It is common for buildings to be affected by structural movements and, over time, this can result in the appearance of cracks in the walls. When this happens it causes degradation of insulation and water seepage into the interior of the dwellings.

Before reaching points of deterioration that make difficult or impossible a good quality of life, it is necessary to carry out the rehabilitation of facades.

What is the facade of a building?

The facade of a building is its exterior parameter, the main image that is seen at first glance. Generally, it also involves design concepts such as the arrangement of windows or doors. This external face of a building usually has a more elaborate architectural treatment than the rest of the structure.

What is the facade used for?

In addition to the aesthetic aspect of a building, the facade has a main function: the insulation, both thermal and acoustic, of the interior spaces.

In addition to this, the facade avoids the filtration of water or any type of liquid to the interior, as well as the possible damages caused by the wind or other meteorological phenomena.

What does the rehabilitation of facades consist of?

When we talk about facade rehabilitation we refer to the repair and resurfacing of damage caused by the passage of time and external factors such as smoke, pollution or weather. These aspects, in addition to affecting the aesthetics of the building, can interfere with the quality of life inside it.

It is a preventive action that repairs while modernizing the buildings, making them energy efficient and enabling their integration into the environment.

Why is important a rehabilitation of facades?

The main role of the facade is to protect the interior of the building and not to allow the damage caused by external factors to pass through. For that reason, it is necessary to keep it in the best possible condition, since a deteriorated facade makes the building inefficient in terms of energy.

A facade in a state of deterioration causes:

• Loss of watertightness, which affects the airtightness and permeability of the structure.
• Loss of temperature, thus causing a higher energetic and economic cost.
• Condensation and, therefore, the appearance of humidity in the interior.
• Sinking, mainly in those areas where there is a higher degree of humidity.

Beyond aesthetics, the rehabilitation of facades helps the energy efficiency of the houses or spaces inside them, thus supporting electricity savings.

Types of systems for facade rehabilitation

At the time of rehabilitating the facade, we must take into account that there are different types or systems that have the objective of illuminating and revaluing the building.

Ventilated facade

This roofing system is composed of a supporting wall, an insulating layer and a cladding material that is fixed to the building. This structure creates an air chamber that ventilates and does not seal the air between the supporting wall and the cladding material.

Due to temperature differences, this space produces a chimney effect that reduces the use of both heating and air conditioning. In addition, it helps to eliminate humidity, direct contact with the sun and, of course, protects the interior of the building.

Facade insulation system SATE

This facade rehabilitation technique consists of the application of insulating sheets that are adhered directly to the outside of the building.

Its use, which is aimed at energy efficiency, reduces energy costs by 40% and acoustic insulation by 27%.

Monolayer rendering system

This method is widely used in the rehabilitation of facades and consists of the application of an industrially pre-dosed mortar. A layer of cement, aggregates, fibers and additives with breathable and waterproof properties is applied.

In addition to its waterproofing and breathability properties, this system allows for greater customization, as it permits the choice of different colors and finishes. This makes it a very common type of rehabilitation in single-family houses and buildings.

Cement mortar rendering system

It is one of the most resistant and most used systems when we talk about low cost rehabilitation. That is why it does not have a higher energy efficiency and tends to crack easily.

Aesthetically, it presents a rustic style that, in general, it is advisable to improve with a thinner layer of the material or with paint.

In conclusion, the rehabilitation of facades is a fundamental work for the quality of life that develops in the interior. In addition to improving the aesthetics and increasing the monetary value of the building, the facade has one of the most fundamental parts of a structure, as it is the water drainage and infiltration of liquids.