Aesthetics and thermal protection with the right facade cladding

The materials used for the shell of a house are functional and offer optimal structural properties. However, in very few cases are they particularly attractive to look at. Compressive strength and thermal insulation are also two opposing properties. Apart from wood or gas concrete, no materials are available that can fulfil both requirements. This makes a multi-skin construction an optimal solution in most cases.

Function of facade cladding

A facade cladding does not fulfil any static tasks. Therefore, it must not be subjected to stresses that exceed its own load-bearing capacity. The functions of a facade cladding are as follows:

Aesthetic enhancement of the building
Permanent advertising messages or recognisability of a corporate identity
weather protection for insulating materials or building materials behind it
extended functions.

The creation of an aesthetically pleasing façade is one of the primary tasks of cladding. It thus serves as an alternative to plaster, stucco rendering or brickwork. A typical feature of curtain walling is that it is not painted. Theoretically, this is possible. In practice, facade cladding retains its original colour scheme or is completely replaced.

For many franchises, branches or subsidiaries, a high recognition value is required. An appropriately designed façade can combine this recognition value with a high long-distance effect. This makes the companies quickly identifiable.

Weather protection for building materials behind is also a primary function of facade cladding. They protect insulating materials, supporting structures made of wood or highly absorbent building materials, such as aerated concrete, from moisture penetration. This ensures permanent thermal protection and prevents damage caused by rot or frost.

Modern facade cladding can take on a variety of other functions. These include self-cleaning through an appropriate coating. Cladding with integrated solar cells contributes to the economic efficiency of the building. Sufficiently strong and appropriately designed, facade cladding can also provide active sound insulation

Materials for facade cladding

Facade cladding is usually made of rolled and coated sheet metal. Galvanised steel sheets and sheets made of aluminium have become established here. Steel sheets are very interesting in terms of price. However, they are only conditionally resistant to corrosion, even if they are galvanised. This can make re-treatment necessary after a few years. Aluminium façades, on the other hand, are durable solutions. They are particularly suitable for buildings where reworking is technically too costly.

Today, facade cladding is available in many designs and structural features. This makes this inexpensive, aesthetic and very labour-efficient façade protection an interesting alternative for many buildings.