Rainscreen Cladding

Rainscreen Cladding acts as an exterior wall detail, where the cladding sits away from the building’s existing structure and acts as an air barrier (circa 25mm) to the sheeting, creating a capillary break that allows rainwater to drain off the system effectively.

What is Rainscreen Cladding and what are the benefits?

Last Updated: 21st April 2022

A Rainscreen Cladding system is constructed of a bearing wall, an insulation layer and a cladding material that is fixed to the building.

This type of cladding system is seen as being the most efficient cladding system for Building Envelope purposes. Poor façade insulation will cause significant energy loss, rendering the building as inefficient and causing problems further down the line. On the other hand, Rainscreen Cladding favours energy saving due to the air cavity on the exterior façade of the building.

Benefits of Rainscreen Cladding

• The building’s fabric can breathe without interstitial condensation or structural decay
• Rainwater can drain off the system effectively
• Available in a wide range of finishes and colours including:
  • Stainless Steel
  • Copper
  • Aluminium
  • Granite
  • Zinc
  • Ceramic
  • Terracotta
  • Cedar

Examples of Rainscreen Cladding

Commonly, Rainscreen Cladding is installed during the early stages of construction for new builds or is alternatively installed as Over Cladding to an existing structure.

As one of the most valuable assets in any building, it is important that the envelope is approached with the best workmanship and care to ensure that its lifespan is maximised, and its asset value maintained.

By incorporating a ventilated rainscreen with insulation, your building’s fabric can breathe, without the risk of interstitial condensation or structural decay.

External wall insulation is utilised in this way due to the elimination of condensation risks associated with internal or cavity wall insulation, and of course, its superior performance. HS RoofClad’s Rainscreen façades are available in a wide range of finishes and colours including stainless steel, copper, aluminium, granite, zinc, ceramic, terracotta and cedar.