Is a Rainscreen Necessary? Building Envelope Design Considerations

A rainscreen is an exterior cladding system designed to protect the building envelope from moisture, wind, and other weather-related elements. So, is a rainscreen necessary for your building? The answer is often yes in regions with heavy rainfall or high humidity. Without a rainscreen, moisture can penetrate the exterior of the building and cause serious damage to the structure, including mould and rot. 

In British Columbia, many municipalities, including Vancouver, have mandated rain screens as part of their building codes.  

Additional Benefits of Rainscreens  

In addition to protecting the building envelope from moisture, a rainscreen can also improve the energy efficiency of the building. By creating an air gap between the cladding and the building envelope, a rainscreen can improve the thermal performance of the building and reduce energy costs. 

Work with the Building Envelope Experts Today 

If you need a high-quality rainscreen system or other building restoration services, contact West Coast Building Restoration today. Our team can provide the expert guidance and services you need to protect and enhance your building's cladding.