facades. It is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.

The association's goal is to promote sophisticated design and the implementation of new construction and renovation projects, especially with respect to architecture and building physics and in consideration of all ecological factors. The main task of FVHF is to communicate the advantages and characteristics of rear-ventilated façades to the public, planners, associations and decision-makers by means of an active information policy. FVHF actively promotes a uniform approval process structure for the construction of rear-ventilated façades, as well as the standardisation of construction and components. In order to accelerate the technological and economic progress of façade construction, the association develops recommendations and guidelines and fosters application-oriented research. In addition, FVHF is involved in the creation and introduction of national and international guidelines.