How Does Rainscreen Cladding Work?

Modern architecture has introduced innovative, beautiful solutions to protect buildings from exterior elements. One remarkable system is rainscreen cladding, which emerges as a unique building envelope system. It offers enhanced protection from environmental elements while simultaneously boosting the aesthetic appeal of a building’s exterior. This system comprises an outer weather-resistant skin, a ventilation cavity, and an inner layer, allowing the system to achieve outstanding results. At Johns Architectural Metal Solutions, we build custom rainscreen cladding and are familiar with its benefits and operational mechanisms. We explore the properties and benefits of rainscreen cladding below.

Understanding the Rainscreen Cladding System

Overview of Rainscreen Cladding

Rainscreen cladding operates by forming a gap or cavity between the external weather-resistant skin and the building’s inner layer. This cavity plays a crucial role in ensuring proper ventilation, insulation, and effective water management.

The Science Behind Rainscreen Cladding

The underlying principle of rainscreen cladding revolves around natural convection and thermal performance. During the sweltering summer months, the warm air within the cavity tends to rise and gets expelled through the cavity, thereby promoting a cooler internal environment. Conversely, in the cold winter months, the air within the cavity does not rise but instead acts as an additional layer of insulation.

Components of Rainscreen Cladding

The rainscreen cladding system incorporates three main components:

1. Outer Weather-Resistant Skin: This visible part of the cladding system can be crafted from a variety of materials, such as natural tectonic slate or fiber cement panels, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal to the building.
2. Ventilation Cavity: The space between the outer skin and the inner layer forms a ventilation cavity. This cavity enables air movement, preventing moisture accumulation and enhancing thermal efficiency.
3. Inner Layer: The inner layer serves as a barrier against the ventilation cavity and the building structure, providing additional insulation and safeguarding the building from potential water damage.

Benefits of Rainscreen Cladding

Rainscreen cladding offers a multitude of benefits:

1. Enhanced Building Protection: By offering optimal protection against water damage, rainscreen cladding reduces the risk of structural deterioration over time.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency: The natural convection process within the ventilation cavity aids in temperature regulation, leading to significant energy savings.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: With a vast array of materials and finishes available, rainscreen cladding enhances the architectural appeal of any building.
4. Ease of Maintenance: Designed for easy maintenance, rainscreen cladding contributes to lower life-cycle costs.

Rely On Our Team for Outstanding Results

Specializing in the fabrication and installation of architectural metal and facade systems, Johns Architectural Metal Solutions provides superior services throughout the Midwest. Our dedication to quality, open communication and team-oriented approach set us apart as a preferred specialty metal subcontractor.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Ideas

Rainscreen cladding is an architectural concept that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics. Its operation principle centers around proper ventilation, insulation, and water management. Johns Architectural Metal Solutions emerges as a trusted partner in this field, offering top-notch services and unparalleled expertise. Give us a call to bring your architectural vision to life with rainscreen cladding systems.