Posted May 12th, 2014 by Christy Serafini

If you’re a commercial contractor looking for an exterior siding product that offers numerous benefits to any type of construction, rainscreen cladding systems from Wade Architectural Systems may be just what you’ve been seeking. Below are some basic facts every contractor needs to know about rainscreen cladding.

How Does Rainscreen Cladding Differ From Other Types of Siding?

When people think of siding, most probably envision a panel made of vinyl or aluminum that is fastened to the side of a home or building. These types of siding work well on small buildings, but for large industrial buildings and commercial structures, additional elements are necessary. The siding used must effectively protect a much larger surface area and flex in response to wind loads. Rainscreen cladding is a siding system that offers both of these features.

Rainscreen cladding systems are comprised of two sets of panels. The interior panel is attached directly to the side of a building, and the exterior panel is spaced slightly apart from the interior panel. The exterior panels are usually the only portion of the system that is visible to the public and may be finished using with a paint or coating to add color or preserve the attractive look of the natural metal.

What are the Benefits of Rainscreen Cladding?

Rainscreen cladding offers many benefits to the structures it’s used to enclose. The two-panel arrangement means that every building encased in rainscreen cladding gets double protection. The interior panel provides most of the necessary insulation protection and is weatherproof to prevent the movement of moisture and air. The spacing between the panels prevents the build-up of condensation and allows for slight movement in the structure.

In addition to added protection, rainscreen cladding panels can be employed to create a look that’s entirely unique or allow a building to blend seamlessly with surrounding structures or the natural setting. Different manufacturers offer a variety of panel shapes and fastening methods, and the panels can be configured in numerous ways. Rainscreen cladding is available in a range of different colors and finishes, and these systems are competitively priced when compared to other types of siding materials, especially when considering the superior protection they offer.

What Types of Systems Are Available?

There are options to consider when selecting rainscreen cladding that go far beyond the way the panels look on a building. Two popular types of rainscreen cladding are DB/V and PER. DB/V is a system that leaves the exterior panels open on both the top and bottom to permit adequate drainage of moisture and facilitate pressure equalization. PER systems utilize exterior panels that are long, narrow and enclosed at the top and sides. These panels prevent rainwater from entering the space between the exterior and interior panel but still provide sufficient pressure equalization, condensation drainage and air flow. Both types of systems have been found to be highly effective at protecting all types of structures.

If you’re a contractor in Oklahoma or Texas, Wade Architectural Systems is your local supplier of several different rainscreen cladding lines, including Centria, VMZinc and Dri-Design. The professionals at Wade Architectural Systems have been helping commercial contractors with all types of architectural metal products since 1988. Additional information on rainscreen cladding can be found by visiting the Wade Architectural Systems website, or you can call 1-866-993-7648 during regular business hours to learn more or speak with a knowledgeable sales representative about product specifications and pricing.