What measures can be taken to keep the wall assembly dry?
Keene Building Products Rainscreen Entangled Net Technology (Driwall RainscreenTM) is a critical component in a system of materials used to create a cavity between the siding and the water- resistive barrier (WRB) in multiple wall assemblies. It helps keep the entire wall assembly dry by allowing for both water drainage and airflow.
You might ask, isn't that the job of the siding? The correct answer is yes and no. Virtually all common siding systems will leak at some point, especially when subjected to wind-driven rain. The wall assembly including wood, fiber cement, stucco, masonry and concrete can absorb water and are considered reservoir claddings. This means that these materials, sheathing and wall assembly benefit from being able to dry on the back side. Entangled Net Rainscreen enables water to drain away from the structure.
How do rainscreens work in different climates?
- In cold climates, rainscreen products allow walls to dry without compromising the integrity of the siding or its finish.
- In hot climates, they can assist with cooling. Rainscreens also create a zone of lower pressure imbalance compared to the exterior, which reduces the force of windblown rain.
When wind-driven rain, and other water or moisture, get behind your brick, stone, stucco or fiber cement siding, the rainscreen provides a drainage and ventilation space. It’s a space that lets any water and moisture that gets behind the exterior cladding, drip down, and or evaporate.
4 Tips to Create a Well-Designed Rainscreen System
A rainscreen gap does not need to be very big to be effective. Researchers have learned that even a 1/8" inch gap helps control moisture, gaps measuring 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch are more efficient and have increased airflow. Keene Building Products’ Driwall Rainscreen is available in different sizes, which can be the solution for any type of cladding.
As a basic guide you can use the following as a reference point to choose the best Rainscreen for your project:
Driwall Rainscreen 013 (1/8”) | Is used for the installation of manufactured stone and is also used in many 3 coat stucco applications in the Western United States. Newer product for Keene that has been very well received. - Driwall Rainscreen 020 (1/4”) | Is the most universal RainScreen material we produce. This product is used behind a multitude of claddings: Stucco/One Coat and 3 coat. Adhered Veneer Masonry. Cement board, Composite Claddings, and other sidings. Essentially the workhorse of the product line.
- Driwall Rainscreen 10 MM (3/8”) | This material is used both in the United States and is part of the building code through-out Canada. Whether the siding is Stucco, Adhered Masonry Veneer, siding, and/or composite cladding. Provides for maximum drainage efficiencies.
- Driwall Rainscreen 075 (3/4”) | Generally used in unit masonry and stone applications as a full wall rainscreen. Makes mortar bridging virtually impossible.
- Easy-Fur (3/4”) | A rollable during strip designed to provide both drainage and ventilation behind cement board sidings. A valuable time saving addition to any projects needing a furing strip.
Contact Keene for all of your Driwall Rainscreen needs!