The advent of automatic fastening systems has completely transformed the concept of ceramic coverings on exteriors. Ventilated facades are currently regarded as the most effective,safest system for installing ceramic tiles on facades,providing a building with numerous aesthetic as well as technical advantages.Ventilated facades are a complex,multi-layer structural solution that enables “dry” installation of ventilated walls. This reduces the amount of heat that buildings absorb in hot weather conditions due to partial reflection of solar radiation. The heat is absorbed by the covering,the ventilated air gap and the application of an insulating material. This in turn helps in achieving considerable reduction in the costs of air conditioning. In winter,ventilated walls manage to retain heat,resulting in savings in terms of heating.This is developed to protect buildings against the combined action of rain and wind by counterbalancing the effects of water beating on walls and keeping the building dry. This is offered with high level aesthetic characteristics and undisputed advantages of heat insulation and sound proofing.This also protects the buildings,giving considerable advantages of wall durability over time and energy,especially where tall,exceptionally exposed,isolated buildings are concerned.Some advantages that the ventilated wall offers are:* Elimination of the risk of cracked covering.* Elimination of the risk of detachment from the wall.* Protection of the facade against the direct action of atmospheric agents.* Elimination of surface condensation (the presence of an air gap facilitates evacuation of water stream from the interior and promotes the removal of possible moisture).* Lasting efficiency of the outer insulating material,which is kept perfectly dry.* Easy ventilated wall installation regardless of the climactic conditions.* Maintenance and work can be carried out on individual porcelain tile.* Creation of a technical working space for pipe and duct housing.* Ventilation is much more effective when applied to the entire facade and,for this reason the air gap needs to be carefully dimensioned for perfect intake and discharge.Installation too has been made easy. It consists of several parts assembled “dry” during installation with no need for adhesives,using mechanical anchoring and fixing devices,enabling quick installation with minimum maintenance.The author is GM,Marketing,Somany Ceramics