Regardless of location, commercial buildings take a pretty big beating from the elements. Long-term exposure to rain, snow, wind, hail, or ice can wreak havoc on a building’s exterior. Without the right protection, water can even begin to make its way inside the building which can cause mold growth, structural issues, and all sorts of other problems.
When it comes to large commercial buildings with unique designs and beautiful aesthetic elements, determining the right way to protect the exterior is an important part of the design process. A commercial rainscreen cladding system is one of the most effective solutions for protecting a building against the weather and preserving its longevity. These systems are common on buildings today, and their benefits make them well worth the investment.
What Is A Commercial Rainscreen?
A rainscreen is a multi-layer barrier that helps keep rain, snow, and ice away from a building’s framing. It also protects the exterior from hail, ice, wind, and long-term UV ray exposure. Rainscreens are installed as part of a building’s exterior wall, and they essentially create a capillary break between the cladding and the water barrier that promotes airflow and allows for proper drainage. There are many types of rainscreens and they come in a wide range of materials. When choosing the right rainscreen for your building, it’s important to consult with an experienced framing subcontractor.
What Are The Benefits Of A Commercial Rainscreen?
Rainscreens are a core component of any commercial building’s exterior as they offer numerous protective benefits:
- They Keep Water Out
If a building has any exposed openings, wind can easily push rain inside the building. Rainscreens prevent this from happening. They form a protective barrier that prevents rain and snow from reaching the exterior wall cavity. Because rainscreens also promote air flow, they also prevent condensation and humidity from collecting on or near the building’s surface. - They Extend The Longevity Of The Exterior Walls
By keeping the exterior wall dry and protecting it from wind and sun exposure, rainscreens offer a protective barrier that helps prevent damage to the facade and ultimately extends its lifespan. Because rainscreens also contribute to temperature regulation, they can help maintain the structural integrity of the building as well. - They Improve Energy Efficiency
Poorly insulated exterior walls mean significant energy loss. Rainscreens provide an extra layer of insulation and also shield the exterior wall from precipitation – both of which can result in extra insulation, improved energy efficiency, and lower utility bills. By preventing snow and ice from reaching the wall, buildings are able to better maintain internal temperatures. - They Don’t Require Maintenance
Once installed, rainscreens are easy to manage as long as you choose a system comprised of durable material. They really don’t require any form of regular maintenance.
Unique Building Group (UBG) is a framing subcontractor that specializes in truly innovative buildings. Commercial rainscreen cladding systems are absolutely essential for protecting the quality and integrity of these structures. We help our clients and general contractors determine the right type of rainscreen for their project and install it seamlessly during new construction.
If you’re a general contractor in need of a large-scale framing or rainscreen install, get in touch with us today.
