Technical Portal for Sustainable Architecture
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Ventilated Facades
In over 30 years of activity in building envelope engineering, we have answered thousands of questions from designers, architects, and clients.
On this page, we have collected the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the technical, economic, and functional advantages of ventilated facades.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, our technical department is at your complete disposal.
Did you know that these projects are eligible for tax breaks in 2026? [Find out how to save with bonuses]
Technology and structure
What is the chimney effect and why is it vital for buildings?
The chimney effect is the natural movement of air that is created in the cavity between the insulation and the cladding. Thanks to the temperature difference, warm air rises, eliminating excess moisture and keeping the walls dry. In 30 years of installations, we have found that this system drastically reduces the summer heat load, cutting cooling costs by up to 30%.
What is the difference between visible fastening and concealed fastening?
Visible fastenings use colored clips that match the panel, offering a quick and economical solution.
Concealed fastenings (mechanical, adhesive, or with special brackets) completely hide the structure behind the cladding for a superior aesthetic result. VM Group designs both solutions, always guaranteeing maximum resistance to wind loads.
What is the minimum thickness of a ventilated facade?
The overall thickness of the ventilated package depends on the cladding material and the insulation layer chosen. Generally, it starts from a minimum of about 10-12 cm, which includes the insulation layer, the air gap (minimum 3 cm to ensure the chimney effect), and the thickness of the outer panel with its aluminum substructure.
How is wind load resistance ensured?
Every VM Group project is supported by static calculations compliant with the Technical Construction Standards (NTC). We size the substructure spacing and anchor density based on local wind pressure and building height, ensuring safety factors exceeding EU standards.
Materials and aesthetics
Stoneware, HPL, or Stone: Which Material Should You Choose?
The choice depends on the desired Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) and the mechanical stresses. Porcelain stoneware offers maximum resilience and chemical inertness; HPL guarantees lightness and flexibility; natural stone (installed with kerf or undercut systems) provides architectural prestige and superior earthquake safety compared to traditional installation.
Is the concealed fastening (hybrid system) safe?
Absolutely. Thanks to the flexibility of our aluminum substructures, we can adapt the ventilated facade to different architectural shapes, ensuring surface flatness and millimeter precision in alignment, typical of modern building envelope engineering.
What is the useful life of a VM Group facade?
We design for durability exceeding 50 years. We use specially treated aluminum alloys (anodizing or Qualicoat Seaside) and stainless steel to prevent galvanic and atmospheric corrosion, especially in saline or aggressive industrial environments.
Maintenance and Operational Management
What happens if a single panel is damaged?
Modularity is the key to maintenance savings. Each panel is independent: in the event of an accidental impact, individual panels can be replaced without interfering with the system's continuity or damaging the underlying insulation layer.
How is thermal insulation protected over time?
Unlike thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), the insulation is mechanically protected by the cladding and kept dry by airflow. This preserves the original thermal conductivity value ($\lambda$), preventing energy loss caused by moisture absorption.
Are there any protections against bird or rodent intrusion?
Absolutely. We install perforated starting profiles and upper closing grilles in stainless steel. These elements provide the ventilation necessary for the chimney effect, but also act as a physical barrier against the entry of animals or organic debris.
Safety and Regulations
How does a ventilated facade behave in the event of an earthquake?
The VM Group system is decoupled by nature. Unlike glued cladding, which is subject to deformations of the load-bearing structure, our substructure and open joints absorb the building's floor movements, preventing sudden detachments and protecting public safety.
How is fire safety managed (VFR regulations)?
We strictly comply with fire reaction requirements. We use non-combustible insulation (rock wool/glass class A1) and design compartmentalized fire barriers in the cavity to interrupt the chimney effect in the event of a fire, preventing the fire from spreading vertically.
Is the system compatible with the 2026 Tax Bonuses?
Yes. As a certified technology for energy efficiency, ventilated facades are the primary intervention for accessing tax breaks. Our technical office provides the complete set of documentation (EPD, technical data sheets, certifications) to validate the tax deduction application.
