At its core, it creates a protective barrier that prevents water infiltration and greatly reduces the risk of mould, rot, and structural damage, all of which can compromise the envelope’s performance.

The team here at Dale Contracts Ltd can provide tailored design solutions for all types of rainscreen cladding projects in Essex, London, and across the UK. We work with architects and building contractors to bring their clients’ visions to life by supplying robust materials and configurations that will add significant value to any build.

There are three main types of rainscreen cladding system: vented, drained and vented, and pressure equalised. Each system has its own distinct characteristics, advantages, and applications, and will contribute to the overall performance and longevity of the building envelope in different ways. We will always provide guidance on which product is the best fit for your project, but here is a quick
rundown of the key differences between these technologies.

These products allow us to take one of the most common and traditional approaches to rainscreen design. In this system, a gap or airspace is created between the exterior cladding and the underlying weather-resistant barrier (WRB). This gap allows for natural ventilation and convective airflow behind the cladding, allowing moisture to evaporate and preventing moisture buildup within the wall assembly, which in turn reduces the risk that rot and mould will shorten the life of the materials.

We will need to consider the spacing and sizing of the ventilation gaps when designing vented rainscreen systems.

These systems enhance the properties of vented screens further by adding drainage components to better manage moisture and create more weather resistance. A drainage layer is integrated into the wall assembly to collect and redirect any water that penetrates the cladding. This layer typically consists of a moisture-resistant membrane, drainage mats, or weep strips installed behind the cladding. When installing drained and vented rainscreens, we will need to consider other building elements such as flashings and waterproofing membranes to make sure the integrity of the system is maintained.

Pressure equalised rainscreens offer a much more sophisticated take on standard rainscreen technology. The airspace behind the cladding is divided into pressure equalization chambers using baffles, vents, or compartmentalisation. These chambers help distribute wind pressure more evenly across the cladding surface, reducing the likelihood of air infiltration and water ingress and enhancing the cladding’s long-term stability. We will need to consider a range of factors when designing and installing pressure equalised rainscreens, including the size and spacing of the openings, how the chambers are configured, and which materials will achieve the best results.