With all of the history of "Leaky Condos" in Vancouver, more and more we here the word "Rainscreen" being used as the new building standard for protection against water ingress.
But ... What exactly does Rainscreen mean?
Rainscreen Definition:
A method of constructing walls in which the cladding is separated from a membrane by an airspace that allows pressure equalization to prevent rain from being forced in. Often used for high-rise buildings or for buildings in windy locations. ... hmmm ... sounds a bit vague! ...
A rainscreen is the exterior weather-facing surface of an exterior wall detail that stands off from the moisture-resistant surface of the structural backup wall. The rainscreen is the first interruption between conditions that exist on the outside of a walled building and conditions that are required on the inside of a walled building. A veneer that does not stand off from the moisture-resistant surface of the structural backup wall to create a cavity is not a true rainscreen. However, a masonry veneer can be a rainscreen. ... hmmm ... still not much in the way of meat and potatoes here!
... So, what does that really mean and how can I find out more about it?
Wow! the CMHC PDF pretty much tells the complete story ... enjoy! ...
