What is rainscreen?

A rainscreen is an assembly, not a product, applied to an exterior wall which consists of, at minimum, an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity between them sufficient for the passive removal of liquid water and water vapor.

Why should walls be built with rainscreen technology?

  • 90% of all wall failures are caused by moisture-related issues.
  • 45% of all buildings currently have moisture-related issues, yet the building owner is unaware.
  • Over 80% of all wall claddings used in construction are made from absorptive materials.
  • There is no such thing as a waterproof wall system; therefore, we must design a wall to control the amount of moisture allowed past the cladding.

Rainscreen works with a variety of cladding:

  • Stucco
  • Manufactured Stone
  • Thin Brick
  • Fiber Cement
  • Wood
  • EIFS
  • Natural Stone
  • Natural Brick

Use in geographical areas with:

  • 20+ inches of rainfall annually
  • High annual snowfall
  • High wind volumes

How do we build a wall to the rainscreen standard?

Utilizing an engineered polymeric drainage and ventilation mat, or
engineered batten/furring strip tested to ASTM E2925, along with a
weather resistant barrier will allow builders to achieve a consistent
capillary break within the wall to promote proper drying and draining.
Refer to section R703.7.3.2 of the 2021 IRC.