
When properly installed and used to close the cavity, it significantly slows the upward spread of the fire. However, having an open cavity is potentially hazardous in the event of a fire because it generates a chimney for the fire to spread upwards through the building.įortunately, most cladding systems have an intumescent cavity barrier triggered by heat application. It is essential to have an open cavity in rainscreen cladding systems for the insulation to regulate airflow behind the cladding panels. Yet, there are some precautions to take when using it, just as with any other building material. Is Rainscreen Cladding Safe?Īdvanced composite rainscreen cladding is a safe material to use on your property. It is the final and most important line of protection against water intrusion. The air barrier is a device that prevents air from passing through it, and it protects the structure from moisture. If you’re going to utilize insulation in a rainscreen, be sure it’s made of a material that can withstand moisture and dry quickly without deteriorating the insulation material or lowering its overall R-value. Insulation should be put on the exterior side of the air barrier to get the most energy-efficient design. Insulation Source: Ī wall assembly’s insulation minimizes the amount of heat transferred into and out of the structure. It also ventilates any moisture that may have been brought into the area. The cavity aids in the drying out of any water that may have gotten through. Ventilation and Drainage Cavity Source: Ī ventilated air space behind the wall facilitates residual water drainage and air circulation. The barrier shields the wall components against water and moisture and protects against strong wind pressures and ultraviolet rays. Components of Rainscreen Cladding System Cladding Source: Ī high-quality wall panel serves as the primary defense in a rainscreen assembly. With rainscreen cladding, the air constantly moves through the structure, allowing any water that penetrates through the gaps of the cladding panels to escape before it can cause structural damage to the foundation. The rainscreen cladding creates a vented area between the backside of the panelboard and the outer wall of the building for better ventilation. Source: How Does Rainscreen Cladding System Work The primary function of rainscreen cladding systems is to minimize the amount of water that can potentially interact with the structure’s moisture barrier, thus decreasing the possibility of water seeping into the walls of the building. A rainscreen cladding system is a protective barrier installed on the outer wall’s weather-resistant panel, creating an air space directly behind the cladding that helps to keep the building’s weatherproofing system in optimal condition.
