The ventilated covering is developed using the the Granitech profile technology, suitably designed for the planning characteristics and the consequent
production of these cells in our plant, in order to reduce the assembly procedures on the construction site. The ventilated covering elements in
HILITE slabs are assembled with the profiles of the system, in order to create a covering cell that is capable of mechanically connecting with
adjacent cells, therefore, guaranteeing the continuity of the wall that is to be constructed.
The cell covering system is characterized by the:
- preparation, in a controlled environment, of the components,
- continuity of the assembly and production procedures, not conditioned by atmospheric conditions,
- reduction of human resources and/or, in the time of installation of manufactured products on the construction site (usually without the aid of
scaffolding),
- on site procedures limited to the juxtaposition of preconceived cells, with the consequent reduction of the problems of the installation procedures.
In-house manufacturing also guarantees that all the structural seals are created and controlled in an optimal manner. The cells are produced
and packed in special containers, according to a predefined sequence dictated by the needs of construction sites, as well as by the installation
requirements, and are then directly shipped to the site ready for installation.
The covering system includes: panels in HILITE slabs, cell structure with carrying frame, anchoring brackets, insulating layer (if requested), and
finishing elements. The structure of the cell is comprised of special dedicated extruded aluminum sections, which are assembled together to
obtain the necessary modularity for the frames. The cells are self-supporting and anchored to the structure and to the wall of the building through
an interconnecting mechanism that consists of hollow profiles and aluminum and/or galvanized steel brackets that are, in turn, connected by
special Halfen-type rods or dowels. The anchoring brackets have slots and components that allow for adjusting the positions of individual cells in
relation to the three spatial axes, thus compensating for any manufacturing tolerances of the supporting structure within the established limits.
The interconnections among the various cells, and the assembly of the individual components, are designed to absorb the differential thermal
expansion of the various elements through the use of slots and anti-friction separators. During the initial phase of the project, the design may
be changed for the interconnections of the profiles and of the brackets unit, in order to increase the limit of tolerance and the movements of the
building structure that can be absorbed by the covering system, with the consequent expansion of the perimetral joints of the cell.
The loads and stress on the cells (such as weight, wind forces, and other service loads) are transmitted from the covering elements to the
transoms, the posts, and through the brackets to the structure. The frame of the cell creates the space for the structural insertion or bonding the
porcelain stoneware covering elements, which are positioned through appropriate structural seals, separators, and structural sealants.
Specific flush seals are placed near the outer surface of the covering elements, in order to create a partial air-tight and water-tight seal, reducing
the penetration of water within the ventilation air gap.
The ventilation of the air gap, created between the external façade and the wall structure of the building, which is insulated with insulating
material, is guaranteed by the chimney effect determined through the movement of air from the adduction openings located at the bottom end
of the façade system towards the corresponding openings located under the flashing of the covering. The lower openings, at the same time, allow
for draining any rain water that may accumulate in the air gap. The ventilation in the air gap allows for the continuous removal of moisture that
may be present in the air gap, in order to maintain optimal insulation conditions.
The insulating layer that completes the system is fixed to the back side independently from the cell.
