Dry Hanging Versus Wet Fixing: Choosing the Right Facade Cladding Method for Buildings
The two primary facade cladding methods are dry hanging, which relies on a mechanical substructure, and wet fixing, which uses mortar, adhesives, and joint fillers. These approaches differ in structural performance, cost, maintenance, and architectural design possibilities.
Dry hanging involves anchoring cladding panels to the building with aluminum or steel profiles, stainless steel brackets, and mechanical fasteners. This creates an air gap between the cladding and wall, allowing moisture to escape and improving thermal performance. It is especially suitable for tall buildings, facade renovations, and projects requiring thick insulation without overloading the supporting wall. Dry hanging offers high geometric precision, easy replacement of damaged panels, and convenient integration of insulation, waterproofing membranes, and technical elements. This flexibility benefits complex projects seeking a balance between technical performance and advanced aesthetics.
Wet fixing attaches cladding panels directly to the wall using cement mortar, enhanced adhesives, or multiple plaster layers. Joints are filled with mineral or acrylic materials, producing a continuous surface with direct wall contact. This method is common for natural stone, ceramic, and decorative plaster facades, mainly in low- to mid-rise buildings or budget-conscious projects. Its main advantage is simpler planning and execution, especially for contractors experienced with traditional plaster and stone work. However, it depends heavily on workmanship quality, is sensitive to cracking, and makes localized repairs difficult without disrupting the uniform facade appearance.
Regarding durability, dry hanging excels in moisture management due to the ventilated air gap, reducing risks of cladding detachment. Wet fixing is vulnerable to water ingress through cracked joints, which can cause long-term damage behind panels, making joint maintenance critical. Fire safety in modern dry hanging systems meets strict standards by incorporating fire barriers within the air cavity. Wet fixing fire performance varies with cladding type, mortar composition, and adhesion quality. Both methods require experienced facade engineers and adherence to approved specifications.
Design considerations include system weight, flexibility, and costs. Dry hanging uses relatively lightweight panels, reducing load on existing walls, advantageous for upgrades and reinforcements. Wet fixing, especially with natural stone and heavy mortar, adds significant weight, necessitating structural evaluation. Dry hanging allows advanced hidden connections, variable modulation, and mixed materials on one substructure. Wet fixing offers less design flexibility, limited to standard panel sizes and thicknesses. Initial dry hanging costs may be higher but can be offset by easier maintenance and panel replacement.
Modern projects increasingly combine dry hanging with industrialized panels like Alucobond, extreme wall cladding, ventilated facades, and HPL panels, benefiting from low weight, factory precision, and uniform documented envelopes. For detailed solutions, STB provides systems tailored to Israel's climate and regulations. Wet fixing remains suitable for low-rise residential buildings, traditional projects, or where a continuous local stone appearance is desired at lower upfront cost. Hybrid approaches are common, using dry hanging in some areas for thermal and acoustic performance, and wet fixing elsewhere for budget or architectural continuity.
