Open-Joint Rainscreen Cladding Systems | Design, Build Applications

Rainscreen cladding systems continue to gain traction in the market, mainly for the benefits offered in terms of rainwater management. Rainscreen cladding design provides a cavity between the exterior cladding and the main structure of the wall. While the joints of these systems have been sealed to minimize the potential for water intrusion into the drainage cavity, architects and designs are increasingly moving toward rainscreen options.

Open-Joint Rainscreen Cladding Systems means the joints between the rainscreen panels are intentionally left open to create openings for air to flow in and out of the wall assembly. While closed joints provide optimum protection against the impact of water, open-joint rainscreen systems let air circulate more freely than a closed-joint rainscreen application. Open-joint cladding performs better because it enables more water to drain faster and it promotes better airflow and drying behind the cladding.

Open-joint cladding systems require extreme water and wind protection, combining continuous insulation with water-resistive/air barriers. Many open-joint cladding solutions combine the insulation layer with a secondary weather-resistive barrier (WRB) to mask the insulation layer. Weather-resistive barriers protect building materials from exterior water penetration. They perform like a shell for buildings—liquid water that has penetrated the exterior finish does not pass through, yet water vapor can escape.

1 – Mineral Wool Continuous Insulation

Open-joint rainscreen systems perform optimally with mineral wool continuous insulation. Mineral wool insulation is installed onto the base wall brackets of the structure. In addition to exceptional fire protection, mineral wool conserves energy and controls sound. Mineral wool is also:

• Water-resistant
• Inorganic
• Mold-resistant

2 – Water-Resistive/Air Barriers

Water-resistive barriers (WRB) are intended to be installed in front of the continuous insulation (ci) and behind the cladding itself. In the open-joint application, the WRB must be durable enough to withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions and prolonged exposure to UV light. Along with being water-resistive, the right membrane should also be highly vapor-permeable, allowing moisture within the cavity to escape swiftly through diffusion, while protecting the insulation from possible damage by moisture infiltration.

Shown is the DELTA®-FASSADE SA, a self-adhered air- and water-resistive barrier with industry-leading UV stability for open-joint systems. DELTA®-FASSADE SA is engineered with two outer layers of high-strength spun-bonded polypropylene fabric and is self-adhering for simple application.

The Final TKO

Petrarch and Steni composite stone rainscreen panels provide the final layer of protection. Proven to withstand fire, wind, water, heat, cold, impact, graffiti, and vandalism, Petrarch and Steni stand the test of time.

Architectural designs that use engineered stone rainscreen panels in all rainscreen applications create the perfect solution for achieving an energy-efficient building.