Which facade to choose – wet or ventilated?

Facade installation is a job that is quite difficult to do on your own. To achieve a quality result, you will need experience, knowledge of technologies, and the ability to make calculations. Before ordering such a service from professional companies, many decide which facade is best to do - wet or ventilated. To make the right choice, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the features of their installation and use in advance.

What is a ventilated facade

In essence, this is a structure consisting of several layers, which involves external installation. Its advantage is the ability to prevent moisture from penetrating into buildings. Its main components include:

• base frame - wood or metal is used for its manufacture, the main task of the element is to fasten the remaining layers of the structure;
• heat-insulating layer - most often, expanded polystyrene or mineral wool is used as the main material;
• special facade panels - they can be made of corrugated board, vibration cement, porcelain stoneware, metal;
• air layer - it is located between the facing element and the insulation layer, ensuring free movement of air and the absence of stagnant moisture.

Despite the fact that the installation of such a structure is more expensive than the installation of a wet facade, the invested funds are subsequently recouped by convenient and long-term operation. Ventilated facades perfectly protect the walls of the building from external influences, ensure high-quality heat preservation in the premises, and prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. At the same time, they do not require specialized care and, if the installation technology is followed, will serve for a very long time.

What is a wet facade

This is a well-known method, which has been used for many decades in the plastering format. Today, the technology for carrying out such work is as follows:

• preparation of the surface to be treated - it must be clean, dry and smooth;
• priming to create good adhesion;
• installation of the profile on the base;
• installation of insulating materials using glue or special fasteners;
• installation of reinforcing mesh;
• treatment of the facade with plaster.

The materials used in the work are the main component of which can be silicate, cement, silicone, acrylic mortar.

From the point of view of design, the plaster is made in a certain texture, has a smooth or textured surface format. A positive aspect of such a facade can be considered the absence of loads on the foundation, simple installation, high performance in terms of sound and vibration insulation. Also important is the affordable cost of the installation service.

Comparison of ventilated and wet facades

The following characteristics of both formats will help you understand the differences between these two types of facade cladding and draw the right conclusions:

• Heat saving. Both types of facades cope with this option perfectly. However, for the wet option, the quality of the finish is important - otherwise, the level of energy efficiency decreases.
• Moisture protection. In this regard, ventilated facades have excellent indicators. The external cladding protects them from atmospheric phenomena. When installing a wet facade, it is recommended to make additional protection against condensation.
• Term of use. In this case, the ventilated facade is a priority, since it serves for a long time and does not require special care. The wet cladding format requires systematic refreshing of the surface and ongoing repair work.
• Features of design. In this situation, the wet facade comes first. Users have the opportunity to choose the color and shades, texture and texture of the material.
• Cost. The wet facade will be noticeably cheaper. Inexpensive materials are used for the work, and the installation method does not require specialized skills. However, the ventilated option will be profitable in terms of a good return on investment in the future.

Only the owner of the house decides which facade to choose. In this case, their own preferences, operating characteristics, and financial situation are taken into account.