When you live in a moisture rich environment like most of the east coast, you may have heard about rainscreens. If you’re wondering “what is a rainscreen?” then it’s time to turn to the experts at CORE Building Solutions for more information! Without proper ventilation and drainage, moisture can accumulate between the water-resistive barrier and siding of a building. This issue can be particularly evident with absorptive or reservoir claddings. A rainscreen separates the cladding from the building, allowing drainage and moisture evaporation.
What is a Rainscreen and How Does It Protect Your Home?
A rainscreen is a cladding system designed to protect the exterior of your home from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and environmental wear. It creates a ventilated gap between the outer cladding and the building’s structural wall, allowing water to drain and air to circulate. This design enhances the durability and energy efficiency of your home. Here are a few benefits of a rainscreen:
- Moisture Management: By facilitating drainage and evaporation, a rainscreen prevents water from penetrating the building envelope (the gap between your building’s exterior), reducing the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage.
- Thermal Insulation: A rainscreen can really help with insulation. The air gap and continuous exterior insulation enhance your home’s thermal performance, keeping interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer, thereby reducing energy costs.
- UV Protection: The cladding system can shield your home’s exterior and underlying materials from harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing degradation and extending the lifespan of your home’s exterior.
- Promotes Structural Integrity: By managing moisture and promoting airflow, a rainscreen system helps maintain the structural integrity of your home, preventing issues like wood rot and concrete deterioration, which can also be costly to address.
- Aesthetic Flexibility: Rainscreens offer a wide range of cladding options. From traditional materials like brick and stone to modern alternatives like metal, fiber cement, and terracotta, a rainscreen allows for diverse design aesthetics so that your home still looks and feels like your home.
Rainscreen Spotlight: DELTA®-DRY
When it comes to choosing a rainscreen, DELTA®-DRY stands out as a top-tier solution. This dual-chambered ventilated rainscreen is uniquely designed to combat moisture challenges from both inside and outside the wall system. Made from heavy-duty polyethylene, DELTA®-DRY’s stud-and-channel design ensures that any water that enters drains away efficiently, while the system promotes airflow for drying. It’s especially effective in protecting against the risks associated with absorptive claddings like stucco or manufactured stone, making it a smart investment for long-term performance and protection.
Choose CORE Building Solutions For Your Moisture Management
At CORE Building Solutions, we specialize in providing high-performance moisture management systems, including rainscreen components, to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your building’s envelope. With over 23 years of experience in the industry, we provide a wealth of knowledge and only the highest quality materials to protect your home’s exterior. If you’re looking to install a rainscreen or are still curious about what is a rainscreen and its purpose, call us today at 215-534-0300 or fill out our online form!
Leave a Reply