An important factor many architects account for when designing a building is weather resistance.
Rainscreens are designed to offer protection to the exterior façade of the building without sacrificing design. Several different types of rainscreens exist, and they each have their own niche uses. It's important to note that a rainscreen system is built to suit the needs of the building, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of rainscreen panel systems and how they work to preserve a building's exterior condition. The most common types of rainscreen façade that make their way on to most buildings are:
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Pressure-equalized rainscreens (PER)
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Drained and back-ventilated (DB/V)
What is a Rainscreen?
A rainscreen system utilizes a design that separates an outer cladding from a wall to prevent moisture infiltration and any damage associated with it.
In the past, the rainscreen referred to just the outer covering of the walls. Today's construction jargon has incorporated the entire construction of the façade and the mechanism beneath it as the "rainscreen." Typically, when one speaks about a rainscreen on a building, it's immediately apparent what they're talking about.
In general, a rainscreen system consists of several elements:
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Exterior Panel Facing or Cladding
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Ventilation and Drainage Cavity
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Building Insulation (Optional)
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Weather Resistant Barrier (WRB)
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Structural Wall
Pressure Equalized Rainscreens (PER)
Pressure equalized rainscreens are installed as a compartmentalized system that allows for the easy egress of any moisture that may form.
The openings are mathematically determined to ensure the most optimal airflow in and out of the convective circulation system. The pressure on either side of the system is equalized.
This balance makes it less likely for water to enter the system and contact with the structure as a result.
Drained and Back Ventilated Systems
Drained and back ventilated rainscreen systems are open at the top and bottom. This open-structure design allows for the free flow of condensed moisture out of the system and ensures a convective circulation of the air in the interstitial space. Even though the top isn't sealed, there's an overhang dedicated to protecting the air cavity.
A weather resistant barrier (WRB) is used to protect the backing structure and provide a watertight layer. The positive of a drained and back ventilated rainscreen is it encourages any moisture that makes its way into the air cavity to evaporate and moves water vapor that infiltrates into the insulation.
Phenolic panel rainscreen systems are typically open joint, drained and back ventilated systems.
Advantages of High Pressure Laminate Compact Panels for Rainscreen Systems
Exterior-grade high pressure laminate (HPL) compact panels are designed to stand up to the elements, making them an ideal façade cladding material. The manufacturing process uses sustainable paper layers that are impregnated with thermosetting resins that are then pressed at high temperature and pressure to create a stable, homogenous and non-porous highly durable cladding panel.
Thanks to the durable materials and the ability to print directly to these panels, they can potentially find use in several unique designs. The multitude of colors and textures allow for artistic freedom in designing the exterior building's façade.
Digital printing technology allows for further customization by adding a logo design, for example. What's more, HPL compact panels are highly resistant to damage by the weather, making them a long-lasting, durable solution for both residential and commercial building projects.
Material Options for Mounting HPL Panels
The external façade cladding is just the outer layer of the rainscreen system. If using HPL, architects and contractors have a choice of several substructure material options for mounting the panels. These include:
Wood
This material is sustainable, readily available, and comes at a low cost. Unfortunately, there is no quality guarantee, and some manufacturers suggest expensive treatments to make it suitable as a substructure material for façade panels.
Steel (with Galvanized Coating)
Galvanized steel makes for another low-cost solution, and it already comes in several easy-to-use shapes. Steel substructure usually needs to be a minimum of 16-gauge thickness (depending on the panel anchor being used).
Aluminum
Aluminum has the most extended lifespan of all substructure materials because of its corrosion resistance. It does cost extra, but the lifespan makes it worth the added cost.
Choosing The Right System For Your Building
Phenolic panel rainscreen cladding systems can help protect your building’s structure from the elements while still giving you design freedom. Fundermax HPL panels are long-lasting, sustainable, durable, low-maintenance, and have over one hundred different colors and printed decors with various finishes.
When you partner with Fundermax, you will work with a team of experts who help you design your system to ensure you make the right choices for your project. If you aren’t sure what system is right for your project, contact us today and we’ll help you select the right one.
