rainscreens
Exterior wall shields
Rainscreens are exterior cladding systems designed to protect buildings from water damage.
The outer layer deflects most rain while a ventilated gap behind it allows any moisture that penetrates to drain and evaporate before reaching the structural wall.
Common materials include metal panels, fiber cement, and wood: The architect specified aluminum rainscreens for the facade.
Outer protective layer
- façadeFalse outward appearance
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- exteriorOuter portion
- sidingExterior wall covering
curtain wall · cavity wall · stucco · masonry · terracotta · ACM · shiplap · substrate
Protection from outdoor conditions
- moisture barrierMaterial blocking water transfer
- damp proofingBarrier against building moisture
- flashingsMetal joint seals
- weep holesBuilt-in wall drainage gaps
waterproofing · water management · vapor barrier · housewrap · sealant · gaskets
Movement of atmosphere
- dryingMoisture removal process
- breathabilityAirflow through material
- air gapEmpty interval between objects
- convectionHeat transfer via motion
intake vents · exhaust vents · air circulation · humidity control · evaporation
Thermal transfer prevention
- thermal bridgingConductive bypass through insulation
- R-valueInsulation effectiveness measure
- energy efficiencyMinimizing wasted power
- heat lossWarmth leaving a system
cladding
Outer protective layer
siding · curtain wall · cavity wall · stucco · masonry · terracotta · ACM · shiplap · substrate · furring
weatherproofing
Protection from outdoor conditions
- moisture barrierMaterial blocking water transfer
- damp proofingBarrier against building moisture
- flashingsMetal joint seals
weep holes · waterproofing · water management · vapor barrier · housewrap · sealant · gaskets
airflow
Movement of atmosphere
- dryingMoisture removal process
- breathabilityAirflow through material
- air gapEmpty interval between objects
convection · intake vents · exhaust vents · air circulation · humidity control · evaporation
insulation
Thermal transfer prevention
- thermal bridgingConductive bypass through insulation
- R-valueInsulation effectiveness measure
- energy efficiencyMinimizing wasted power
rainscreensstone walls
Refuses to cooperate
stucco · concrete walls · brick veneer · adobe · rammed earth