The Equitone system is a market-leading ventilated façade that delivers a safe, weather-resistant, energy-efficient and moisture-free solution for buildings.
Equitone panels should always be installed on the façade using a rear-ventilated curtain system. While this principle has been tried and tested over many centuries in buildings of all kinds, the materials have adapted over time. However, the structure and components have always remained the same: anchoring base (brickwork/ reinforced concrete, timber or truss construction), insulation, rear ventilation and cladding.
Rear-ventilated curtain system
The rear-ventilated curtain system offers multiple advantages including fulfilment of all building energy standards; improved sound insulation for the building; low susceptibility to damage, ensuring a long service life for the façade; easy dismantling in the event of panel damage or removal; permanent graffiti protection possible with EQUITONE [natura] PRO and [pictura]; and can be fully disassembled into its constituent parts during dismantling.
Moisture-free façades
By structurally separating the façade cladding (weather protection) from the insulation (heat and cold protection), air is allowed to circulate in the rear ventilation space. This enables moisture from the building as well as usable moisture caused by natural vapour diffusion during operation to be removed. With moisture removal, mould formation is prevented, while the insulation and wall construction remain permanently dry, and an optimal indoor climate is ensured.
Rear-ventilated curtain façades vs. thermal insulation composite systems
The structural separation of the insulation layer and the weather protection is the main distinguishing feature of the Equitone system when compared to other façade systems such as thermal insulation composite (ETICS) systems, where the two components are combined in a single functional layer. The ETICS systems may save on cost but not on quality and sustainability.
This table compares the criteria of the two systems:
A plaster façade may be preferred in the construction of single-family homes due to the cost factor. However, in commercial properties such as multi-storey residential buildings, office and administrative buildings, shops and retail units as well as municipal buildings, schools and hospitals, personalisation and image play a much more important role.
Image legend: Market evaluation of decision makers based on decisive factors: - negative/disadvantageous // 0 neutral // + positive/advantageous // ++ Unique selling point
Source: Prof. Karsten Tichelmann, Testing Institute for Wood and Dry Wall Construction (Versuchsanstalt für Holz- und Trockenbau GmbH) in Darmstadt
