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Rainscreen Cladding Systems from Dynamic Composite Technologies

Introduction

As the design of building facades and envelopes become more complex the need is for a more detailed, structured and collaborative approach. The importance of aesthetics and performance is driving the initial thought process.

More designs are featuring facades that combine different types of material and with this comes the challenge of creating an efficient and appropriate method of installation and support.

The facade designer now has a huge range of facade appearances and optimum layout options to consider, each of which must be optimised and safely engineered.

So how can you deliver a cost effective project on time? The answer is Nvelope rainscreen cladding.

What is Nvelope rainscreen cladding?

It is the attachment of an outer skin of rear ventilated cladding to either a new or an existing building. This system often consists of an outer panel, a ventilated cavity and an inner leaf.

Rainscreen is a form of double wall construction that uses an outer layer to keep out the rain and an inner layer to provide thermal insulation and prevent excessive air leakage and to carry wind loading.

The outer layer breathes like a skin while the inner layer reduces energy losses and the structural frame of the building is kept dry as water never reaches it. It also reduces the mechanical stress on the main structure.

Nvelope advantages

Installation is simple
Nvelope allows external cladding and internal works to proceed quickly and effectively.

Deterioration of a building can be halted
with minimal additional load being applied to the existing structure. This is known as overclad refurbishment.

Allows for the rejuvenation of the buildings
Affecting external appearance and the longevity of performance.

Uses modern methods of construction
Through dry rather than wet trades.

Easily removed panels for monitoring
Or access to services with minimal disturbance to structure.

Reduction of sound
the presence of an air gap and insulation can result in sound reduction index performance improvement up to 14 dB.

Reduces the risk of condensation
Due to the elimination of thermal bridges.

Conventional
lightning rods can be omitted and an electromagnetic shielding of the building can be achieved.

Interstitial condensation is dissipated
so that the temperature is dispersed in the cavity and ventilated through facade openings.

It's energy saving
Lower running costs due to greatly improved thermal insulation, conservation and reduction in HVAC requirements and reduced power and CO2s.

Enhancems the building's comfort
A comfortable ambient climate can be achieved and maintained.

Nvelope Project Checklist
Delivering a facade solution on time and on budget is a complex process. Behind every facade is an integral engineered support system. Nvelope offer a Project Checklist ensuring compliance with Australian building and safety requirements and optimising the amount of fixing elements that need to be used per m²/per elevation.

Thermal calculations

Thermal bridges cause increased flow of heat and should be taken into consideration.

Since the anchoring for ventilated cladding must go through the thermal insulation into the substrate it cannot be avoided - therefore - thermal bridges should be factored - check that the system limits thermal bridging by the inclusion of isolation pads and - importantly make sure they have a known value.

The use of well designed and accurately modelled building details from a reputable cladding system manufacturer will help to more accurately calculate the overall performance of this aspect of the building envelope.

Isolator pads also prevent a chemical reaction occurring between an aluminium bracket and lime in a concrete frame.

Rainscreen cladding assists in reducing energy use throughout the building.

How is it installed?

1. Based on a preliminary survey of the wall and architectural/structural design, a grid layout for the sub-frame is first prepared.

2. The brackets (with the iso pad) are then fixed to the substrate using stainless steel fixings of appropriate size as determined by design. The pull-out value of the fixings for securing the brackets should be determined on site from the characteristic pull-out strength and appropriate safety factor.

3. The rails are clipped into the brackets and, after final adjustment for line and level, are fixed to them using self-drilling stainless steel screws.

4. The rails are normally attached to the substrate such as to span one storey height. They are anchored at mid-span using the round holes on the brackets (fixed point), and allowed to expand at the ends using the elongated holes on the brackets (flexible point).

Note: If structural adhesive is being used, a facade panel will 'float' on the system. Structural bonding has elastomeric properties and its own advantages.

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