Are Rainscreens Worth It

Are Rainscreens Worth It

Robust rainscreens are good in damp climates for easy drying. In cold climates, they ensure moisture moves from the interior to the exterior wall without affecting siding finishes. And in hot climates, the venting channel at the top creates a chimney effect for exhausting hot air before it enters the building.

How does a rainscreen cladding system work?

Principally, rainscreen cladding works by creating a rear ventilated cavity between the reverse of the cladding panel and the outer face of the building. This enables air to constantly circulate, forcing any moisture that penetrates the joints of the cladding panels out, before it reaches the building structure.

What kind of wood is used for rainscreen?

Higher density hardwood siding species such as Ipe, Machiche, Santa Maria and Garapa exhibit remarkable stability and work particularly well in rainscreen systems.

James H. Sterling
Author

James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.