The Science Behind Rainscreen Panels

Airflow is the most important aspect of a rainscreen cladding system.  The system starts with a ¾” air gap at the bottom of the wall for air intake.  The air starts to flow upwards behind the cladding, where there is typically a 1” air gap between the back of the cladding and the continuous insulation layer.  As the air flows upwards through the gap, it warms and accelerates towards the top of the wall.  That airflow creates a convective current that helps evaporate any moisture that has entered the gap.  At the top of the wall, another ¾” air gap is required for the air to escape, taking the moisture with it.