ReynoArch: What Is a Rainscreen System? And How It Protects Your Facade

Have you noticed how some buildings do not leak during the rain? To achieve this effect, many architects use an interesting design solution called the rainscreen facade. Do you remember what happens when you wear a raincoat? You keep your clothing safe and dry. The same principle works with a rainscreen facade.

You know, today a building’s exterior is more than a beautiful face. Because your building facade  Every day, it stands between the rain, heat, wind, moisture, and changing weather. A truly well-designed façade must therefore do more than look impressive; it must help protect the building and also be resistant to all weather conditions.

What is a Rainscreen System?

This is where ReynoArch Rainscreen Systems work well. A rainscreen façade is a ventilated double-layer cladding system which structurally separates the weather protection and insulation functions. A rainscreen is a ventilated exterior wall system in which the outer cladding is installed slightly away from the main building wall. 

This creates a small air cavity behind the façade. This rainscreen system plays an important role in managing moisture and improving the performance of the building. This rainscreen system has four important parts.

Outer Cladding

Outer cladding is made of materials such as metal, stone, fiber cement, or specialized panels. It serves as the primary weather-exposed  layer  and reduces direct rain penetrating to the interior.Outer Cladding layer, it bears the initial impact of all weather conditions. 

All the moisture that passes the outer cladding can be removed through the ventilated cavity rather than being collected right against the wall of the building. This approach not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal (facade) but also ensures effective moisture management.

While there is a gap between the cladding and the wall that allows some rainwater to reach the inner sections, there is no cause for concern, as a protective layer behind the panels provides the necessary defense.

Ventilated Cavity (Gap)

Secondly, there is a ventilated cavity (Gap) behind the panels. The air cavity is one of the main features of a rainscreen system that is not visible after the installation. The cavity creates the ventilation system for the cladding. The airflow will help the facade to drain all the moisture and dry up naturally.

This process can be compared to the chimney effect. The warm air rises inside the cavity, encouraging the natural airflow and reducing the moisture behind the cladding. This thing gives your building some space to breathe.

For example, imagine that you left a gap between your hand and your raincoat. An air stream can pass through it. In a rainscreen facade, air flows in through the lower parts and moves upwards along the cavity. It means that air removes moisture; just like a chimney, warm air goes up and draws moist air along with it.

Moisture Management

Thirdly, when you allow moisture to enter the cavity instead of trapping it between the exterior finish and wall, the moisture can escape. The cavity can also act as a thermal buffer, improving the overall performance of the facade.

If the water penetrates to the inner part of the wall, then it does not accumulate there forever. Water can flow down along the inner side of the panels and leave the wall. Moving air assists in the drying of the inner surface of the wall. This fact is important because accumulated water can lead to serious consequences for the building.

Insulation Layer

Fourthly, there is an insulation layer. The cavity can also act as a thermal buffer between the outside environment and the building wall. When combined with suitable insulation and proper installation, a rainscreen façade can contribute to improved thermal performance and greater indoor comfort. Actual energy performance depends on the complete building design, climate, insulation, and installation quality.

For projects with strict fire-safety requirements, suitable fire-retardant (FR) or non-combustible A2-core ACP products can be selected according to applicable building codes and certifications.

Reynoarch ACP Rainscreen Systems

With Reynarch ACP Rainscreen facade systems, the exterior can be designed around both architectural requirements and environmental performance. You can use reynoarch panel thicknesses of 3 mm, 4 mm, or 6 mm, depending on your needs. It is made with high-strength aluminium alloy options, such as 6063-T6 and 3003/5005 alloy series.

Finishing is also an important part of architectural design. That is why reynoarch provides PVDF or FEVE coatings in a wide range of colors and finishes, including wood-like, stone-like, and metal finishes. Cavity depth can also be selected from 25 mm to 50 mm, depending on the airflow and facade design requirements.

Our product is Not Only for the High-Rise Buildings,  Rainscreen System for Residential Architecture.  You may think rainscreen facade systems are only needed for large commercial buildings. But they are also useful for residential homes.

Rain hits the outer layer first, that's why the ventilated cavity helps drain moisture and allows the facade to dry. The inner wall stays protected from direct exposure to rain and weather. As a result, your facade continues to perform as designed. The ReynoArch rainscreen system is built for long-term performance.

No matter what kind of project you work on- a skyscraper, a contemporary residential area, or an institutional building.  The rainscreen system provides an effective way to combine architectural freedom and performance of the building envelope. And it acts like a shell. It keeps indoor spaces safe and comfortable by stopping rain, wind, and bad temperatures from getting inside.

Why Is It Good?

There are many advantages to using a ventilated rainscreen façade (an outer wall layer). It keeps walls dry by allowing water to drain away from the facade; it enhances indoor comfort, as proper insulation regulates temperature; It helps to save energy by minimizing heat transfer through the walls. Also it reduces noise, it protects the building's structure from rain and temperature fluctuations. And most importantly, it extends the lifespan of the façade.

The advantages of a rainscreen system are not limited to rain protection. The ventilated cavity (an air gap) can also improve the thermal performance of the building envelope. By creating a space between the outer cladding and the inner wall, the facade can manage heat transfer and the impact of sunlight.

Think of a ventilated rainscreen facade as a high-quality raincoat for the building. The outer panels shield the structure from rain and wind; the ventilated cavity allows the wall to breathe; the insulation ensures indoor comfort; and the main wall stays protected. While the term ventilated rainscreen facade sounds confusing, its basic concept is quite simple like a rain coat. 


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