As façade performance expectations continue to rise under the NCC, even the smallest components in the wall build-up are being re-evaluated for efficiency, compliance and long-term durability.
Top hats are a vital part of that equation. Traditionally, non-ventilated top hats have been the industry standard, strong and dependable, but with a hidden weakness: they trap heat and moisture within the façade cavity. Over time, that can lead to reduced performance and, in the worst cases, early system failure.
Fairview’s Vitrafix Ventilated Top Hat is designed to address this issue head-on. Maintaining the same structural strength as conventional profiles (certified to AS/NZS 4600:2018), it introduces built-in ventilation channels that allow the façade cavity to breathe. The result is a system that helps manage moisture, heat and pressure naturally — without compromising strength or installation efficiency.
Key advantages include:
Equal structural performance to standard top hats — no re-engineering required
Improved airflow and drainage, reducing moisture buildup and corrosion risk
Simplified installation — no need for separate vent strips or drainage accessories
Enhanced weatherproofing and compliance through pressure equalisation
Lighter, more efficient substructure for modern façade design
With over 70% of façade failures in Australia linked to poor cavity ventilation and moisture management, the move toward ventilated systems is a natural progression for the industry. Vitrafix’s Ventilated Top Hat offers a certified, future-ready solution that balances performance, compliance and constructability.
Download our free white paper today, no details required, or request a complimentary sample pack featuring our innovative Ventilated Top Hat and other premium Vitrafix accessories.
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