Rainscreen Cladding Has Great Potential For The Future
So is it any wonder that environmentally solutions are creeping up the market, and gaining a lot of interest with both buildings and home owners.
The Department of Communities and Local Governments in UK have declared rainscreen cladding as an innovative technique that must be widespread in all new buildings and houses. As recent as this month, the Canadian government is being criticized for being too slow in implementing this technique.
Unfortunately most buildings and homes are made of weatherboards or fibro which steadily become pulp overtime due to the constant exposure to both rain and sleet. Rainscreen cladding forms a barrier against these harsh weather conditions, leaving the contents of the house protected.
The rainscreen cladding system is essentially a layer of water resistant tiles or panels fitted onto the existing wall using a frame like structure. There is an airtight gap between the two walls that prevents rain water and condensation to damage the inner wall of the building or house. The gap allows for the water to evaporate due to the dynamic air flow. Windowsills and doorframes are extended outwards to meet the new wall.
One of the best examples of this system is the Alcoa building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which was the first building to undergo rainscreen modernization in 1952. Over the years, the rainscreen cladding system has undergone many new developments, with some new buildings propping up, most recently being the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art that opened in January 2, 2010, North Carolina.
The rainscreen tiles or panels are generally thin, lightweight and very economical that would suit most budgets. Due to their easy installation and protection of the inner walls from damage, they reduce maintenance cost significantly. They improve thermal insulation that helps to lower energy usage, which in turn lowers the energy bills- making it a sought after product.
The panels or tiles give a unique and decorative finish to buildings and houses and are easily replaced. Unlike a conventional building or house, which needs to be repainted in its entirety, only that rainscreen panel or tile is replaced.
The rainscreen cladding systems available come in various materials like UV-resistant timber, laminated board, fibre cement, terracotta, metal, stone, composites, fibre glass, recycled glass etc. With new technology, the tiles now come in every shape and size and offer a whole range of colours. There are different rainscreen cladding systems are available in the market to suit most needs and budget.
With all these sought after characteristics rainscreen cladding possess, it is no wonder that the government are jumping on the band wagon and declaring it a must-have building technique of the future.
Reducing energy bills by 2050 seems a little more realistic when combined with the energy efficient building solutions such as rainscreen cladding and thermal solar panels.