Installation guidelines
Installation guidelines
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Table of contents

Building physics

The rainscreen

The rainscreen cladding system combines functional, economic and aesthetic properties. It provides protection against noise, cold and heat, and prevents the load-bearing structure from being affected by atmospheric conditions. The construction of the rainscreen is characterised by a clear, functional separation of the individual component layers. Ventilated rainscreen cladding is primarily made up of multiple components that have been structurally coordinated. Moisture is diverted via the ventilation gap, which keeps the insulation and brickwork dry. 

Depending on the structural-physical requirements, rainscreens can be installed on insulated or non-insulated walls.

The supporting sstem should be planned in such a way that takes into account the load-bearing base, the static requirements, the building physics and the cladding, as determined by the structural stability requirements.

The benefits of the Rear Ventilated Rainscreen Facade

  • Variable insulation thickness
  • Adapt building materials easily (ideal for renovations and older buildings)
  • Can be installed on any sub-structures thanks to a variety of anchoring elements
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • Ideal building-physics due to a diffusion-permeable buildup
  • Ideal thermal protection thanks to variable insulation thicknesses and k-values (thermal conductivity)
  • Very good insulation in summer
  • Resistant to driving rain
  • Sustainable thanks to the separation of different components by type

1 Back ventilation cavity
2 Wall bracket
3 Fixed point
4 Support profile
5 Cladding element (exterior)
6 Sliding point
7 Fastener

8 Anchor base
9 Thermal stop
10 Fixings
11 thermal insulation
12 Connector

Rear ventilation gap

The rear ventilation cavity must comply with the national requirements applicable to the material selected for the substructure. The support profiles must be aligned with the profile installation in order to guarantee unobstructed air circulation on the ventilation level. Depending on the direction in which the profiles are installed, the substructure may be constructed as a 1-layer or multi-layer structure.

Note

When installing sidings vertically, the cross-section of the panel along the siding, siding.X and perforated siding can be considered as a ventilation gap.

Perforated siding is considered an open façade cladding. PREFA recommends using a breathable membrane and a supporting sub-structure(rail and bracket system) made of metal.