Rainscreens help protect your siding from moisture damage and also improve energy efficiency. To install a rainscreen, simply nail 1-1/4″ finishing nails into the furring strips at 16″ intervals. Then, cut pieces of rainscreen cloth to size and staple them to the furring strips. Once all of the cloth is in place, your job is done.
Full Answer
How do you install a rainscreen on siding?
In an open rainscreen, the siding nails to the furring strips with air gaps between the boards. Site-built rainscreens install over the WRB, so it should be complete with all seams and openings sealed and flashed properly. In a closed system, the sheathing is treated normally.
How do you install strapping for a rain screen system?
If the building has regular OSB or plywood sheathing with housewrap or felt paper as a WRB, the strapping installs over the WRB. In an open rainscreen system, the gaps between the boards would allow sunlight and damaging UV rays to reach the sheathing, so that system starts with a layer of 15-lb. felt paper over the sheathing.
How do you hide furring strips in rainscreen?
Open rainscreen systems leave the furring strips exposed in the gaps between the boards. Many different strategies can be employed to hide the natural color of the strips. One option is painting the strips before they go on. The entire furring strip can be covered with building paper.
How do you close off the bottom of a rain screen?
At the bottom of both types of the strapping rainscreens, the 3/4-inch space between the strapping strips lets water drain out readily, but a space like that can be an invitation to little furry friends and the like. To close it off, but still allow for drainage, I use ridge-vent mesh cut to fit and nailed in between the strapping.
How is rainscreen installed?
With a closed rainscreen, the siding installs with a lap joint or it overlaps, as with clapboard. In an open rainscreen, the siding nails to the furring strips with air gaps between the boards. Site-built rainscreens install over the WRB, so it should be complete with all seams and openings sealed and flashed properly.
How do you install rain screen siding?
0:552:13How To Install Advantage Rainscreen™ Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace hidden sighting fasteners into the pre-molded groove 7. Drive stainless steel screws throughMorePlace hidden sighting fasteners into the pre-molded groove 7. Drive stainless steel screws through the sighting fastener into the furring strip at a 45 degree angle 8.
How do you build a rainscreen wall?
To build a rainscreen wall, simply add space between your siding and your weather-proof barrier covered sheathing. The secret to a rainscreen wall system is the airspace separation between siding and sheathing. Traditional wall construction consists of an exterior siding (primary barrier) installed over sheathing.
Is a rain screen worth it?
Increase Lifespan of Your Siding A rainscreen system is the perfect solution for keeping your home dry, healthy, and beautiful for the seasons ahead. Even the simplest rainscreen installed behind your siding is an investment worth making, as it helps reduce future maintenance and repair costs.
How do you install canexel siding?
4:4510:15LP CanExel Prefinished Siding Product Overview - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLeave a 3/16 inch to quarter inch gap between the siding pieces and nail into the stud nail. On eachMoreLeave a 3/16 inch to quarter inch gap between the siding pieces and nail into the stud nail. On each side joint spacing at the top of the nailing.
What can I use for rainscreen?
Furring strips can consist of any wood strips or commercial products of metal and plastic. Wood strips seem to be the most popular and proven rainscreen method. Material costs tend to be low while labor costs vary widely depending on the installation crew's experience and training.
Do you need a rainscreen with vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding usually does not require a rainscreen. That's because vinyl siding already has an air space behind it unless it is installed on top of rigid foam insulation. If vinyl siding is installed over rigid foam insulation that is more than 2 inches thick, a rain screen should be added.
How does a rainscreen system work?
A rainscreen uses an exterior surface–a rainscreen cladding layer–to break the force of sideways, wind-driven water movement, so that any water that gets through the small breaches in the surface has lost its momentum. Most water simply bounces off the surface or runs down the exterior.
Does Hardie panel need rainscreen?
Even though James Hardie does not require a rainscreen in most cases, it can still be a relatively inexpensive way to improve the long-term health and performance of your structure. Particularly with HardiePanel, we always recommend at least a drainable housewrap as a weather barrier.
Why do I need a rainscreen?
Building Science Corporation notes "rainscreen gaps help walls manage moisture. A rainscreen gap helps to dry the sheathing, which may accumulate moisture during cold weather. It also helps to dry the siding when it is soaked by rain.... The gap provides a capillary break between the back of the siding and the WRB.
What is a rainscreen for siding?
A rainscreen is an exterior wall detail where the siding (wall cladding) stands off from the moisture-resistant surface of an air/water barrier applied to the sheathing to create a capillary break and to allow drainage and evaporation.
Does siding need air gap?
The air space between siding and sheathing should also allow humid air to escape. In order for both of these actions to take place, when siding is installed correctly there needs to be a continuous space behind siding where water can drain and air can flow.
Does Hardie panel need rainscreen?
Even though James Hardie does not require a rainscreen in most cases, it can still be a relatively inexpensive way to improve the long-term health and performance of your structure. Particularly with HardiePanel, we always recommend at least a drainable housewrap as a weather barrier.
Can rainscreen cladding be installed vertically?
The timber cladding can be installed both horizontally and vertically.
What is rain screen for siding?
A rainscreen is an exterior wall detail where the siding (wall cladding) stands off from the moisture-resistant surface of an air/water barrier applied to the sheathing to create a capillary break and to allow drainage and evaporation.
What is rainscreen assembly?
A rainscreen is an assemblage of products whose combined purpose is to promote passive removal of water and water vapor from a building's exterior. A common misconception is that exterior insulation is an essential element in the overall buildup of a rainscreen assembly.
How Difficult is to Install a Rainscreen?
Installing a Rainscreen for experts is relatively simple. There are two methods to install a Rainscreen, which are horizontal and vertical.
Consideration Before Installing a Rainscreen
To Install a Rainscreens a prior analysis of different factors is required. It is essential to check local building codes and standards and consult with an architect before construction. The installer should follow all construction codes that apply in the area.
Step by Step Installation Process
Each of the Rainscreen types has their installing method and require a different process. However, all products have a similar standard installation method to have better results after completing the construction. The followings are the steps of the installation process for all types of Rainscreen panels.
HOW TO INSTALL A RAINSCREEN CLADDING SYSTEM?
Don’t miss these 2 videos with the installation steps of our rainscreen cladding systems in natural slate
Installation of a slate rainscreen cladding system with invisible fixings (CUPACLAD 101 Logic)
Our series of CUPACLAD® 101 natural slate rainscreen cladding features totally invisible fixing systems, enhancing the aesthetics of any wall or surface you apply it to.
Installation of a rainscreen cladding with visible fixing (CUPACLAD 201 Vanguard)
CUPACLAD® 201 combines stainless steel clips with natural slate texture to give a touch of modernity and reduce installation times compared to other rainscreen cladding systems.
How to hide furring strips?
Many different strategies can be employed to hide the natural color of the strips. One option is painting the strips before they go on.
How to protect rainscreen from UV rays?
In an open rainscreen system, the gaps between the boards would allow sunlight and damaging UV rays to reach the sheathing, so that system starts with a layer of 15-lb. felt paper over the sheathing. The felt paper blocks sunlight from hitting the sheathing and degrading the WRB, while creating an effective, low-tech, and inexpensive water-shedding surface for the sheathing. The strapping then installs over the building paper.
What is rainscreen siding?
A rainscreen is a system composed of a water-protection layer along with an air space behind the siding that allows excess moisture to drain away, while allowing the siding and sheathing to dry properly.
What is an open rainscreen?
An open rainscreen has joints between the installed planks. Both types of systems rely on the assumption that the underlying sheathing as well as the window and door penetrations are airtight, weathertight, and properly water-managed. The siding and rainscreen are just “makeup” on the exterior of the building.
Why do we need a flap of building paper below the window layers?
A flap of building paper below the window layers into the building paper of the open rainscreen so that it sheds water properly.
Why do old houses need rainscreen?
But it was this heat loss that continually baked those houses dry and helped contribute to their continued longevity. Adding insulation and creating airtight building envelopes drastically reduces the “baking” effect in today’s houses, which makes using an effective rainscreen almost a requirement now when building a house.
Where do furring strips end?
Furring strips end well above the head flashing over a window.
Why do we need ventilated facades?
A ventilated façade system as a whole protects against adverse weather conditions.
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Choosing ROCKWOOL’s ventilated façade system means a whole host of benefits for your design and maintenance needs. Along with a variety of mono and dual-density insulation slabs, ROCKPANEL – part of the ROCKWOOL Group – offers robust cladding systems.
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External Wall Applications
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We are committed to the safe and sustainable use of materials in the construction industry. 1 Our insulation uses one of earth’s most abundant and sustainable resources – stone – to develop innovative solutions for everything we build.
Rainscreen Insulation Products
Fire and water resistant, ROCKWOOL CAVITYROCK® products are semi-rigid, stone wool insulation boards designed for exterior cavity and rainscreen applications. Also available in a black mat facer finish for open-joint cladding systems.
Open vs. Closed Rainscreen
Multitasking Rainscreen
- We’ve already discussed the fact that the air space between the strapping and behind the siding is great for draining away the bulk water. But while a rainscreen’s ability to drain water gets the biggest hype, the ventilation that these site-built systems provide is just as important. That 3/4-inch space behind the siding allows air to travel up and through the space, letting the cladding (a…
Rainscreen For Other Types of Siding
- Some building projects call for vertical siding, such as board and batten. In these cases, we simply lap the strapping—adding a horizontal layer over the vertical layer—to allow for the vertical orientation of the siding. In one case where part of the elevation called for corrugated metal siding, double-lapping the strapping was a perfect solution. In another project, we installed vertic…
Open Rainscreen Detailing
- As an architect, I prefer the open-plank rainscreen system for the projects that I design. While this system is tried and true from a performance standpoint, there are a couple of concerns that need to be solved for installation. We already mentioned covering the sheathing with felt paper to prevent UV exposure, which can also void the warranty of some manufacturers. To keep the stra…
Rainscreen Investment
- When the subject of rainscreens comes up with contractors or clients, the inevitable first question is, “How much does the strapping cost?” I could always look up the current prices at the local lumberstore and apply a dollar amount, but I usually answer that question with another question: “How much does that paint job cost every five years?” As a conservative estimate, let’s assume t…