What Is a Rainscreen?
Rainscreen systems are designed to improve moisture management, enhance energy efficiency and support long-term building-envelope performance. By creating a ventilated cavity behind exterior cladding, rainscreens help protect wall assemblies while providing flexibility to achieve virtually any architectural vision.
RAINSCREEN FUNDAMENTALS
What Is a Rainscreen and How Does It Work?
A rainscreen is a component of a building’s exterior envelope that protects against moisture and improves energy efficiency.
A rainscreen, as defined by the Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), is an assembly applied to an exterior wall that consists, at minimum, of an outer layer, an inner layer and a cavity between them sufficient for the passive removal of liquid water and water vapor. In practical terms, the cladding is offset from the backup wall to create a cavity large enough to maintain consistent ventilation behind the cladding. This airflow supports drying while providing a defined drainage pathway for liquid water.
A rainscreen is designed to limit the amount of water that can contact the building’s primary moisture barrier, reducing the likelihood of infiltration into the wall assembly. It helps defend the envelope against five primary forces that drive rain into buildings: kinetic energy, gravity, capillary action, surface tension and pressure differentials.
Knight Wall Systems’ thermally improved cladding-support solutions are engineered to promote drainage and ventilation within the rainscreen cavity. Pre-punched drainage openings and proprietary THERMASTOP® thermal isolators encourage water movement away from the wall assembly while maintaining continuous airflow for effective drying and long-term performance.
KEY BENEFITS
Why Rainscreen Assemblies Perform
Improved Moisture Management
Helps limit water intrusion by promoting drainage and reducing the amount of moisture that reaches the wall assembly.
Enhanced Drying and Ventilation
The ventilated air cavity encourages airflow, helping residual moisture evaporate more quickly.
Greater Energy Efficiency
Reduces thermal bridging and supports continuous exterior insulation to improve building performance.
Supports Modern Energy Codes
Creates space for increased insulation within the wall assembly and on the exterior of the building.
Protects the Building Envelope
Helps defend against the forces that drive moisture into wall systems, extending assembly life.
Design Flexibility
Accommodates ACM, fiber cement, metal panels, UHPC, stucco, stone veneer and composite systems.
Simplified Material Transitions
Makes it easier to integrate and transition between multiple façade materials on one project.
Potential Sustainability Benefits
Durable, thermally improved assemblies can support long-term performance and reduced energy demand.
Reduced Building Weight
Lightweight support strategies can reduce the weight associated with some traditional wall assemblies.
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Continue Exploring Rainscreen Design
Learn more about company news, product launches and industry insights from Knight Wall Systems, or visit the Rainscreen Association in North America for additional industry education.