Metal Rainscreen Technology
Metal rainscreens can be manufactured from the following: Aluminium Rainscreen, Copper Rainscreen, Zinc Rainscreen, Stainless Steel Rainscreen, Steel Rainscreen and Corten Rainscreen. What is a Rainscreen? A rainscreen forms the primary rain barrier of a multi layered wall system. It should be used in conjunction with an impermeable backing wall which forms an effective air barrier and usually incorporates an insulation layer. Normally the rainscreen carrier system is supported off the back wall. A ventilated air cavity between the rainscreen and the backing wall is designed to inhibit airborne moisture across the cavity. Rainscreen Terminology: THE AIR BARRIER (BACKING WALL) The air barrier may be a layer of plaster or render on the inner face of a blockwork wall, a continuous polythene sheet affixed to the outer face of a plasterboard dry lining, or the insulation trays in an integral wall construction. COMPARTMENTATION (AIR) The provision of cavity closers to form discrete compartments within the cavity. Compartmentation is necessary to achieve pressure equalisation. COMPARTMENTATION (FIRE) The cavity behind the rainscreen shall be subdivided with horizontal and vertical cavity fire barriers at centres not exceeding 20 metres or less as required by the Building Regulations. BREATHER MEMBRANE A layer within the construction that allows the passage of air and water vapour but is resistant to the passage of liquid water. If used, it would normally be positioned on the cold side of the insulation. VAPOUR BARRIER A layer within the construction intended to retard the passage of water vapour through the wall. If used, it would normally be positioned on the warm side of the insulation. A qualified engineer should, by calculation, determine the necessity for, and location of, any breather membranes or vapour barriers. | Downloads |