FEATURE
Rising Trends in Ventilated Rainscreen Systems
Aesthetics, Reduced Complexity Driving New Paradigm
By Ryan Tolle
For a building of any kind, the first line of defense protecting its occupants from the elements is the external cladding. It is a critical component of the overall structure that must be designed to ward off wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, moisture and more.
As an external wall assembly, rainscreens have been around for decades, but advancements in technology have made them increasingly popular. This is due to two key factors—their ability to deliver optimal performance metrics, and the flexibility they provide when it comes to design options.
At its most basic level, a rainscreen is an exterior wall configuration on any structure where the cladding is installed such that it stands off from the moisture-resistant barrier on the external wall sufficient for the passive removal of water and vapor. This creates a break between the cladding and the outer wall, an air gap designed to allow for drainage and evaporation. In today’s marketplace, a rainscreen must deliver much more than just protection from the elements.
Architects, specifiers and designers are constantly weighing competing forces on every one of their projects. They must be able to quantify the anticipated long-term performance of the building envelope such that it will keep the occupants safe and comfortable. Product choices must also account for the escalating demands for greater energy efficiency, the constant cost pressures to deliver on time and on budget for every project, and the need to create a signature look that will make the building stand out.
Several trends demonstrate how rainscreens are emerging as a preferred solution—in their ability to eliminate complexity, achieve cost savings, and deliver on curb appeal.
A System Approach
Cutting-edge ventilated rainscreen enclosure systems are engineered to provide superior weather protection and thermal performance. A successful rainscreen system is comprised of five layers:
Air and moisture barrier to keep water outside the building. This layer is often fluid-applied, adhered membranes, or factory-bonded with the barrier.
Subconstruction, or furring, with mounting brackets anchored into substrate to connect the cladding.
Air and ventilation cavity—the most important layer—that serves as a drain and vent space engineered into the envelope.
Insulation of varying thickness between brackets, rails and subconstruction where required by code.
Durable and water-shedding cladding to protect against environmental elements, UV exposure, pollutants and more.
" No matter the structure, installing the optimal building envelope solution requires an integrated approach that also takes aesthetics into account... "
A rainscreen system approach includes all building envelope control layers from a single manufacture.
1. Air & Moisture Barrier System
2. Thermal Insulation
3. Sub-Construction
4. Profiles
5. Glass Panel
Prefabricated panel assemblies allow the installer to execute the project faster, saving time and effort and reducing jobsite labor and crew sizes.
In the past, contractors and specifiers would bring in a manufacturer and an installer for each of the five layers, complicating the construction process and follow-up coordination. A two-look façade could include up to ten manufacturers—requiring additional documentation and coordination on all levels, multiple warranties to balance, and added scheduling to juggle.
However, that is changing as the success and ease of a system approach rises in popularity. Some manufacturers now offer smartly engineered building enclosure systems that contain all of these control layer components in an integrated and fully tested system. As a single solution, the individual layers work in concert with each other to deliver a holistic approach.
A single-solution rainscreen system also means that architects and builders are dealing with only one warranty and one manufacturer. Designers know the solution does not require them to do additional research and testing to ensure they meet applicable codes and performance standards for customers. Additionally, when the same installer puts on all five layers, there is less guesswork and more certainty in construction leading to less time on-site and lower installation costs.
Versatile Aesthetics Brought to Life
The days of creating plain concrete boxes and straight brick exteriors are most certainly in the past. Today, innovation and creativity are a mandate rather than option when designing a building of any kind. The look and texture of building exteriors are expanding—from an eye-catching entryway to a creative shape that stands out or a colorful logo that places the company’s brand on the building.
Discerning architects and specifiers seek products that have versatile finishes, providing them with design flexibility—everything from coarse textures to ultra-smooth surfaces, all in a variety of colors and materials.
As an example, rainscreen systems that employ glass for the outer cladding layer create even more possibilities for designers and architects to put their signature on the exterior wall while still creating an effective thermal and moisture barrier. Opaque glass rainscreen systems use pigments that are fused into the back of the glass, providing permanently colored glass panels that resist wearing, scratching, fading or water damage.
Including materials such as glass, plastic, tile, wood veneer, or cultured stone into a rainscreen system is on the rise.With the rising desire for unique building façades and the need for high-performance building enclosures, versatile rainscreens are delivering aesthetic appeal more readily and effectively than ever before.
Opaque glass panels with color fused into the back side offer bright, long lasting color.
Glass rainscreen
claddings may be custom printed for a truly unique façade.