The Space Between: Rainscreen Basics
A rainscreen is a pretty simple concept. It’s the space between. Most experts in the industry will say that a rainscreen gap is a drained and ventilated cavity between the building envelope and cladding. The effective gap is generally driven by the cladding, but starts at ⅛” for some materials, and goes up to 1”+ for more sensitive applications.
These systems can range in complexity from a thin roll-out mesh to metal systems. All of these systems have similar goals, but different cladding, insulation depth, etc. all make for different configurations.
In this article, we’ll talk about how rainscreen systems can improve overall building performance.
Moisture Management: The primary benefit of a rainscreen system is its ability to manage moisture. The cavity between the cladding and the building envelope allows for drainage and ventilation, preventing water from penetrating the building envelope and causing damage. Moisture is a leading cause of building deterioration, so effective moisture management can significantly improve building longevity and durability.
Improved Thermal Performance: Rainscreen systems can improve the thermal performance of a building by reducing heat transfer through the building envelope. The cavity between the cladding and the building envelope can act as an insulating layer, reducing heat loss in cold weather and reducing heat gain in warm weather. Rainscreen systems typically allow for continuous exterior insulation by design, and allow building envelope designers to add much more insulation than direct attachment.
Protection from Wind and Weather: Rainscreen systems can provide protection from wind and weather, reducing the impact of harsh weather conditions on the building envelope. This can help prevent damage to the building and prolong its lifespan. When detailed well, the weather resistive barrier is protected from the exterior by insulation, furring, and cladding. It’s allowed to do its number one job, protecting the building, without the risk of ultraviolet light damage, and minimized exposure.
Sustainability: Rainscreen systems can contribute to the sustainability of a building by reducing energy consumption and minimizing the need for maintenance and repair. By improving the thermal performance of a building and protecting it from moisture and weather damage, rainscreen systems can reduce the environmental impact of the building over its lifespan. The sustainability extends to building remodeling as well. The cladding can be replaced much more easily than systems that directly attach to the building envelope. The building interiors can remain intact, with minimal disruption to the occupants.
In conclusion, rainscreen systems improve building longevity and durability by managing the building’s arch enemy, moisture. Choosing the right rainscreen system doesn’t have to be confusing, here at Monarch, we can direct you to the right application for your project. We’ve got experience with almost every type of cladding product on the market, and can even tailor a custom solution if our off-the-shelf systems don’t meet your needs.
