When it comes to designing a high performance building, weatherproofing and moisture control is something that you really can’t ignore.
It’s important to make use of rainscreen cladding when you’re thinking of embarking on a building project. Why? It keeps your structure safe from harmful moisture exposure, avoiding costly repairs later down the road.
Before you go ahead with your build, read on to find out more, including – how a rainscreen works and the benefits of implementing a rainscreen. Plus, you can find out the differences between rainscreen cladding and its close partner, curtain walling here.
What is a Rainscreen Cladding System?
A rainscreen cladding system is an additional layer of exterior cladding that protects the façade of a building. Responsible for continuous air ventilation, it prevents moisture build up, keeping damage and costly repairs at bay – especially in areas that are susceptible to high levels of rainfall.
Rainscreens are comprised of four main components:
- Exterior Sheathing: The backbone of the whole system, this supports the cladding and handles the structural load.
- Weather Resistant Barrier: This layer is vital in keeping the water out of the building, while allowing vapor to pass through – there’s no chance of moisture getting caught inside.
- Air Cavity: Allows continuous airflow for fast draining and drying. This is super important when it comes to preventing condensation and increasing the longevity of the building.
- Cladding: The final and outermost layer. Cladding deflects 99% of rainwater and protects the building from UV damage – it’s the piece you can’t go without!
What are the Benefits of a Rainscreen Cladding System?
There are so many benefits to installing a solid rainscreen cladding system – to make it easier for you, we’ve chosen the top 10. Just keep reading!
Moisture Control
If you’re not ventilating your building properly, then you’re in for some real big trouble. That’s where rainscreen cladding comes in – it controls the levels of moisture through constant ventilation. Without it you’ll find yourself with a whole host of problems – we’re talking mould and rot.
Did you know that billions are lost every year as a result of moisture damage? Yeah, let’s avoid that!
Façade Preservation
Aside from providing ventilation and air flow, the addition of rainscreen cladding protects exterior walls against the elements, extending your façade’s durability.
In this sense, your rainscreen cladding system acts as an extra layer of armour for your building, taking the sting out of wind, rain or snow, or whatever weather is thrown your way. Plus, it incorporates an intumescent cavity barrier which greatly reduces the spread of vertical fire!
If you opt out of rainscreen cladding, it’s likely that structural repairs will be required on a more frequent basis, and who has time to be dealing with that?
Thermal Insulation
Rainscreen cladding is one of the simplest, and most cost effective ways of thermally insulating a new build; reducing cold bridging, energy costs, and the likelihood of dampness – sign us up!
Not only does the cladding keep the building warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, it also insulates from outside which means architects don’t have to compromise on losing interior square footage.
Acoustic Insulation
Not only does rainscreen cladding provide thermal insulation, it also provides acoustic insulation to match. The extra layer of cladding soundproofs your building, reduces outside noise, and helps you sleep better at night. Soundproofing is an especially important consideration when building in busy urban areas, schools, or near any major road networks.
Reductions in Structural Movements
The air cavity that is so essential for moisture management, also provides additional benefits in regards to maintaining the structural integrity of your building.
As a result of better temperature control, the risk of structural issues such cracks and movement are significantly reduced. This is because the building is not subject to extreme variations in heat, which means the structure is less likely to experience contractions and expansions in its movement.
Easy to Install
The beauty of a rainscreen cladding system is how easy it is to install. Depending on your choice of cladding, rainscreens can usually be pre-assembled off site – they fit right, first time.
Plus, if you’re fitting the system once the build’s been completed, it’s only fitted on the outside which means the inside of your home will be untouched!
Versatile Design
Rainscreen cladding isn’t just about performance – it’s all about design flexibility. Architects love it because it’s lightweight and lets them create bold designs. The best part? You can pick the material that matches your vision. Whether it’s shiny aluminium for a sleek, modern look, or slate for a more imposing finish, the choice is yours. With rainscreen cladding, you’re not just protecting the building; you’re transforming its appearance into something that’s anything but an eyesore.
Low Maintenance
Once implemented, rainscreen cladding needs virtually no maintenance, especially when slate, concrete, fibre cement or plastic has been used.
Not only is the cladding low maintenance in itself, but thanks to its protective qualities, the lifetime maintenance costs of your building will be significantly reduced. In the event that there’s structural damage to the exterior walls (mould, cracks, damp), individual panels can be removed to gain access to problem areas – there’s no need to remove the whole thing!
Environmentally Friendly
Not only are the materials used for rainscreen cladding a game changer for architects in terms of design, they also have sustainable environmental credentials, lowering the carbon footprint of the build process and the building’s ongoing performance.
If you want to prioritise environmental sustainability in your build, aluminium cladding is a great option. One of the most sustainable materials in construction, aluminium is 100% recyclable.
Positive Investment
If you’re not convinced by the safety and environmental factors of rainscreen cladding, then the long term financial benefit is sure to make your decision an easy one.
Firstly, a rainscreen cladding system removes the chances of structural issues which, as we’ve discussed, can lead to some big repair bills. And secondly, thanks to its insulation properties, you’ll find your energy bills slashed by as much as 30-40%!
Is a Rainscreen Cladding System Necessary?
After reading all of that you might still be wondering if rainscreen systems are entirely necessary? While they’re not a legal requirement everywhere, in some coastal areas and areas with heavy rainfall, they are. Despite the legalities, the consensus among architects and developers alike is that rainscreen cladding systems are definitely worth the initial investment – it’s all about giving your building the best protection possible!
Rainscreen Systems at Kladworx
At Kladworx, we’re known for being the go-to consultants, estimators, and suppliers of some of the most unique façade systems out there. With all the changes happening in the façade industry right now, we know it can be a bit confusing for specifiers. That’s where we come in – we simplify the process by working closely with manufacturers and fabricators to make sure the specs, costs, and design are all taken care of.
Need a little guidance? No problem! Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your build. We offer tailored advice and, for those based in London or the South East, we can arrange a site survey to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Let’s make your project a success!
