Rainscreen Siding Details

The details shown here were developed for walls sheathed with 1 1 2 in thick rigid foam insulation applied directly to the studs.

Rainscreen siding details. Ideal for stucco and stone exteriors tyvek drainvent rainscreen is suitable for use with a variety of other materials including brick wood siding fiber cement siding. In a rainscreen wall a gapped space or separation also known as a vented airspace exists between the exterior wall cladding siding and the wall sheathing osb plywood etc. Ideally the rainscreen prevents the wall air water barrier. Design detail for typical top course of vertical rain screen cladding material.

Building science consultant michael maines defines a rainscreen as a system of materials used to create a gap between the siding and the water resistive barrier and gives an in depth explanation of what rainscreens to use for different purposes and getting rainscreen details right. A rainscreen is an exterior wall detail where the siding wall cladding stands off from the moisture resistant surface of an air water barrier applied to the sheathing to create a capillary break and to allow drainage and evaporation. Typical rainscreen wall and window details per. A rainscreen wall is an exterior wall construction design that improves a wall s ability to manage water and stay dry.

A rainscreen siding system refers to the style of installation and fastening of the siding material to the structure. For most residential builders a rainscreen siding installation is one that includes an air gap between the siding and the water resistive barrier the asphalt felt or housewrap. Some purists insist that you can t call it a rainscreen gap unless you have ventilation gaps at the top of the wall as well as the bottom of the wall. At the top end of wood siding boards in a vertical rainscreen cladding installation of the climate shield system where the cladding will typically intersect a soffit the siding should be cut 1 8 short to allow adequate ventilation at the top of the wall section.

The foam is taped and acts as an air barrier and drainage plane. For single family construction james hardie recommends installing a 90 efficient drainage plane or a 3 8 inch air gap i e. If you re building a house with rigid foam sheathing and a rain screen gap behind the siding you ll need to incorporate some new practices. James hardie recommends that you consult with your design professional if you have questions regarding.

8 nmi base of wa l nts w ar nty p rovi dea c pt 7 0 detail march 2 07 tw olayers f building pa er drywa l v apou rb ie sill gasket th erm al br k slab on grade pt s tr api ngo h 3 4 b el ow cn r t. Tyvek drainvent rainscreen is a three dimensional honeycomb textured drainage mat that provides advanced protection against moisture damage in exterior wall systems. This air gap is typically in the range of 3 4 and offers numerous benefits including thermal insulation and moisture stability of.