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The Advantages of Rainscreen Facades

8.11.20

What is a Rainscreen Facade?

A rainscreen facade is the attachment of rear-ventilated cladding to the outside of a building. Typically, the rainscreen cladding systems are formed from fabricated panels to prevent large amounts of water from getting inside. The panel joints can also provide thermal insulation, airtightness and structural stability.

Rainscreen facades are now seen as the most popular and effective cladding system for building envelopes. It’s an efficient solution that has an easy installation and fits into the current trend of sustainability.

At Lynco we can combine rainscreen cladding systems with exterior facades, designed to specific technical performance and with aesthetic appeal. Our designs are diverse and we can create, supply and fit to your unique requirements.

How does it Work?

Rainscreen facades work by using a double wall construction. This system uses an outer layer to keep water out and the inner layer for thermal insulation. Thanks to this structure the rainscreen panels create an air cavity which allows for continuous ventilation, and reduces energy loss.

The ventilated rainscreens mean that the structural frame of the building and insulation is kept completely dry.  With the air cavity allowing for sufficient evaporation and drainage of any water that may penetrate the joints.

This fixed system means that water droplets are never driven into the panels or openings, due to the equalised wind pressure.  Not to mention, it also prevents the entry of insects and small animals.

To make sure the rainscreen facade is properly ventilated it’s important to always leave some space in the narrowest part of the facade – usually around a 2cm width. The minimal surface of the air cavity will vary depending on the height of the building.

What are the Benefits?

Increased Aesthetic

Rainscreen facades are extremely versatile so from a design point, almost anything is possible. Cladding systems can be constructed from an array of materials each with a range of choice for colour, shape and configuration. 

Not to mention they’re also lightweight making rainscreen cladding systems very easy to install. At Lynco we’ve over 30 years experience in design, supply and installation. We pride ourselves on our original designs ideas and ability to always exceed client’s expectations.

Improved Thermal Performance

This method of cladding is ideal for improving the thermal insulation of existing buildings. It also proves low cost as it means there is no loss in internal floor space.

Known as over-cladding, it involves fixing slab insulation to the exterior of an existing building and covering it with a breathable membrane.  As well as increasing energy efficiency, this method can give old buildings a stunning new exterior.

Low Maintenance

Rainscreen panels ensure that the inner structure of a building remains dry.  This means that there is less chance of corrosion and thus low maintenance of the building.  In addition, the individual panels in the cladding systems can easily be removed for further work or any maintenance that is required.  Meaning this can be carried out quickly and with very little disruption.

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

So we know that rainscreen facades help to insulate buildings, but did you know that they can also lower the carbon footprint. The materials used for cladding have sustainable credentials for example – aluminium is completely recyclable. Other natural materials used like terracotta, ceramic and stone also prove sustainable and environmentally friendly.

It’s Sound Proof

Rainscreen cladding essentially adds an extra layer of protection to buildings. This can greatly improve the acoustic performance of any design and reduce noise pollution for its occupants.  This benefit has become increasingly popular, especially for large buildings within urban areas. As well as residential or office spaces that are near busy roads, airports or train stations.