In today’s modern age of building design and construction, versatility is the name of the game. Builders and building owners alike have several different major areas of desire and need when it comes to construction, and building materials and elements are valued for their multiple uses.
At QC Facades, we’re happy to provide several rainscreen façade materials that fit into this description. From our honeycomb panels to our glass, metal and other rainscreen façade products, we offer materials that are versatile and combine several strong qualities for several different important areas of construction – from their stated purpose to many additional benefits. Why are so many building designers specifying lightweight, durable rainscreen facades in 2019? This two-part blog will go over the primary purpose of rainscreen cladding, plus dig into several other design and construction areas that are improved through these materials.
Standard Rainscreen Cladding Purposes
Rainscreen cladding, available in several strong materials, is an outer skin of rear-ventilated cladding that’s attached to a given building. The stated purpose here is to form a double-wall construction, one where the outer layer protects the structure from rain, snow and other elements while the inner layer provides thermal insulation.
Rainscreen cladding, when installed correctly, allows for simple drainage and evaporation when moisture is present. In many cases, ventilation openings are made large enough for air pressure to virtually equalize on both sides, allowing for proper ventilation. These systems have been around since the mid-1960s, and have only improved in recent decades as better materials have emerged.
Design Versatility
However, as we alluded to in the opening, preventing rainwater penetration and improving ventilation are far from the only benefits offered by rainscreen cladding systems. As materials have improved and become more lightweight without sacrificing durability, the ability for their use in several design areas has improved.
For instance, many building designers today are looking for creative design elements like curved rooflines or punched-out apertures. These kinds of structural designs are easily possible with rainscreen cladding systems, including several strong metal options that are perfect for this sort of varying architecture.
Meeting Specific Client Requirements
In most cases, rainscreen cladding systems are manufactured in off-site, factory environments that are highly controlled. For starters, this ensures repetition in the production process, meaning your cladding order will fit the precise dimensions you require the first time, with no hassle or issues.
In addition, quality production leads to several other areas where clients will be thrilled. Thermal performance standards are rising across the country, and cladding panels provide varying insulation thicknesses that help you hit your mark in terms of energy efficiency. Panels are fitted at the production facility, avoiding any concerns about application on-site during poor weather. Finally, off-site production also improves the speed of assembly.
For more on the numerous benefits of our rainscreen facades, or to learn about any of our panel options, speak to the staff at QC Facades today.