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.<\/p>\n\n
Key points<\/h3>\n\nA pressure-balanced facade system creates a ventilated cavity behind the cladding to equalize the air pressure between the exterior and interior of the envelope.<\/strong> This equalization prevents water from being pushed inward and ensures lasting weather resistance. STEKAR’s Multifa\u00e7ades applies this principle with independent prefabricated panels and controlled compartmentalization, ensuring superior performance in terms of watertightness, wind resistance, and longevity.<\/summary>\n<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n
How to be efficient with the pressure balancing system?<\/h3>\n\n
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 \u201cdry gaskets\u201d (drainage seals) allow air to pass through while blocking almost all water, meeting the AAMA 508<\/strong><\/a> standard for northern environments.<\/p>\n\nAdvantages and characteristics of a pressure-balanced system<\/h2>\n\n
The Multifa\u00e7ades system<\/a>, 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.)<\/strong> to be integrated into a single harmonious plane, while respecting the principle of pressure balance.<\/p>\n\nThis architectural versatility results in very elegant and modern facades without compromising the strength of the system: \u201cWhat sets Multifa\u00e7ades apart is its ability to integrate several types of materials while maintaining the principle of pressure balance,\u201d ensuring a solution that is both durable and reliable regardless of the design. <\/p>\n\n
\n- The Multifa\u00e7ades system exceeds the main North American standards (ASHRAE, ABAA, local codes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It offers superior performance in terms of thermal, acoustic, and air and water tightness.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The balanced pressure principle ensures optimal management of rainwater and wind loads.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The facade can withstand strong winds and heavy rain<\/strong> without the risk of water infiltration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This technology extends the life<\/strong> of the building envelope.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The system acts as a pressure-balanced rain screen, ensuring superior weather resistance.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The result: a durable, reliable, and low-maintenance facade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Finally, in terms of implementation, the Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n\nThe 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. <\/p>\n\n
Examples of buildings with a facade incorporating the pressure balance system<\/h2>\n\nSnowdon Theater<\/a> Conversion (Housing)<\/h3>\n\n![\"Renovated](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Snowdon-57-CROP-1024x767.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThe Snowdon Theater complex in Montreal illustrates how Multifa\u00e7ades 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<\/a> combines glass panels and opaque insulating elements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nThis hybrid fa\u00e7ade, 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 fa\u00e7ade. <\/p>\n\n
LG2 agency<\/a> headquarters (offices)<\/h3>\n\n![\"LG2](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/07-STEKAR-PhotosWeb-1-1024x743-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIn Montreal, the new headquarters of the LG2 agency features a uniform glass fa\u00e7ade, made possible by the Multifa\u00e7ades system. This building acts as a \u201ccurtain wall\u201d 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.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nThe 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 Multifa\u00e7ades system can give the appearance of continuous glass, with the technical excellence of a modular facade. <\/p>\n\n
Sheraton Laval Hotel<\/a> (hospitality industry)<\/h3>\n\n![\"Renovation](\"https:\/\/stekar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/20221110_Sheraton_Laval_29-CROP-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nThe Sheraton Laval has undergone a spectacular renovation of its fa\u00e7ade thanks to Multifa\u00e7ades. STEKAR installed a unique ultra-thin cladding: Dekton\u00ae reconstituted stone panels just 5 mm thick, fixed to an aluminum frame.<\/strong> These prefabricated light gray panels, alternating with dark metal strips around the windows, give the fa\u00e7ade a decidedly contemporary look.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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.<\/strong> This equalization prevents water from being pushed inward and ensures lasting weather resistance. STEKAR’s Multifa\u00e7ades applies this principle with independent prefabricated panels and controlled compartmentalization, ensuring superior performance in terms of watertightness, wind resistance, and longevity.<\/summary>\n<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n
How to be efficient with the pressure balancing system?<\/h3>\n\n
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 \u201cdry gaskets\u201d (drainage seals) allow air to pass through while blocking almost all water, meeting the AAMA 508<\/strong><\/a> standard for northern environments.<\/p>\n\nAdvantages and characteristics of a pressure-balanced system<\/h2>\n\n
The Multifa\u00e7ades system<\/a>, 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.)<\/strong> to be integrated into a single harmonious plane, while respecting the principle of pressure balance.<\/p>\n\nThis architectural versatility results in very elegant and modern facades without compromising the strength of the system: \u201cWhat sets Multifa\u00e7ades apart is its ability to integrate several types of materials while maintaining the principle of pressure balance,\u201d ensuring a solution that is both durable and reliable regardless of the design. <\/p>\n\n
\n- The Multifa\u00e7ades system exceeds the main North American standards (ASHRAE, ABAA, local codes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It offers superior performance in terms of thermal, acoustic, and air and water tightness.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The balanced pressure principle ensures optimal management of rainwater and wind loads.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The facade can withstand strong winds and heavy rain<\/strong> without the risk of water infiltration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This technology extends the life<\/strong> of the building envelope.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The system acts as a pressure-balanced rain screen, ensuring superior weather resistance.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The result: a durable, reliable, and low-maintenance facade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Finally, in terms of implementation, the Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n\nThe 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. <\/p>\n\n
Examples of buildings with a facade incorporating the pressure balance system<\/h2>\n\nSnowdon Theater<\/a> Conversion (Housing)<\/h3>\n\n<\/figure>\nThe Snowdon Theater complex in Montreal illustrates how Multifa\u00e7ades 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<\/a> combines glass panels and opaque insulating elements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nThis hybrid fa\u00e7ade, 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 fa\u00e7ade. <\/p>\n\n
LG2 agency<\/a> headquarters (offices)<\/h3>\n\n<\/figure>\nIn Montreal, the new headquarters of the LG2 agency features a uniform glass fa\u00e7ade, made possible by the Multifa\u00e7ades system. This building acts as a \u201ccurtain wall\u201d 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.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nThe 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 Multifa\u00e7ades system can give the appearance of continuous glass, with the technical excellence of a modular facade. <\/p>\n\n
Sheraton Laval Hotel<\/a> (hospitality industry)<\/h3>\n\n<\/figure>\nThe Sheraton Laval has undergone a spectacular renovation of its fa\u00e7ade thanks to Multifa\u00e7ades. STEKAR installed a unique ultra-thin cladding: Dekton\u00ae reconstituted stone panels just 5 mm thick, fixed to an aluminum frame.<\/strong> These prefabricated light gray panels, alternating with dark metal strips around the windows, give the fa\u00e7ade a decidedly contemporary look.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
Advantages and characteristics of a pressure-balanced system<\/h2>\n\n
The Multifa\u00e7ades system<\/a>, 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.)<\/strong> to be integrated into a single harmonious plane, while respecting the principle of pressure balance.<\/p>\n\n This architectural versatility results in very elegant and modern facades without compromising the strength of the system: \u201cWhat sets Multifa\u00e7ades apart is its ability to integrate several types of materials while maintaining the principle of pressure balance,\u201d ensuring a solution that is both durable and reliable regardless of the design. <\/p>\n\n Finally, in terms of implementation, the Multifa\u00e7ades<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n The Snowdon Theater complex in Montreal illustrates how Multifa\u00e7ades 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<\/a> combines glass panels and opaque insulating elements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n This hybrid fa\u00e7ade, 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 fa\u00e7ade. <\/p>\n\n In Montreal, the new headquarters of the LG2 agency features a uniform glass fa\u00e7ade, made possible by the Multifa\u00e7ades system. This building acts as a \u201ccurtain wall\u201d 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.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n 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 Multifa\u00e7ades system can give the appearance of continuous glass, with the technical excellence of a modular facade. <\/p>\n\n The Sheraton Laval has undergone a spectacular renovation of its fa\u00e7ade thanks to Multifa\u00e7ades. STEKAR installed a unique ultra-thin cladding: Dekton\u00ae reconstituted stone panels just 5 mm thick, fixed to an aluminum frame.<\/strong> These prefabricated light gray panels, alternating with dark metal strips around the windows, give the fa\u00e7ade a decidedly contemporary look.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
Examples of buildings with a facade incorporating the pressure balance system<\/h2>\n\n
Snowdon Theater<\/a> Conversion (Housing)<\/h3>\n\n
<\/figure>LG2 agency<\/a> headquarters (offices)<\/h3>\n\n
<\/figure>Sheraton Laval Hotel<\/a> (hospitality industry)<\/h3>\n\n
<\/figure>