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Rainscreen cladding has gained momentum in recent years due to global warming becoming a reality. Cities around the world are facing erratic rainfalls and abnormal weather conditions that is deteriorating the very infrastructure of buildings and houses.

The Department of Communities and Local Governments in UK have declared ‘rainscreen cladding’ as an innovative technique that must be prevalent in all new buildings and houses. As recent as this month, the Canadian government is being criticized for being too slow in implementing this technique.

Most buildings and homes are made of weatherboards or fibro that gradually become mush overtime due to the constant exposure to rain and sleet. Rainscreen cladding forms a barrier against the harsh weather conditions.

The rainscreen cladding system is basically a layer of water resistant tiles or panels fitted on the existing wall using a frame like structure. There is an airtight gap between the two walls that prevents rain water and condensation to damage the inner wall of the building or house. The gap allows for the water to evaporate due to the dynamic air flow. Windowsills and doorframes are extended outwards to meet the new wall.

One of the classic example of this system is the Alcoa building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which was the first building to undergo rainscreen modernization in 1952. Over the years, the rainscreen cladding system has undergone many new developments, with some new buildings propping up, most recently being the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art that opened in January 2, 2010 at Charlotte, North Carolina.

The rainscreen tiles or panels are thin, lightweight and very economical that suits most budgets. They are easy to install and protects the inner walls from damage, thus reducing maintenance costs. They improve thermal insulation that help to lower energy usage, which in turn lowers the energy bills. The panels or tiles give a unique and decorative finish to buildings or houses and are easily replaced. Unlike a conventional building or house, which needs to be repainted in its entirety, only that rainscreen panel or tile is replaced.

The rainscreen cladding systems available come in various materials like UV-resistant timber, laminated board, fibre cement, terracotta, metal, stone, composites, fibre glass, recycled glass etc. With new technology, the tiles now come in every shape and size and offer a whole range of colours. There are different rainscreen cladding systems are available in the market to suit most needs and budget.

**UPDATE**

A few people have been asking us where they can get these systems in the UK, we would recommend checking out Sotech Optima who specialise in rainscreen style wall cladding in the UK.

**Engineering News Feature

The engineering company HVRS is looking at cutting around 12 workers at one of its Teesside plants.

Hertel Valve and Rotating Services (HVRS), which employs 45 staff at near Redcar in the North of England has started speaking with workers and union representatives following a significant downturn in the company’s business. The consultation period which ends on the 31st January 2011 could see  up to 12 workers, including four apprentices out of a job.

It is part of engineering giant Hertel, a global industrial services company with more than 12,000 employees.

The group shut its Hertel Project Services (HPS) operation at Wilton last year with the loss of 15 jobs after it went into administration.

HVRS said the cost-cutting exercise would not affect its Grimsby and Grangemouth sites or operations at Hertel UK Ltd, which employs over 3,000 across the UK.

Ted Jansen, general manager of HVRS, said: “Hertel remains committed to the training and development of people and currently has over 100 apprentices and trainees in the UK.”

HVRS is another victim of the current engineering environment and highlights that even large national firms are susceptible in today’s climate.

A company that produces, internal door units and screens to increase their sales by about 3 million pounds to 10 million pounds during the next five years, after having moved to a larger factory.

The Cotswold Manufacturing based in Thornaby on Teesside (North East England) has grown rapidly since its launch in 2005, selling products to customers across the country, including schools, universities, hotels and hospitals offering. Despite the problems in the construction sector, the company has a solid customer base through continued investment in machinery it has built, which now claims to be the only manufacturer of block door just in the UK currently using CNC precision machining technology.

The company is now trying to add their fifth CNC machine at the end of the year, after leaving moving from their previous site to a new plant in Teeside which has 53, 000 m² of space which the the company believes will help them despite the downturn and aims to double its 27 strong workforce as it’s workload increases. Ken Button, commercial director at the Cotswold Manufacturing firm, said: “We are pleased with the company’ success. We have a great team and all focus on getting the right products and satisfied customers.”

With a unique system that differentiates it  from their competitors, Cotswold Manufacturing highlight the need for a competitive advantage in today’s tough economic climate but further show the rewards that can be reaped should it be successful.