What is a rainscreen cladding system?

Rainscreen cladding is the most efficient cladding system for construction envelope purposes and a building solution that fits perfectly into current sustainable architecture trends; whose installation is more simplistic than many anticipate.

A rainscreen is an exterior wall detail where the wall cladding stands off from the moisture resistant surface of an air/ water barrier applied to the sheathing; creating a capillary break allowing drainage and evaporation.

The rainscreen prevents the wall air/ water barrier from getting wet but because of cladding attachments and penetrations such as windows and doors water is likely to reach this point, and therefore materials are selected to be moisture tolerant and integrated with flashing. Rainscreen cladding systems are also lightweight when compared to brick and masonry solutions and they can provide the designer with a wide range of aesthetic options.

A poor façade insulation results in significant energy loss in buildings yet the rainscreen cladding system enhances energy saving thanks to its air cavity on the exterior façade of the building.

How does a rainscreen cladding system work?

The rainscreen cladding system is made with a bearing wall, an insulation layer and a cladding material that is fixed to the building using a supporting structure; resulting in an air cavity between the load bearing wall and the cladding material allowing continuous ventilation.

Depending on the project, there is likely to be an insulation layer between the load bearing wall and the cladding. Sometimes the load bearing wall itself can be insulating or the insulating material can be placed inside the building.

Load bearing wall

The load bearing wall must ensure the stability of the building and be stable enough to support the weight of the cladding and the wind loads transmitted through the structure. This load bearing wall can be made of either brick, concrete or wood, among other materials. It is imperative to make sure the wall supports the weight of the cladding material per square meter.

Air cavity

The air cavity ensures the constant circulation of air and has an opening on the top and bottom part. These openings must be correctly protected to prevent water filtrations, since water can negatively impact the efficiency of the insulating material.

On the lower opening of the façade, a ventilated flashing is included to allow the ventilation while preventing the entry of insects and even small mammals. On the upper opening, a metal profile is installed to prevent water getting in, leaving the necessary space to allow continuous ventilation.

What does it mean in terms of energy efficiency?

Due to the result of temperature differences, a natural convection process known as the “chimney effect”, takes place in this cavity. This process makes the warm air rise in summer, renewing the air inside the cavity with a cooler one. During winter, the air inside the cavity is not warm enough to lift, which helps the insulation layer contain the heat inside the building.

This chimney effect avoids overheating during summer and helps maintain a warm and consistent interior temperature during winter. Constant air circulation from the outside to the inside of the cavity is essential to guarantee an optimal performance of the rainscreen cladding.

Insulation layer

Although the insulation layer can either be placed outside or inside the building, it is recommended to install it on the outside of the load bearing wall ensuring a better performance in terms of structural movements. When installing the insulating material inside the building, it is no longer part of the rainscreen cladding system, and it does not benefit from its ventilation advantages. With some projects, the insulation layer can’t go on the outside and from the point of view of thermal efficiency, it is better to place an insulation layer on the inside than having no insulation layer at all.

Regarding the insulating materials for rainscreen cladding, there are several options. The type and thickness of the material is selected for each project depending on its insulating capacity and the project needs such as location, orientation and type of construction, etc.

Cladding material

Many materials can be used for building cladding, such as ceramic, metallic, wood or natural slate. Terracotta cladding is a material which is heavily utilised. The most important thing is choosing a high quality, resistant and durable material that completes the efficiency of the rainscreen cladding system. Click here to see our vast range of profile and finishes.

Advantages of rainscreen cladding systems

There are many advantages of installing a rainscreen cladding system in buildings and here are some of the main advantages:

Reduced condensation and humidity

This façade system reduces condensation and humidity coming both from inside and outside the building. This is because the continuous circulation of air inside the air cavity works as an extra protection layer and removes the possible water filtrations that can slip through cladding joints.

Extends the façade’s lifetime

The continuous ventilation inside the air cavity improves the durability of the exterior cladding material because it keeps it dry. The façade’s lifetime is further enhanced when using a durable and resistant material like natural slate.

Reduces structural movements

The air cavity allows maintaining a more stable temperature in the building construction envelope. This helps prevent the risk of cracks and other structural issues. As the structure is not subject to extreme temperature changes, it is less liable to suffer expansion or contraction movements.

Improves thermal and acoustic insulation

The insulation layer is optional, yet when combined with the rainscreen cladding system, the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building improves significantly. Additionally, this system removes thermal bridges.

Improves energy efficiency

Thanks to the rainscreen cladding system, energy bills can be reduced between 30% and 40%. The rainscreen cladding makes cooling the building easier during summer and provides a better control of the heating during winter, favoring both thermal comfort and energy saving.

Minimal maintenance

Rainscreen cladding systems require almost no maintenance, especially if you choose a cladding material that can withstand adverse weather conditions.

Adds value to the building

The extra initial investment is recovered thanks to the durability, energy efficiency and low maintenance cost of the façade. As such, rainscreen cladding is an excellent choice both for new construction sites and refurbishment projects. These systems are a very good solution in terms of energy and money saving. It is a stand for a sustainable future which supports reduced heating bills.

There are a wide variety of proprietary rainscreen cladding systems available and we specialise in the design and supply of the Argeton Terracotta Façade System which is an innovative and cost effective cladding which is Euro-class A1 Fire rated and holds a BBA and EPD for the system. The Argeton system is based on the proven principle of the ventilated cavity, using natural clay tiles suspended in a rainscreen mechanically attached to an aluminium substructure. Find out more about who are are here.

What is a rainscreen cladding system?