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Overcladding
It is a common premise of modern engineering that it is far more beneficial to work
with nature than try to resist its influences. However, the traditional solution
to keeping rainwater out of buildings has been to use the latter concept and provide
walls that are fully sealed against the weather by the use of barriers, joints and
sealants. Unfortunately the failure of such walls due to material degredation, poor
workmanship and unexpected building movements has been far too common an occurrence.
Rainscreen overcladding offers a soultion that utilises the effects of the wind
to control rainwater and prevent it entering the building.
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The modern concept of rainscreen overcladding was developed in Scandinavia during
the 1940’s and came into widespread use in Europe and Canada in the 1970’s.
Lightweight rainscreens were developed in the UK in the 1980’s with the majority
of the earlier projects located in the harsh climatic conditions of Scotland. It
is not a new concept and many years of experience have been gained in the development
of the relatively easily installed lightweight systems currently available.
Overcladding offers a relatively simple solution to the problem of keeping rainwater
out of buildings and although there are several variations, the principle concepts
are:
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The careful design of ventilated cavities that use the pressure effects of the wind
to dissipate energy of driven rainwater
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Properly designed drainage paths that collect and direct the water away from the
cavity
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The concept of overcladding is simple, but to be successful it is essential that
a detailed knowledge of the physical principles and materials involved be incorporated
into the design details.
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Rainscreen Works' is not a registered organisation, but acts as a loose association
of complimentary manufacturing companies whose combined objective is to expand knowledge
of rainscreen cladding principles to the wider UK construction industry
'Rainscreen Works' has for over 5 years successfully acted as a conduit to allow
construction professionals to contact proven manufacturers within the cladding sector
. Each member is an acknowledged expert within their own particular field to whom
other members can refer or guide specifiers towards to assist with the development
of project designs
Rainscreen Works' members are all equally committed to :
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Improving and maintaining the quality of design and installation of ventilated Rainscreen
applications
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Talking with acknowledged experts within the cladding and facade to increase combined
expertise and innovation
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Raising the profile of rainscreen applications and benefits
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Reacting positively to industry changes, demands and key issues
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The organisations that contribute to this website
all have extensive experience of rainscreen overcladding in practice, and recognise
that it is difficult for the specifier to obtain such specialist information from
one location. By joining together and forming a focus for such information we aim
to provide a readily accessible source of knowledge.
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