Sto introduce jointless rainscreen system

StoVentec, a new virtually jointless, rainscreen cladding system has been introduced to the UK by Sto.

StoVentec, a new virtually jointless, rainscreen cladding system has been introduced to the UK by Sto.

The durable acrylic render finish available with StoVentec simplifies the design process and offers greater design flexibility to specifiers seeking a rainscreen solution.

The StoVentec rainscreen cladding system comprises a highly engineered substructure of aluminium base fixing, mineral wool insulation and unique Verotec wallboards.

The Verotec boards, which combine extreme lightweight and high mechanical strength, are manufactured from 96% recycled blown glass granulate mixed with a binder and pressed into a board format, with glass fibre mesh reinforcement applied to each side.

They are easy to fix onto the aluminium sub-frame and can be factory formed to accommodate curved walls.

They provide an excellent base for Sto's range of durable acrylic renders and other durable exterior facings.

The highly engineered aluminium sub-frame can also be designed to level out an uneven base wall to give a true plumb line to the external facade.

The tough, flexible render finishes available with StoVentec avoid one of the major problems of traditional rainscreen facades which, generally being modular, result in numerous joints and therefore significant maintenance issues.

With a render finish, StoVentec allows large seamless areas to be created in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes so offering architects and designers extensive freedom of choice in design.

Other finishes such as brick slips and deco panels are available and there are plans to introduce printed glass panel finishes to the UK in 2007.

Comments Gary Bundy, product manager, facades at Sto : "StoVentec is a unique product which vastly improves and simplifies the design and installation process for rainscreen cladding systems and cuts maintenance costs".

"It is a cost effective alternative to timber, stone, composite or ceramic tile facades and we believe will extend the popularity of rainscreen cladding systems".

"As a low cost rainscreen cladding system we believe it will have wide appeal in commercial, residential and public sector markets, particularly health and education".

StoVentec has already proved itself, more than four million square metres has been applied worldwide.

The system already has national technical approval from DIBt (Deutsches Institut fanduuml;r Bautechnik) and UK certification has been applied for.

Back-ventilated rainscreen systems, such as StoVentec, give excellent performance in respect of thermal insulation, sound attenuation and weatherproofing.

Insulation on the outside of the structure helps to keep the shell of the building warm in winter and in hot weather any heat build-up on the exterior of the rainscreen will be dispersed via the system's rear-ventilation - allowing the use of black and other dark colours.

The same ventilation system helps the building to breathe, eliminating condensation and providing a better climate for those using the building.

It also ensures that any moisture which does penetrate the rainscreen from the outside is discharged before it reaches the structure.

Acoustic insulation is generally 10dB better than standard masonry.

As with all rainscreen systems, StoVentec permits a thinner overall wall thickness, giving a smaller footprint while maximising usable internal space.

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