Facades – underlying principals
Introduction
VMZINC has been used as a material to clad facades for many decades. Initially traditional roofing systems such as standing seam panels were installed as `roofs on walls`. Flat lock panels have also been installed for many decades. Both of these systems require vented continuous substrates and are commonly installed by traditional hard metal roofing contractors. Over the past two decades rainscreen facades have become very popular and VMZINC offers a number of these rainscreen systems.
Joint types
VMZINC wall panels can be joined using three mechanical joints:
Standing Seam
Flat Lock
Reveal
Developments over 18m high (non or limited combustibility)
For buildings where combustible materials such as plywood cannot be used (for example residential developments over 18m in height), galvanised steel decks can be used as a substrate for the flat lock and standing seam panels. By combining this with mineral board insulation, all materials in the wall build up are A1 or A2 according to EN 13501. The steel deck must be at least 0.7mm thick and have dimensions allowing clips to be attached at the required spacings. Corrugated steel deck can only be used on vertical surfaces. For all surfaces such as sills, parapets, etc the substrate must be continuous. The 38mm vented cavity can be fire stopped using continuous vertical cavity barriers and intumescent horizontal cavity barriers.
Panel size and flatness
VMZINC wall panels will offer very different aspects depending on the type of panel used. Whilst standing seam panels can offer a continuity from roof to wall they will not offer absolute flatness. Flat lock panels also offer a more textured finish. The interlocking panel system provides flat panels but they are limited to 333mm in width. For panels between 333mm and 600mm in width, Mozaik panels should be considered.
Traditional fully supported zinc clad facades
Initially traditional roofing systems such as standing seam panels were installed as `roofs on walls`. Flat lock panels have also been installed for many decades. Both of these systems require vented continuous substrates and are commonly installed by traditional hard metal roofing contractors.
Rainscreen zinc facades
A raincreen facade is an outer skin that is back-ventilated by an air space that is 38mm deep. The system can be used on both new build and renovation but always allows the outer layer to breathe whilst the inner layer deals with thermal insulation and air leakage. All joints are dry and do not use any form of sealant.