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
