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Pressure-balanced facade system: functions & principles
What is a pressure-balanced system?
A pressure-balanced facade system is based on a simple principle: creating a ventilated cavity between the exterior cladding and the load-bearing wall to equalize air pressure. Outside wind can thus penetrate behind the panels through specially designed grilles or joints, which balances the pressure on either side of the cladding.
This pressure equalization cancels out the force that would otherwise push water inward through the joints. In practice, the exterior cladding (glass, metal, stone, etc.) serves as the first barrier against the elements, while an internal air barrier (membrane or continuous film) forms the last line of defense against moisture.
Key points
A pressure-balanced facade system creates a ventilated cavity behind the cladding to equalize the air pressure between the exterior and interior of the envelope. This equalization prevents water from being pushed inward and ensures lasting weather resistance. STEKAR’s Multifaçades applies this principle with independent prefabricated panels and controlled compartmentalization, ensuring superior performance in terms of watertightness, wind resistance, and longevity.
How to be efficient with the pressure balancing system?
To be effective, the cavity is compartmentalized. STEKAR recommends dividing it into sections approximately two stories high and 6 m wide (and approximately 1.5 m at the corners) to ensure rapid and uniform pressure balance. Special “dry gaskets” (drainage seals) allow air to pass through while blocking almost all water, meeting the AAMA 508 standard for northern environments.
Advantages and characteristics of a pressure-balanced system
The Multifaçades system, based on this technology, offers numerous advantages in terms of building performance and design. First, it allows various cladding materials (tinted or clear glass, metal, HPL, sintered stone, etc.) to be integrated into a single harmonious plane, while respecting the principle of pressure balance.
This architectural versatility results in very elegant and modern facades without compromising the strength of the system: “What sets Multifaçades apart is its ability to integrate several types of materials while maintaining the principle of pressure balance,” ensuring a solution that is both durable and reliable regardless of the design.
- The Multifaçades system exceeds the main North American standards (ASHRAE, ABAA, local codes).
- It offers superior performance in terms of thermal, acoustic, and air and water tightness.
- The balanced pressure principle ensures optimal management of rainwater and wind loads.
- The facade can withstand strong winds and heavy rain without the risk of water infiltration.
- This technology extends the life of the building envelope.
- The system acts as a pressure-balanced rain screen, ensuring superior weather resistance.
- The result: a durable, reliable, and low-maintenance facade.
Finally, in terms of implementation, the Multifaçades is prefabricated in the factory: each panel (glazing units or opaque modules) consists of a sturdy aluminum frame (AA6063 alloy) and thermally insulating components (reinforced polyamide profiles, air barrier membranes).
The profiles and connectors are treated to resist corrosion (Class I architectural anodization). Thanks to this prefabrication and independent panels, on-site installation is quick and tolerances are controlled, ensuring a neat finish and seamless transitions with other building elements.
Examples of buildings with a facade incorporating the pressure balance system
Snowdon Theater Conversion (Housing)
The Snowdon Theater complex in Montreal illustrates how Multifaçades blends heritage and modernity. In this 62-unit conversion project, STEKAR preserved the historic Art Deco marquee while adding a light contemporary extension. The new high-performance cladding combines glass panels and opaque insulating elements.
This hybrid façade, mounted on an aluminum frame, made it possible to add three additional floors without weighing down the existing structure. The result echoes the verticality typical of Art Deco, cladding it in a glass envelope that provides residents with optimal sunlight and significantly improved thermal comfort compared to the old façade.
LG2 agency headquarters (offices)
In Montreal, the new headquarters of the LG2 agency features a uniform glass façade, made possible by the Multifaçades system. This building acts as a “curtain wall” thanks to its pressure-balanced rain screen. The resulting envelope combines transparency with high-performance insulation: it exceeds the most stringent energy codes and contributed to the building’s LEED Platinum certification.
The architects have judiciously alternated glass surfaces and opaque panels, creating a strong visual rhythm while providing exceptional thermal insulation. This iconic project shows how a modern Multifaçades system can give the appearance of continuous glass, with the technical excellence of a modular facade.
Sheraton Laval Hotel (hospitality industry)
The Sheraton Laval has undergone a spectacular renovation of its façade thanks to Multifaçades. STEKAR installed a unique ultra-thin cladding: Dekton® reconstituted stone panels just 5 mm thick, fixed to an aluminum frame. These prefabricated light gray panels, alternating with dark metal strips around the windows, give the façade a decidedly contemporary look.
Beyond aesthetics, this new envelope enhances the hotel’s thermal and acoustic insulation, particularly for rooms facing the nearby highway. Thanks to the system’s light weight, the work was completed quickly, transforming the hotel’s image in record time while improving its long-term energy efficiency.
Mastering the pressure balance system
A pressure-balanced facade system is currently one of the most advanced principles in high-performance envelope design. By creating a ventilated cavity between the exterior cladding and the load-bearing wall, it equalizes air pressure and eliminates the force that would otherwise push water inward. The cladding thus acts as the first rain screen, while a watertight air barrier membrane forms the final barrier against moisture.
To ensure effectiveness, compartmentalization of the cavity is essential. STEKAR recommends dividing it into modules approximately two stories high by six meters wide, reduced to 1.5 m at the corners, ensuring rapid and uniform equilibrium. Drainage joints or “dry gaskets” allow air to circulate while blocking almost all water, meeting the requirements of the AAMA 508 standard, which is particularly suited to northern climates.
When rigorously applied, this principle of pressure balance ensures lasting watertightness, high weather resistance, and increased longevity of the building envelope. It forms the basis of modern facades, combining aesthetics, performance, and durability—a skill that STEKAR masters and perfects in each of its projects.