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Ventilated Facade

ROCKWOOL’s ventilated façade technology offers buildings thermal benefits, fire resilience and acoustic protection from the outside world.

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RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB

ROCKWOOL’s ventilated façade technology offers buildings thermal benefits, fire resilience and acoustic protection from the outside world.

First explored and tested in the early 20th century in Europe, this ‘second skin’ for structures creates a ventilated cavity, which contributes to elimination of moisture and regulation of heat – that can otherwise affect the building in hot or cold weather.

These solutions can be used to improve performance of both new and existing buildings, in conjunction with cladding products from Rockpanel, part of the ROCKWOOL Group.

Read on to learn more about these solutions – popular among architects and contractors for their high quality, aesthetic possibilities and numerous advantages.

Table of contents

  1. Why do we need ventilated façades
  2. Calculator and savings
  3. Why choose ROCKWOOL solutions
  4. Case studies
  5. Installation
  6. Downloads and resources
  7. Financial support
  8. FAQ
  9. Other relevant applications
Find Inspiration, guides and reports

SP Firestop OSCB

To support simplified specification of fire stopping solutions in rainscreen systems, the SP Firestop OSCB range has been streamlined to provide two formats, both of which have been proven to provide up to 120 minutes fire integrity and insulation when tested to ASFP TGD-19.

The benefits of ROCKWOOL SP Firestop OSCB include:

  • Tested to ASFP TGD-19
  • Proven to provide up to 120 minutes fire integrity and insulation
  • Available for cavity widths up to 600mm (OSCB 25) and 425mm (OSCB 44)*
  • Easily identifiable white (OSCB 25) and red (OSCB 44) weatherproof polythene wraps
  • Weather resistant
  • Easy to store, handle and install

For specific advice and guidance, please contact our Technical Team. Or for product information, specification support and installation guidance, visit:

SP Firestop OSCB

SP Fire Stop Black Foil Slabs
NEW FirePro® SP FireStop EN

Introducing FirePro® SP FireStop EN – a new linear cavity fire stopping solution from ROCKWOOL delivering up to 120 minutes integrity and insulation*.
SP FireStop EN is tested in conjunction with steel frame systems, composite panels and masonry constructions – for vertical or horizontal installations.
*Subject to the application

FirePro® SP FireStop EN
Product info
Download the OSCB Contractors Guide
PDF
2.0 MB

Ventilated Facade Products

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NyRock® Solutions

NyRock® Rainscreen 032

NyRock® Rainscreen 032 is a stone wool insulation product specifically developed for use within ventilated cladding systems, as well as sealed systems such as curtain walling.Manufactured using patented technology, NyRock Rainscreen 032 has an improved thermal performance when compared to traditional stone wool products.

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NyRock® Solutions

NyRock® Frame Slab 032

NyRock Frame Slab 032 is a non-combustible thermal stone wool insulation designed specifically for use within timber and steel frames, and is manufactured using NyRock technology, a patented high speed technological innovation which delivers a thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/mK, the lowest lambda stone wool insulation currently available in the UK & Ireland.

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Cladding solutions

RainScreen Duo Slab®

RainScreen Duo Slab® is a stone wool insulation product specifically developed for use within ventilated cladding systems, as well as sealed systems such as curtain walling. It is a BBA-approved insulation product, that in addition to thermal insulation comfort, provides an independently-tested acoustic benefit.

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Cladding Solutions

SP Firestop OSCB

Open state cavity barrier for rainscreen systems. An advanced intumescent strip fixed to high density non-combustible ROCKWOOL insulation, SP Firestop OSCB is designed to form an open-state cavity barrier within a rainscreen system. This allows ventilation and drainage under normal service conditions, while in the event of a fire the intumescent strip quickly expands outwards to seal the cavity, preventing the passage of fire and smoke.

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Slab Products

Timber Frame Slab

ROCKWOOL Timber Frame Slab is a non-combustible stone wool insulation with dimensions specifically designed to enable quick and easy installation into timber frames.

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Slab Products

Steel Frame Slab

ROCKWOOL Steel Frame Slab has been specifically designed for use in steel frame buildings. Steel Frame Slab has been engineered to meet thermal, acoustic and fire requirements in external walls.

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SP FireStop - Mechanically fixed stone wool cavity barrier

Please note that SP Firestop has been superseded by SP Firestop EN. Please contact your local ROCKWOOL representative for specification advice

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SP Firestop Plus®

ROCKWOOL SP FireStop Plus is designed to form cavity fire stops within buildings.

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SP Firestop Fixing Brackets

ROCKWOOL’s SP FireStop System is a purpose-made solution for cavity fire stopping. Forming part of the system, the SP FireStop Fixing Brackets play an important role in securing the fire stopping slabs, when used in cladding, curtain walling and masonry wall cavities.

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SP/XL Firestop Fixing Bracket

ROCKWOOL’s SP FireStop System is a purpose-made solution for cavity fire stopping. Forming part of the system, the SP/XL FireStop Fixing Brackets play an important role in securing the fire stopping slabs, when used in larger void sizes out to cladding, curtain walling and masonry wall constructions.

Why do we need ventilated facades?

A ventilated façade system as a whole protects against adverse weather conditions. 

As the façade is generally the largest surface area of a building, it’s important to consider the relationship between the internal and external environment – and properly insulate the façade to improve heat regulation. 

 

Among other benefits, systems also help to prevent:

  • Water damage
  • Risk of mould
  • Structural damage

 

With ‘open-joint’ solutions, rainwater that gets beyond the exterior barrier of the rainscreen drains through the air gap. This protects the inner layer of insulation from excess moisture.

Relevant resources
Rainscreen Acoustic Reference Guide
PDF
609.0 kB
Routes to compliance
PDF
2.5 MB

Calculator and savings

Installing these solutions can boost buildings’ indoor thermal comfort both in winter and summer, when you choose ROCKWOOL stone wool. 

With heating and cooling systems used less, property owners and tenants can also save on energy costs. 

Designers have more freedom to build using our materials. 

To help make your build more cost-effective, we’ve also created a series of local tools to assist you in sourcing your materials - use our U-value calculator’ to calculate how much you might need for your project. 

Learn about energy efficiency
Rainscreen duo slab, steel frame slab, sp firestop OSCB group shot

Why choose ROCKWOOL solutions?

Choosing ROCKWOOL’s ventilated façade solutions means a whole host of benefits for your design and maintenance needs. Along with a variety of mono and dual-density insulation slabs, Rockpanel – part of the ROCKWOOL Group – offers robust cladding systems.

Using our products can help to achieve the highest level of certification with regards to LEED, BREEAM, DGNB and Passive House standards. 

Effective external wall insulation can also considerably enhance the thermal, acoustic and fire resilient performance of a building. 

 

The main advantages of choosing ROCKWOOL products are:

Fire resilience – Our stone wool slab products are non-combustible, and in producing no harmful emissions they’re environmentally friendly too. 

 

Thermal properties – The fibres inside ROCKWOOL slabs effectively knit together, significantly reducing heat loss and ensuring continuous external insulation. ROCKWOOL stone wool adapts to irregularities in every surface, leaving no gaps, and no sagging, retaining heating levels and performing highly in terms of energy efficiency.

 

Acoustic capabilities – Choosing ROCKWOOL stone wool can offer high performance in terms of sound insulation and sound absorption.

Robustness – ROCKWOOL slabs are extremely durable, providing long-lasting mechanical and thermal performance. Innovative Dual Density technology provides a resilient surface for fasteners on one side, while the softer underside easily absorbs unevenness in the substrate. Our products stand up to weather testing in the lab, showing unchanged performance over time.

 

Aesthetics – Cladding products can significantly enhance the appearance of a building. The extensive range of external cladding boards at Rockpanel, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is designed for specifiers to have a wider choice for any project.

 

Water properties – The open-cell structure of ROCKWOOL stone wool makes external walls vapour-permeable, which means water vapour can pass through, but the water-repellant fibres of stone wool prevent water ingress. It means moisture produced within the building disperses in the air cavity, without encountering obstacles or barriers, thus keeping both the walls and the insulating panels in ideal condition for insulating and preserving the structure.


Sustainability – ROCKWOOL stone wool is recyclable. In fact, it can be recycled again and again without degrading its quality.

Find ROCKWOOL products
The natural ventilation in the air gap and our stone wool insulation contribute to shifting the heat wave in summer and boast excellent thermal performance in winter. A continuous insulation layer on the building envelope helps enhance indoor thermal comfort

Erica Bazzini

Global Product Manager, ROCKWOOL Group

Case Study

 

The challenge

A hospital maternity unit in the UK had to remain open while a structural renovation project to its facade was carried out. 

The Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary had become draughty, noisy and let heat escape after receiving only minor structural upgrades since the 1960s.

Completing the work in a functioning hospital was a major challenge. 

 

The solution

The solution was to install ROCKWOOL rainscreen insulation. Specifically designed for efficient installation, it was the ideal choice for a build that required minimal disruption. ROCKWOOL DUO SLAB is also Euroclass A1 fire rated as non-combustible for optimum fire resilience.

 

The results

The renovation helped create the right internal environment for the hospital – reducing heat loss and saving energy costs, while maintaining full operation of the unit. Excellent acoustic properties also reduced urban noise transfer into the hospital.

Bradford Maternity Unit, Hospital, Healthcare, RAINSCREEN DUO SLAB, Rockpanel Cladding
[It] means that we can optimise outcomes for babies. The best thing for newborn babies, especially ones which are underweight and more vulnerable, is that the heat service is consistent, which it absolutely is now.

Amanda Hardaker

Midwifery and Gynaecology Matron, Bradford Royal Infirmary
Read full case study

Installation

For specific installation instructions, please see relevant product information on installation guides.

Installation guides for professionals

Downloads and resources

To be updated
PDF
609.0 KB

Rainscreen Acoustic Reference Guide

Download guide
To be updated
PDF
2.5 MB

Routes to Compliance

Download
To be updated
PDF
1.1 MB

RAINSCREEN DUO Slab Datasheet

Download Datasheet
To be updated
PDF
851.9 KB

SP Firestop OSCB Datasheet

Download Datasheet

Download our guides

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Product Documentation

ROCKWOOL Thermal Regulation Guides

More stringent thermal regulations are now in place across the UK, bringing significant changes for new and existing buildings. Download our straightforward guides today

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Product Documentation

The ROCKWOOL Red Book

To help save specifiers’ time and make it easier to identify the correct insulation solutions for facades, walls, floors and roofs, ROCKWOOL has launched the new ROCKWOOL Red Book – a fully interactive guide which provides digital access to technical data, product certification and a wide range of specification support materials.

Financial support

The UK government has announced that it will be providing a fund for the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding systems. Read more.

Energy Efficiency, Key, Keyboard, Button

FAQs

Do exterior walls need to be insulated?

Other relevant applications

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Insulation

Passive Fire Protection

Fire protection solutions can help secure occupant safety and raise buildings’ fire resilience. Discover the benefits of ROCKWOOL insulation today

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Insulation

Fire Stopping

ROCKWOOL fire stopping products are designed to protect every joint, imperfection and opening that could otherwise potentially allow the passage of fire, smoke and hot gases.

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Insulation

External Wall Insulation

External wall insulation. Improve energy, thermal and fire efficiency of buildings with external wall insulation. Create more comfortable, energy efficient spaces.

ROCKWOOL Group