The Ventilated Facade is a multi-layered building envelope consisting of an outer layer made of different materials that is mechanically connected to the inner layer(a new or existing wall made of brick, cement blocks, etc.) using a substructure made of steel, and a ventilated air gap of varying width (minimum 2 cm) which usually contains the thermal insulation in contact with the inner layer.
The purpose of the ventilated air gap is:
- To install insulation material on the outside of the existing building envelope, eliminating thermal bridges.
- To create a chimney effect, reducing condensation and protecting against rain and wind, keeping the insulation and inner layer dry.
Ventilation is produced by upper and lower openings, and/or the presence of open jointsover the whole of the envelope.